The Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) suspended and fined Carlos Rivera, coach of the Leones de Ponce, and Wilhelmus Caanen, coach of the Criollos de Caguas, for incidents during their respective semifinal games on Friday. Both coaches were suspended for one game and fined $2,000 each. Rivera's suspension was due to two incidents: his ejection from the game for receiving two consecutive technical fouls for protesting a referee's decision, and his post-game comments to the press questioning the impartiality of the referees.
The Leones have requested a reconsideration and asked for mitigating circumstances to be evaluated. Caanen was sanctioned for making gestures and using body language that, according to the BSN, demanded partiality from the referees. The suspensions will be served on Sunday, when the Leones host the Atléticos de San Germán and the Criollos visit the Cangrejeros de Santurce.
The BSN noted that the sanctions are automatic and not subject to appeal.