'Walang due process': UE coach Jerry Yee laments temporary suspension placed by UAAP for Season 86

University of the East coach Jerry Yee has been temporarily suspended the remainder of the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament, the league announced on Sunday, March 3.

The UAAP said that Yee "had engaged in acts inconsistent with the league's objectives to foster camaraderie and fair play."

Speaking to the press, the veteran tactician expressed frustration over the suspension imposed by the league, lamenting the lack of due process in the decision-making process.

"I think it's uncalled for and parang walang due process. Hindi naman ako nakunan ng side about this and nagulat din ako eh. Kumbaga, may ganito pa pala," said Yee.

"There was mention about this mga a few weeks ago bago mag-start ang UAAP that the University was trying to push for something like this. Akala namin wala namang basis or it wouldn't hold ground," he added.

Feeling blindsided by the announcement, Yee also hinted at suspicions of strategic timing behind the announcement, as it was made on a Friday afternoon nearing the end of the working day.

Despite the setback, Yee intends to appeal the decision, hoping that his side could be heard.

"We found out Friday afternoon, so probably strategies 'yun or what. Well, basically patapos na 'yung araw, patapos na 'yung office, so appeal would probably be made Monday," said Yee.

"Sana man lang mapakinggan 'yung side namin kasi hindi namin alam kung anong naganap eh, so meron na desisyon and meron nang words or allegations. So, if tatanungin ako o bibigyan ako ng audience, I can speak up," he added.

In a statement, the UAAP says Yee “retains the ability to train the UE Lady Warriors and coach the team in non-UAAP events.”

UE likewise keeps its current record even in coach Jerry’s temporary suspension.

For now, the Lady Warriors will be led by coach Obet Bital as they go up against the Adamson Lady Falcons at the Mall of Asia Arena at 2:00 p.m.

(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada)