Louie Alas has issued an apology in the wake of his two-game suspension. In his statement, released on Tuesday afternoon, the Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach acknowledged that his actions during and after Ateneo’s loss to the UP Fighting Maroons “were inappropriate” and that he “should have exercised greater restraint and better judgment.”
“I take full responsibility for my conduct and accept the consequences,” Alas wrote in the statement, which also means the Blue Eagles will no longer appeal their coach’s suspension.
The UAAP Commissioner’s Office handed Alas a two-game suspension on Monday after he got embroiled in a heated exchange with UP coaches and players over a supposed breach of an unwritten rule in basketball at the end of a decided game. The 63-year-old tactician will serve his suspension on Wednesday, November 11, when Ateneo takes on the Adamson Soaring Falcons at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, and on Sunday, November 15, against the UST Growling Tigers, also at the same venue.
Louie Alas Throws Out Big Words in His Apology
In his public apology, Louie Alas spoke of upholding “the highest standards of sportsmanship, respect, and self-discipline” and the importance of responding to “difficult and emotional situations”—things he has apparently failed to do at certain points during what has been a tumultuous season for him.
“I understand the disappointment my actions have caused, particularly among those who expect everyone representing Ateneo to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, respect, and self-discipline. These are expectations I share and deeply respect,” Alas said. “As a coach, I recognize that leadership is demonstrated not only in how we prepare and compete, but also in how we respond to difficult and emotional situations. This experience has made me reflect seriously on my conduct and the example I set for my players.”
Alas also stressed how he has “always coached with passion and dedication” and is now cognizant of the need to be “guided by humility, respect, and self-control.”
Actions Will Speak Louder Than Words
Of course, words mean little to nothing when they aren’t backed by actions. The incidents that led to Louie Alas’s suspension aren’t isolated cases or one-offs. Back in the first round, he was already suspended for one game after incurring three technical fouls, the last of which came in Ateneo’s loss to the La Salle Green Archers on October 7, when he made contact with a La Salle player.
Alas also has a history in the PBA of getting into confrontations with players, having exchanged sweet nothings with Kelly Nabong in one game and giving David Semerad a slight push in another. All these incidents seem to suggest a shorter fuse than usual and a penchant for getting carried away by emotions and failing to exercise restraint and humility.
Now, away from the heat of battle, Louie Alas is saying all the right things—and all respect to him for doing so. But, as he himself pointed out, “trust is earned through actions, not words alone.” It is easy to espouse humility, respect, and self-control. It is equally easy to talk about upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship, respect, and self-discipline.
It is easy to talk the talk. Louie Alas needs to walk the walk this time.
