CHICAGO - It was a lit bomb, hissing with suspense and ready to explode.
And then......Poof.
No decision. Just a little indecision and a whole lot of uncertainty.
"Just finished the BMD meeting. For now, the matter has been referred to the Rules and Discipline Committee," a UAAP source told me via text message.
REA Topex spit case referred to UAAP committee on rules and discipline
The "matter," of course, is the alleged spitting incident involving La Salle coach Topex Robinson and UP player Reyland Torres in the third quarter of the two schools' thrilling encounter which the Green Archers won, 68-56.
Another source familiar with the investigation told SPIN.ph that the videos which the Board of Managing Directors watched during its emergency meeting "were inconclusive."
MORE QUESTIONS.
It is unclear if the BMD made any recommendations or whether it simply gave the Rules and Discipline Committee the task of digging deeper before handing down a decision.
It is also unknown who and from what UAAP member schools constitute the Rules and Discipline Committee.
While it may be frustrating that the case has remained undecided after 48 hours worth of due diligence, it must also be noted that politics and pressure from both sides of the immensely powerful schools in play may have inevitably entered the equation.
There are, however, a few things we do know.
Robinson has been asked to write an "incident report" and that he will meet with league officials (excluding reps from UP and La Salle) this coming Thursday.
COACH TOPEX SPEAKS.
I was able to get hold of coach Topex on the phone and out of respect for the process, he didn't want to go into detail regarding the issue. But he did convey a measure of relief.
"I am happy to have the opportunity to clear my name."
I am sure Torres is just as enthused to tell the Rules and Discipline Committee his side of the story.
In an age of instant gratification when breaking news leaks through our smart phones and fancy electronic gadgets, the UAAP's non-decision is anti-climactic.
But due process demands to be thorough, it must ensure that no stone is left unturned, no videos are left unwatched and no photos or screenshots are left unseen before a verdict is announced.
Firmly establishing guilt beyond a shadow of a doubt requires time.
And that is why, despite the unbearable urge to pass on judgement that is often fueled by our personal biases, it is more prudent to hold off until all the facts have trickled in.
Just like in the business of news reporting, it's good to be first but it's better to be right.
And so we wait.
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