CHICAGO - As a young reporter back in the 90s, I covered plenty of "ligang labas" tournaments in the barangays.
Those events can get rowdy quickly and there is usually inadequate, sometimes non-existent security personnel other than some tanods armed only with a weak scowl.
After seeing a video of Kevin Quiambao's involvement in a brawl at a San Rafael, Bulacan hoopfest sometime around April 5, I was relieved that he got away from it relatively unscathed.
READ Policarpio, Quiambao, Baclaan spotted in Bulacan ligang labas brawl
But it could have easily been worse.
God knows, crowds and alcohol and raw emotions can be a lethal mix.
I asked coach La Salle coach Topex Robinson about his thoughts on the safety of his MVP and any other player who develops an affinity for playing outside the UAAP's tent.
"What I can do is to always remind them of the consequences of what they are doing," said the champion coach who ended La Salle's 7-year title drought last December.
UNNECESSARY RISK.
But why does KQ put himself in the position of peril in the first place?
Well, the UAAP is toothless in preventing its players from engaging in "ligang labas" games. College athletes fall under the preview of the Commission On Higher Learning (CHED), which, I'm told, gave Quiambao clearance to spread his wings.
And besides, coach Topex, isn't micromanaging. So Kevin doesn't have to worry about sanctions for that ugly viral video episode.
"They are grown men. I don't have to penalize them because they know what they are getting themselves into."
I concur. Sometimes, giving young men free will helps them to be responsible and accountable.
Coach Topex has proven to be a great leader of men whichever locker room he led. La Salle's hierarchy and army of nervous boosters will be smart to repose their confidence in letting Robinson handle this scare as he deems fit.
BACK IN THE FOLD,
As for the matter of when Quiambao will rejoin the team, that mystery has been solved.
"He already practiced today," Topex revealed.
And?
"Yes he is in great shape. Just getting the feel of playing with his teammates," Robinson added.
And once he does get back in stride step by step with his fellow Green Archers, La Salle's chances of a repeat increase dramatically.
After a stint with Strong Group last January in Dubai and a slew of "ligang labas" forays, KQ is back where he belongs at La Salle.
Writers have a term for this, it's called a happy ending.
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