NU Nazareth School issued an apology and sanctioned players after several Bullpups drew criticism for their postgame actions toward the UST Junior Golden Spikers in the Final Four of UAAP boys' volleyball.
NU Nazareth School (NUNS) issued a formal apology after several Bullpups players came under heavy scrutiny for their actions toward the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Junior Golden Spikers following their UAAP Season 88 boys’ volleyball Final Four win on Monday, December 8.
Videos circulating online showed some NU players making gestures toward the UST side as the Junior Golden Spikers were visibly emotional on the court after their elimination.
The clips quickly spread across social media, prompting widespread criticism from fans and former volleyball standouts who described the behavior from the NU players as disrespectful and unsportsmanlike.
“This conduct is unacceptable”
NU released an official statement on Tuesday, saying the behavior did not reflect the school’s values.
“NU Nazareth School sincerely apologizes for the behavior shown by some of our high school volleyball players after the recent UAAP match against UST," the statement wrote.
"This conduct is unacceptable and contradicts the values of respect, humility, and love that NU Nazareth School teaches us to live by every day.”
The school added that internal steps have already been taken.
“We have met with the players and coaches involved, imposed appropriate sanctions, and are reinforcing our formation programs to ensure this never happens again.”
Players say they were “carried away”
Before NUNS released its formal apology, the players involved had already issued individual statements online.
Spiker Jerowe Biscocho wrote on his Instagram story, “Nadala lang po ako ng emotion ko po and nang pagkakataon.”
Setter Joem Asgali Favila followed with his own post, saying, “Nadala lang po ako ng drive to win and sa moment po I didn’t mean anything.”
Fellow spiker Ronnie Millan also acknowledged the incident, stating, “I understand that my behavior was not appropriate and may have affected others…I assure you that I will handle my emotions better moving forward and uphold the values of sportsmanship.”
Volleyball community reacts
Several well-known volleyball figures also spoke out about the taunting, with former NU star Peter Torres saying, “Trashtalk and taunting during the game is understandable… but this… this is not okay.”
UST legend Aiza Maizo-Pontillas also reacted, “Na para bang di nakaranas ng pagkatalo.”
Former FEU standout Mark Calado added, “Nasobrahan ata sa kayabangan!” and UST and Alas Pilipinas star Josh Ybañez remarked, “Tapang ng mukha ng number 12 kainis!”
The Bullpups are scheduled to face the UE Junior Warriors in the UAAP Season 88 boys’ volleyball Finals.
Game 1 is set for Thursday, December 11, at the Blue Eagle Gym in the Ateneo de Manila University campus.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.