CHICAGO - An alleged spitting incident marred an otherwise beautifully contested men's basketball showdown between perennial finalist UP and defending UAAP champion La Salle last Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Depending on which side of the aisle the fans are perched from, the controversy evoked emotions that range from indifference to disdain.
According to multiple sources, the UAAP Board will decide on the matter sometime today to comply with an edict that requires disputes to be settled within a 48-hour time frame.
READ UP to pursue ethics complaint after alleged spitting incident
Hopefully, some clarity, if not the whole truth emerges following the thorough investigation.
Did La Salle coach Topex Robinson really spit on UP player Reyland Torres as alleged?
That's what hoops fans at Taft and Katipunan are waiting, some with bated breath, to find out.
PROOF BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT.
Videos and screenshot photos have circulated online regarding the alleged oral projectile that Robinson supposedly dispensed and it is now up to league officials to adjudicate whether to penalize or exonerate the champion coach.
Here's what we know so far.
Robinson admits having hollered at Torres but he vigorously denied the oral transgression, telling reporters on Sunday, "I did not spit at him."
Torres, meanwhile. is certain who aimed the spit that landed on his shoulder. "Oo, si coach Topex yun," he asserted.
Here's what we don't know yet.
How reliable are the video and still images the investigative panel are using as an aid in the fact-finding probe?
TRASH TALKING?
Why was Torres around the vicinity of the Green Archers' huddle twice during the fateful third quarter?
Sources told SPIN.ph on Tuesday morning that Torres was allegedly talking trash and adding fuel to an already combustible situation.
Of course, taunting does dot deserve getting retaliated at in the manner with which it is alleged.
Long story short, no one is blameless here. But no one is a villain, either.
It's sports. Emotions can run rabid and the atmosphere can get testy in a hurry.
So the best tact here is to allow the process to take its course until the UAAP board's official decision rolls out.
The clock is ticking.
Chill, don't be judgmental.
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