Bad behavior

Aggression unopposed becomes a contagious disease.– Jimmy Carter

The news came out on Saturday: a professional basketball player was arrested for an act of lasciviousness against a woman whom he did know after they accidentally bumped into each other. The report included statements from the victim and her boyfriend, who courageously confronted the bigger athlete. The matter escalated until the authorities intervened.

By her account, said player was drunk, pulled her by the arms, and kissed her. She quickly reported the matter to her boyfriend, and the offender is now behind bars. Apparently, he has done this multiple times when inebriated. He was arrested for physical injury and acts of lasciviousness.

The news video blurred the identity of the victim and her paramour to protect their identities, and tried to do so with the accused. However, the latter’s identity was easy to confirm, as he had distinctive tattoos all over both arms, and a mop of blonde hair on the top part of his head. If you follow basketball, you know who it is. This player has played in the UAAP, PBA and MPBL, and has been known for his trademark hook shot.

Over the years, this player has been increasingly vocal about many issues over social media. He has impolitely pointed out allegedly unfair treatment in pro basketball, called people names, and ranted about matters he did not like, dancing dangerously close to the line between what is legal and what is libelous. Again, if you follow basketball, you know the identities of the unnamed people he has insulted.

This writer also had a run-in with said player. After an interview for an online basketball channel, he sent an agitated message complaining about the thumbnail used for the story, showing him in the hospital, which he actually brought up on his own in the interview. He even asked to personally complain to the video editor regarding the choice of photo. We acquiesced and replaced the “offending” picture.

There are several events that could have been avoided. First, the drinking, which no professional athlete should be indulging in, problematic or not. Secondly, laying hands on another person, which athletes in general avoid because their developed bodies are the source of their profession. Third, staying out late in the first place, which we all know diminishes endurance and alertness.

Of course, it’s hard to blame anyone else. You’re an adult, you face the consequences of your actions. But we should also examine the culture of tolerance we have for celebrities and athletes. Even in school, they are allowed leeway in terms of how they interact in society. This is another matter.

Lastly, the proliferation of basketball leagues has, unfortunately, not come with equal standards. Even those who’ve committed crimes have found a place to earn a living. In some instances, they’ve either fallen through the cracks or have been allowed to misbehave by the people who benefit from them. We need to put a mechanism in place for reform, or else more and more will bend the law until they break it.