Internet messages condemn misdeed

Manny Salgado, who whacked the reigning MVP Arwind Santos on the head shortly after the final buzzer sounded last Thursday, has become the subject of a massive and relentless "hate-mail" campaign on the internet.

As of 10 a.m. yesterday, the UAAP board in a very popular Pinoy website has been peppered with hundreds of messages denouncing Salgado’s actions that nearly sparked a riot inside the packed Big Dome.

A box titled "Cheap Shot" drew close to 7,000 views barely hours after it was posted. FEU students and supporters who rallied behind the FEU star player used every word in the dictionary to criticize Salgado.

"Monkeys will be monkeys. Shame, shame, shame," said one message.

"He’s a bad team manager. If you have a team manager like that, it rubs off to the players. Fire that team manager," said another.

"Even if La Salle wins this season, that will be one mark that people will definitely remember. That’s the worst action I’ve seen from a team official. It goes to show how much class some La Sallians have," wrote another.

"Whatever respect the DLSU community has garnered for themselves throughout the season has been greatly diminished by that cheap shot," they continued.

The well-played, well-fought opener of their best-of-three title series had just ended when Salgado, a gray-haired former official of the Games and Amusements Board, met Santos at centercourt.

After they both touched hands, Salgado walked behind Santos and, with his eyes looking somewhere else, swung his closed fist, hitting Santos at the back of his head and triggering a near free-for-all.

Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed as Salgado went back to the La Salle bench. FEU head coach Bert Flores, a burly but bigger fellow, chased Salgado but failed to catch up.

"Kung gusto sana nila ng away okay kami (if they wanted a fight, it’s okay with us)," said Flores later on.

There were some who even urged Santos to file a case and bring Salgado to court. "File a case of slander by deed. Forgiveness should come with justice," said a message sender.

Salgado has already apologized — to Santos, both FEU and La Salle communities, and the UAAP. — Abac Cordero