University of the East head coach Chris Gavina has been suspended for four games following his expletive-filled postgame rant toward game officials, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Board of Managing Directors announced Saturday night.

The Board handed down its decision to ban Gavina a day after he was initially given a stern warning and directed to provide an explanation for his scathing remarks by the office of basketball commissioner Jai Reyes.

Gavina will begin serving his suspension on Sunday when the winless Red Warriors face Far Eastern University to close the first round of the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament.

The first-year mentor was fuming mad at the referees after UE squandered a 21-point lead in a 110-111 overtime loss to De La Salle University last Wednesday.

He was questioning the unsportsmanlike foul (Category 2) called on Wello Lingolingo, who was eventually ejected, when he landed on Green Archer guard Kean Baclaan’s right knee while diving for the loose ball in the 4:20 mark of the fourth quarter.

Baclaan sustained a season-ending knee injury while Lingolingo was slapped with a three-game suspension – also starting Sunday.   

“During a post-game interview, Coach Gavina directed profanity-laced remarks and displayed unprofessional conduct toward the game officials. As a collegial body representing eight universities, the UAAP upholds the values of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and respect. Coach Gavina’s actions were contrary to these principles,” the UAAP Board statement read.

Gavina has since apologized but will still have to face the consequences of his actions.

“As a teacher and leader, a coach sets a high standard for the student-athletes and the university community,” the league added.

“The UAAP reiterates its commitment to fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and sportsmanship across all participating universities.”

Gavina’s suspension will extend through the first three games of the second round.