MANILA — Former San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags head coach Tony Tan has accused the school of replacing him without consultation while he was on medical leave, claiming he was assured that Rodney Santos would take over the NCAA basketball team only on a temporary basis.
Tan, speaking in an interview with the Sports Now program, said he has a letter from the school stating that Santos, a former PBA player, would temporarily handle the Golden Stags during his absence.
“Yes, I still have the letter. I can prove it that the school sent me a letter from their vice president that was sent to the team. And obviously, they sent it to everybody that Coach Rodney was going to be temporarily coaching and be the leader of the team while I’m going on my medical leave,” Tan said.
Tan said he was never consulted or informed that the coaching change would become permanent, leaving him blindsided by the school’s decision.
“Basically, I was blindsided, just like in everything else, you know, my experience as a head coach at San Sebastian. You know, everything was decided for me,” Tan said.
The coach, who spent much of his career in North America, said he returned to the Philippines because he believed he could help develop young players and improve San Sebastian’s basketball program despite already having a stable life and business in Canada.
“I took a chance. And knowing that I can make it better,” Tan said.
Tan also claimed he used his own money to keep the Golden Stags program running when funding problems arose, including paying members of his coaching staff and covering transportation and other team expenses.
“I paid, you know, I paid my coaching staff, make sure that they’ve been taken care of. I was trying to find a way to to get us a transportation to make sure that kids gets there,” Tan said.
He added that there were times when he went without his own salary to ensure the program continued operating.
“I didn’t even get paid, you know, because I want to make sure, you know, things will run the program,” he said.
Tan further claimed that San Sebastian failed to provide him with the correct copy of their agreement and later changed his responsibilities without properly consulting him.
He also denied rumors concerning his financial situation, including allegations that he had gone bankrupt or fled Canada.
“So, you know, those are a lie. And I’m doing very well in my business here,” he said.
Tan demanded an apology from those he accused of spreading false information about him but said he remains willing to support San Sebastian if the dispute is resolved.
“I want them to apologize,” Tan said.
Despite his falling-out with the school, Tan said the controversy would not prevent him from returning to the Philippines.
“Yes, 100%. I will be back. I will be back.”/PN
