UAAP: Alas apologizes after Ateneo-UP altercation — ‘I sincerely regret’

Ateneo de Manila University head coach Louie Alas vs. University of the Philippines in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University head coach Louie Alas apologized for his behavior during the postgame altercation involving University of the Philippines forward Jacob Bayla and deputy coach Christian Luanzon in UAAP Season 89 on Saturday.

“I sincerely apologize for my behavior during and after our recent game against [UP]. Regardless of the circumstances, my actions were inappropriate. I should have exercised greater restraint and better judgment,” said Alas in a statement posted on the Ateneo website on Tuesday.

The UAAP, which handed Alas a two-game suspension on Monday, said that the Ateneo mentor “pointed” and “cursed” at Bayla during the postgame handshake before eventually crossing paths with Luanzon.

Alas accepted the league’s decision, which will force him to miss Ateneo’s crucial matches against Adamson University and the University of Santo Tomas this week.

“I take full responsibility for my conduct and accept the consequences,” he said. “I understand the disappointment my actions have caused, particularly among those who expect everyone representing Ateneo to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, respect, and self-discipline. These are expectations I share and deeply respect.”

The veteran coach also acknowledged that his actions fell short of the standards he expects of himself and his players.

“This experience has made me reflect seriously on my conduct and the example I set for my players,” he said. “I have always coached with passion and dedication, but I recognize that these must be guided by humility, respect, and self-control. I sincerely regret that my actions fell short of these values.”

“I know that trust is earned through actions, not words alone. I am grateful for the privilege of representing Ateneo and am committed to learning from this experience, becoming a better coach and mentor, and living up to the high standards the community rightly expects of me,” he added.

This is the second time that Alas has received a suspension this year, with the multi-titled mentor previously missing Ateneo’s October 10 game against Far Eastern University.