Yong Garcia says sorry to Lord Casajeros following spitting incident

Yong Garcia issued a public apology a day after he spitted on Lord Casajeros.

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--San Juan assistant coach Yong Garcia issued a public apology on Tuesday following his gesture during his team's MPBL game against Valenzuela the night before.

In a statement over his Facebook account, Garcia said he was supposed to protect his players after an apparent trash talk late in the second quarter of the Knights' home game against the Classic at the FilOil Flying V Centre but his now infamous spitting incident to Lord Casajeros was uncalled for.

"As a father and a coach, I love my players dearly and would defend them to the best that I can. Last night’s incident was triggered by multiple uncalled for events amongst players. I was merely asking for a player to stop hurting one of our players but was met by multiple foul languages. The protective coach in me felt the need to find a way to make this player stop what he was doing. But ultimately, the end does not justify the means," Garcia said. "My actions were uncalled for and I could have handled it so much better. There is no place for that behavior in sports. I am truly truly sorry."

He then said sorry to Casajeros himself and the rest of the Valenzuela as well as the MPBL management for his sinister act, which overshadowed San Juan's 90-74 blowout win in Randy Alcantara's return as its head coach.

"I would like to sincerely apologize to Lordy Casajeros, Valenzuela Team Manager Jon Santos, the coaching staff, its players, the city of Valenzuela, and to the MPBL Management Team," Garcia continued.

He then specifically mentioned the Knights in his apology, saying, "My behavior does not in anyway represent your good city and organization. The incident was regrettable and inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions."

The former CEU head coach then said that him spitting on Casajeros is not reflective of his personal mission.

"This sport saved my life. It gave me an opportunity to have something so much better than what I used to have and deserve. And because of this, it has been my life mission to make this opportunity available to more players. Sadly, my actions last night did not in anyway reflect my personal mission nor reciprocate what basketball has given me, a second chance in life," added Garcia, who played alongside Alcantara at Mapua during the '90s.

Garcia then vowed, "I am fully committed to setting my path straight and winning the community’s trust back. I seek for everyone’s forgiveness and accept the full consequences of the incident."

The MPBL has yet to confirm the sanctions to be meted to Garcia as of posting.

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