No ban for foul-mouthed Gavina?

University of the East head coach Chris Gavina could escape with just a simple slap on the wrist following his expletive-laced rant against game officials.

The fiery mentor unleashed a barrage of scathing remarks about the officiating during the Red Warriors’ tough 110-111 overtime loss to De La Salle University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday.

A source privy to the league’s deliberation on the matter said Gavina could walk away scot-free for speaking his mind.

The UE mentor was particularly fuming about the unsportsmanlike foul (category 2) call and eventual ejection of Wello Lingolingo in the 4:21 mark of regulation, with UE protecting just five points from a high of 21.  

“They’re supposed to be the best of the best? Get the f**k out of here. Hell no. (They) took away our effort. Yes, we squandered a 21-point lead, but hold these refs to their accountability,” said Gavina as his squad dropped to 0-6. 

Lingolingo got the unsportsmanlike call after he dove for the loose ball and landed on Kean Baclaan’s right leg. The La Salle guard grimaced in pain and was carted off the court.  

Baclaan was eventually ruled out for the season after suffering a medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear.

Gavina went on berating the referees during his postgame interview.  

“The first thing I want to say is I hope these three referees never fu***ng ref again in any of our games because they took, it was a complete disservice for the outcome of this game and the beauty of the competition was taken away because you call an unsportsmanlike on one of our best players on a loose ball?” he said.