Clearly dismayed, James Laput expressed his frustration as a pivotal referee decision spelled trouble for the De La Salle Lady Spikers in the first game of the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Finals against the Adamson Lady Falcons on Wednesday.
At a deadlock with a score of 14 each in the decisive fifth set, Adamson’s Red Bascon attempted a down-the-line kill that unfortunately landed outside.
Nonetheless, the referee made a check ball call against Laput’s sister, Shevana, resulting in the Lady Falcons gaining a match point advantage of 15-14. The Lady Spikers expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision, leading to Amie Provido receiving a yellow card for her protest.
Merely a point away from clinching victory, Bascon swiftly capitalized and deftly tipped a high ball in the subsequent play, securing the win with a final score of 22-25, 25-17, 17-25, 27-25, 16-14.
On X (formerly Twittrr), James directed his frustrations towards the referee.
“Kalbo for the win ul*l,” he said in a post, which he later deleted.
Subsequently removing his post, the big man from Magnolia extended an apology for his behavior.
“Apologies to Shevana Laput and my family for putting you under fire. To the Twitterverse and any who were offended,” he said in his post.
“Harsh Reaction of mine to the referee of a volleyball game. Unprofessional and that’s on me,” he added.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, La Salle retains an opportunity for a comeback and a potential title win. They can achieve this by securing victory in game two on Saturday, which would lead to a decisive do-or-die match. (MJD)
Apologies to Shevana Laput and my family for putting you under fire. To the Twitterverse and any who were offended.
Harsh Reaction of mine to the referee of a volleyball game. Unprofessional and that’s on me. 👎🏼
— James Laput (@james_laput) August 9, 2023
Public apology din po @james_laput https://t.co/KSkwhtHIxy pic.twitter.com/n9TgP21fpS
— Tay Tawan (@taywinbright) August 9, 2023
