Ex-PBA ‘Destroyer’convicted in US

Former Philippine Basketball Association star Rudy "The Destroyer" Distrito was convicted of manslaughter yesterday for the 2004 killing of a Mexican in Las Vegas, Nevada.

A bulletin from the ABS-CBN news website said a Nevada court sentenced Distrito to a minimum of four to a maximum of 12 years in prison.

Distrito was initially charged with murder for the slaying of 24-year-old Mexican national Juan Amaya in 2004.

Prosecutors said Distrito stabbed Amaya to death as an act of revenge after Amaya married Distrito’s mistress.

Distrito, a Bacolod native who made his mark in Philippine basketball for his rugged game, earlier pleaded "not guilty" to the murder charge. He later pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Distrito’s lawyers, Robert Langford and Susan Burke, noted the contradictory evidence presented in the trial and said Distrito acted in self-defense, the ANS-CBN news website said.

According to friends who witnessed the reading of the court verdict, Distrito and his family accepted the decision with great relief.

Distrito’s friends themselves welcomed the decision, which, according to lawyers, makes him eligible for parole after two years.

"Under the circumstances, that’s what Rudy’s family was looking forward to. It’s pleasant news to hear and we welcome that with a lot of thanks giving. We are glad our prayers were answered," said Emilio "Jun" Bernardino, the PBA commissioner when Distrito was at the height and the final years of his pro career.

"I guess they studied very well their options and pleading guilty to manslaughter could be the best option under the circumstances. I’m sure Rudy will come out under the minimum sentence. He’ll prove himself deserving of the minimum sentence," said coach Yeng Guiao, under whom Distrito played for three years.

Right after the verdict was read, Rudy’s wife Jocelyn called their friends in the Philippines to share their joy and express heartfelt thanks to those who sent testimonies presented to the court.

Bernardino, basketball legend Robert Jaworski, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, former PBA governor Elmer Yanga and veteran sportswriter Ronnie Nathanielsz were among those who wrote testimonies, stating how they know Distrito to be a rugged player inside the court but a kind and gentle person off it.

"He’s a tiger on the court but a kitten outside the court," said Yanga.

"While Rudy was called The Destroyer, it was meant he’s the kind of player who would give his all on the court. He’s the player wanted by any team. Off the court, he’s a good friend who would put his life on the line," said Bernardino.

Distrito’s daughter Sweet called Nathanielz, saying "the testimonies helped a great deal, making the judge compassionate."

Distrito’s friends, however, were sad that Distrito’s family couldn’t fight the murder charge without the resources.

"Their lawyers said they would need from $300,000 to $500,000 to fight the murder charge. But they don’t have the money," said Nathanielsz.

Last year, a good number of retired players gathered in Los Angeles for a one-day tourney to raise funds for Distrito. The event, however, could only raise so much.

"I’m saddened by the news. I can only wish him the best and pray that justice will be truly served," said current PBA commissioner Noli Eala.

Distrito, a former UE Warrior in college ball, is best remembered for his fall-away, buzzer-beating shot that enabled Ginebra San Miguel to win a classic championship series in the 1991 First Conference against Shell.

Distrito was suspended for a flagrant foul against fellow PBA player Jeffrey Cariaso in 1995. The Games and Amusement Board later revoked his license. He migrated to the US with his family in 1996.