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Barroca dropped from FEU for good
The Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines - Mark Barroca’s playing days with the FEU Tamaraws are over.
The skipper of this year’s FEU team has been dropped from the roster as form of a “disciplinary action” for his alleged
involvement in point-shaving or game-fixing activities.
Barocca, also a key part of the RP Smart Gilas team, which is being groomed for the 2012 London Olympics, will no longer
play for the Tamaraws even if they advance to this year’s UAAP finals.
“We stand by our decision and if this is our fate, we accept it. He will not play. We’re very sad but we have to do what’s right
for the university,” UAAP president Anton Montinola of host FEU said.
“We tried our best today even without our best player. If that’s what we have to pay, so be it,” added Montinola after FEU lost
to UE yesterday and failed to secure an outright slot in the finals.
How it would affect Barroca’s status with RP Smart Gilas is another big question. Noli Eala, executive director of the
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, could not be reached for comment.
Yesterday, FEU came out with an official statement, saying, “With the objective of improving team chemistry, the FEU Tams
have decided to play our Final Four game today without Mark Barroca.”
Montinola never mentioned anything about game-fixing but cited lack of team chemistry, probably as a result of the Barroca
case, as the main reason leading to their decision.
“The basis of the decision is that it was a considered opinion of the coaching staff and all the players that team chemistry
was not at its optimum so we have to do something. That’s the coaches’ prerogative,” said Montinola.
“The team has spoken, the FEU Tams have spoken and we have to respect their decision. You can call it a disciplinary
action,” he added.
The Tamaraws fell into a similar controversy last year when its top player, Mac Baracael, was shot as he stepped out of a
team practice along Morayta. The shooting was allegedly borne out of game-fixing accusations.
Barroca, who averaged a team-high 12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.6 steals a game, joined Smart Gilas team
practice Friday morning at the Philsports Arena along with Chris Tiu, JV Casio, Jason Ballesteros and Baracael.
Montinola said he had been constantly in touch with Barroca, who is now under strict security and protection provided by the
school.
“We’re still in touch and naturally, he’s disappointed I’m sure, but that’s the decision and we have to stand by it,” he said.
“He’s under good care and security,” he said.
He admitted it had been a roller-coaster week for the Tams.
“It’s very difficult for everybody. It’s been a very difficult week for everybody. We spent a lot of time with him and he had time
to be alone and reflect and he really was in the chapel,” he said. - Joey Villar
The Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines - Mark Barroca’s playing days with the FEU Tamaraws are over.
The skipper of this year’s FEU team has been dropped from the roster as form of a “disciplinary action” for his alleged
involvement in point-shaving or game-fixing activities.
Barocca, also a key part of the RP Smart Gilas team, which is being groomed for the 2012 London Olympics, will no longer
play for the Tamaraws even if they advance to this year’s UAAP finals.
“We stand by our decision and if this is our fate, we accept it. He will not play. We’re very sad but we have to do what’s right
for the university,” UAAP president Anton Montinola of host FEU said.
“We tried our best today even without our best player. If that’s what we have to pay, so be it,” added Montinola after FEU lost
to UE yesterday and failed to secure an outright slot in the finals.
- The Tamaraws, the No. 2 team after the elims, enjoyed a twice-
to-beat advantage over the No. 4 Warriors, but with the loss,
FEU was dragged into a knockout match with UE next week.
- Barroca, its top player, will no longer be around to score the
points, dish out the assists and provide the leadership for the
team he helped install as this year’s title favorite.
- Barroca still has one playing year left in the UAAP but will no
longer be allowed to play for FEU.
- However, FEU athletic director Mark Molina said, “Last time we
talked with Mark (Barroca), he would still be a student and will
graduate in October 2010. His scholarship will remain until he
finishes his studies at FEU.”
- Previous reports said Barroca had considered retiring from
collegiate basketball if allegations that he had intentionally
dropped games or held back on his games continue.
How it would affect Barroca’s status with RP Smart Gilas is another big question. Noli Eala, executive director of the
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, could not be reached for comment.
Yesterday, FEU came out with an official statement, saying, “With the objective of improving team chemistry, the FEU Tams
have decided to play our Final Four game today without Mark Barroca.”
Montinola never mentioned anything about game-fixing but cited lack of team chemistry, probably as a result of the Barroca
case, as the main reason leading to their decision.
“The basis of the decision is that it was a considered opinion of the coaching staff and all the players that team chemistry
was not at its optimum so we have to do something. That’s the coaches’ prerogative,” said Montinola.
“The team has spoken, the FEU Tams have spoken and we have to respect their decision. You can call it a disciplinary
action,” he added.
The Tamaraws fell into a similar controversy last year when its top player, Mac Baracael, was shot as he stepped out of a
team practice along Morayta. The shooting was allegedly borne out of game-fixing accusations.
Barroca, who averaged a team-high 12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.6 steals a game, joined Smart Gilas team
practice Friday morning at the Philsports Arena along with Chris Tiu, JV Casio, Jason Ballesteros and Baracael.
Montinola said he had been constantly in touch with Barroca, who is now under strict security and protection provided by the
school.
“We’re still in touch and naturally, he’s disappointed I’m sure, but that’s the decision and we have to stand by it,” he said.
“He’s under good care and security,” he said.
He admitted it had been a roller-coaster week for the Tams.
“It’s very difficult for everybody. It’s been a very difficult week for everybody. We spent a lot of time with him and he had time
to be alone and reflect and he really was in the chapel,” he said. - Joey Villar
