De La Salle University’s Mason Amos in UAAP Season 88. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — Mason Amos has been dealing with his medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear with his head held high, and this is the same approach that he has taken amid the noise that has clouded the incident.
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“I’m in high spirits right now, and that’s what is important,” said the De La Salle University star on Sunday, who suffered the injury three weeks ago as his right knee collided with National University’s Gelo Santiago during their Round 1 clash.
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Santiago also wound up missing the second round encounter between La Salle and NU, as the senior forward is serving a five-game suspension after his unsportsmanlike foul on Ateneo de Manila University’s Waki Espina in a separate game.
But while this development added to the heat that Santiago has been receiving, Amos opted to stay mum concerning the Bulldog's actions and the eventual sanction meted on the NU player.
“I wouldn't say [his collision with me] was a freak accident, but again, things happen for a reason,” said Amos. “And I don’t think I can comment on [his suspension], but things happen for a reason.”
Amos also added that there has been no communication between him and Santiago, but he also does not see the need for this to happen.
“I’m gonna be honest, no. I’m not expecting an apology,” he said. “Things happen, it’s basketball, so I’m not gonna dwell on it.”
What needs to happen, however, is for the UAAP to do its part in making sure that the physicality will not be used as an excuse for making dirty plays, said Amos.
“This year, you’ve seen a lot of it. So maybe, it’s time to address it, I guess,” insisted Amos, who is eyeing to return to action after the next two to four weeks. “There is always a line between physicality and playing dirty.”