In defense of Gilas

I refer to the incident that erupted between our basketball players and the Australian team. The game was technically nonbearing by virtue of that fact that, whatever happened, both teams were advancing to the next round. But things did not go as smoothly as hoped because a fight erupted.

Some have said that the acts and gestures of our boys were “disgraceful” and that they are an “embarrassment” to the sport. I cannot fathom the “logic” nor understand such mindset. What do they want our boys to do? Just accept the beatings, the bullying and the trash talk?

Critics should consider the series of acts committed by the Australians prior to the game, during the warm-up session and during the fighting. According to reports, those visitors had removed the stickers in the venue without the permission of the local organizers, despite the fact that Fiba allowed and approved the same. Is that not disgraceful? Is that the proper act of avisitor toward his host?

My suggestion to some of our holier-than-thou “kababayans” who criticize and condemn our players: In life, there is what we call the principle of cause and effect. To criticize and condemn our players for defending themselves is treacherous. Our players are sacrificing their bodies, dreams, time, careers and a lot more for the Philippines. And this is how we repay them?

JOSE MARIO DOLOR DE VEGA, mario_the_radical-@yahoo.com