THE family of Webster G. Taracatac, who sustained a spinal injury in an altercation during a basketball game, is seeking accountability for those responsible.
Taracatac, also known as Webb Gontar, was seriously injured in a playoff game of the Alpha Kappa Rho 1st Semi-Open Invitational Basketball League 2025 on March 21, 2025.
His sister, Sheila, told Variety that, due to the critical nature of her brother’s condition, he was flown to Guam for urgent medical treatment.
Taracatac was diagnosed with a spinal cord injury.
Sheila said her brother “became disabled as a result of what they had done to him. Our family is currently grieving over his current condition, and we want justice for him.”
“Despite my brother’s suffering, the perpetrators are still active in the basketball league and are unconcerned about their actions towards my brother. Nobody has reached out, not the referee, team, or league organizer. The incident that happened has been forgotten,” she added.
She said a report was filed with the Department of Public Safety, but to her knowledge, no charges had been filed yet.
“The response from DPS has been sluggish, with little to no communication provided to our family and other concerned parties. As of now, we have yet to receive any concrete updates regarding the investigation, potential arrests or legal action against those responsible. This lack of transparency and progress is deeply concerning,” Sheila said.
She said she has also sought assistance from the CNMI Office of the Attorney General.
Meanwhile, Taracatac’s family and friends have created a GoFundMe account (https://shorturl.at/qigzR) with a goal of raising $5,000 for his medical care and recovery expenses. As of Monday afternoon, the account had raised $2,590.
DPS response
DPS said it responded to a report of an injured person at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation on March 21, 2025, at 7:53 p.m.
“Responding officers discovered that a 38-year-old male sustained serious injuries during a basketball game at the REM Center in Gualo Rai, where a scuffle occurred, and the victim was grabbed and pulled to the floor,” Assistant Chief of Police Simon Manacop said.
According to DPS, due to the severity of his injuries, the victim required further medical attention.
A video of the incident, posted on social media, shows Gontar being pulled and his head hitting the floor.
Asked for an update, Manacop said the case has been forwarded to the OAG.
DPS investigators have recommended the filing of aggravated assault and battery charges, Variety learned.
The basketball tournament organizer has yet to issue a statement, but a member of the officiating committee, who requested anonymity, said, “No one wants that to happen to anyone, and we don’t condone violence in and outside of the basketball court.”
The league official added, “We are willing to help Webb and fundraise. I’m sure other players are also willing to contribute.”
