UE Women’s Volleyball Coach Jerry Yee Suspended for Season

MANILA, Philippines — University of the East (UE) women’s volleyball head coach Jerry Yee has been suspended for the remainder of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86

According to Philippines News Agency, While the suspension bars him from participating in UAAP events, Yee is permitted to continue training the Lady Warriors and coaching them in non-UAAP competitions. The team’s current record stands at 1-2.

The UAAP’s decision comes in response to a complaint from a member school alleging that Yee’s conduct was contrary to the league’s objectives, which aim to promote camaraderie and fair play among its member universities. The statement detailed that the complaint accused Yee of actions that undermined these foundational purposes of the UAAP.

In a response to the allegations, Yee suggested that the complaint was motivated by vindictiveness, specifically mentioning his previous affiliation with Adamson University. He defended his ethical standing, stating that his departure from Adamson and subsequent acceptance of the UE coaching position was a mutual decision between him and Adamson, devoid of any ethical violations. Yee expressed his disappointment with the UAAP Board’s decision to suspend him for the season, describing the move as a reaction to his career decision marred by undue hostility.

Yee’s tenure at Adamson concluded on June 7, 2023, after a controversial stint managing Farm Fresh, a team composed of College of Saint Benilde players in the Philippine Volleyball League, which reportedly conflicted with Adamson and its major sponsor, Akari. He accepted the coaching offer from UE two weeks later.

Following an extensive review by the UAAP Board of Managing Directors (BMD) and subsequent endorsement to the Board of Trustees (BOT), the decision to suspend Yee was made on February 29, affirming the BMD’s findings of conduct inconsistent with the league’s goals. The UAAP emphasized its commitment to fostering a positive relationship among its member schools through healthy competition and upholding high ethical and professional standards for its representatives.

An appeal against the suspension is planned to be filed on Monday, with assistant coach Obet Vital slated to assume Yee’s responsibilities. Despite the setback, Yee affirmed his dedication to improving the UE Lady Warriors, even as the team faced the challenge of competing without its head coach. In a show of solidarity, the Lady Warriors wore black armbands and wrist tapes bearing “Coach JERRY” during their game against Adamson University on Sunday.