UE interim coach seeks fairness, transparency

University of the East women's volleyball team interim coach Obet Vital asked for fairness and transparency from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines regarding the suspension of head coach Jerry Yee for the remainder of Season 86.

Vital expressed his disappointment after the UAAP dropped the hammer on the first-year mentor after a member school raised a complaint on Yee's alleged "acts inconsistent with the league's objectives."

Yee, who struck a deal with the Lady Warriors after mutually parting ways with Adamson University last year, is barred from fulfilling his duties on UE's bench in the tournament and will not be allowed to enter UAAP-related venues while serving his three-month suspension.

"What happened here was, he was already judged guilty without due process," Vital said after the Lady Warriors dropped a 19-25, 19-25, 28-26, 27-29, match against the Lady Falcons last Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

"He was given the punishment, which was not allowing him to (coach) today and I don't know for how long."

The UAAP released an official statement on Sunday noon announcing Yee's suspension after the Board of Trustees concurred with the findings of the UAAP Board of Managing Directors on 29 February of the mentor's "conduct violative of the purposes of the UAAP — a platform for Member Universities to foster camaraderie and fair play."

Vital thought injustice was done as the verdict came without hearing Yee's side first.

"Just to be fair, they (should) bring everybody to the table, hear the person accusing and the person that needs to defend to be able to know what his side is," he said.

The UAAP did not mention what member school raised the complaint, but Yee in an interview clarified that Adamson issued a "statement of release" last 27 June 2023 effectively terminating his services with the school.

UE received a copy of the UAAP decision late Friday afternoon, according to Yee. The school couldn't immediately file an appeal as it was already beyond office hours.

Yee, who also handles College of Saint Benilde and professional club Farm Fresh, steered the Lady Falcons to a bronze medal finish in Season 85. He left after just one season.

Following his departure Yee, Adamson's veteran core including setter Louie Romero, promising rookie Trisha Tubu, Kate Santiago, Aprylle Tagsip, Rizza Cruz and Cae Lazo decided to turn pro and joined Yee in the Foxies.