Hodge Podge Monday: James Yap of Coke, Arboleda of Barako Bull?

ONE is the husband of possibly the highest-paid actress in the land, the most sought-after endorser and a former presidential daughter.

The other one is the son-in-law of the owner of a PBA franchise, who made a living stealing – the ball from his opponent.

But can you imagine James Yap and Wynne Arboleda, whose names are synonymous to the teams their playing for, suiting up for different squads?

Yap to Coca-Cola. Arboleda to Barako Bull.

Truly, the proposed transfer were indeed made half meant at least.

Yap, Purefoods’ to gun, was the main dish to a feast thrown by Coca-Cola executives, according to a source. Since the giant soft drink company was very much involved in giving relief goods, the cager’s wife, popular TV/movie personality Kris Aquino, reportedly told Coke execs that “she wants James to play for the Tigers next season.”

“That is on top of saying that the next president of the Philippines is somebody who drinks eight cans of Coke daily,” said the source who attended the said lunch gathering.

Arboleda’s case is a different one. The player will be suspended the rest of the 2009-2010 season after assaulting a fan named Alain Katigbak. He was offered to Barako Bull as confirmed by its coach, Leo Isaac.

Who would have thought the two players who were perceived as untouchables on their respective teams are now being talked about of being shipped to new teams.

But before respective fans get excited – or go overacting – the VFPR believes the transfer won’t push through.

Purefoods would most likely exercise its rights of first refusal or simply match the offer of Coke by the time he becomes a free agent. On the other hand, Barako Bull might not bite on the offer as it doesn’t want to waste on something that cannot be useful to its campaign – for now.

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The man of the moment is certainly Arboleda, the hardworking Burger King point guard who established a name making his rivals bleed every time they bring the ball down court.

Every point guard in the PBA fears – or should I say take extra care of themselves against the man known as The Snatcher.

But the player who’s busy taking the ball out of his opponents hands was playing a new role – as an action star and villain for most people’s eyes in the PBA’s first triple header in years.

A kick landed on the mid section and punches were thrown on the visibly helpless Katigbak, who reportedly cursed and gave Arboleda and every Burger King player who passed by him a mouthful of unpleasant words.

The fan’s arms were used as if it was his shield to the attacking Gladiator from the South.

Burger King players are used to a Yeng Guiao-tongue lasher that they loved to make it as a side dish to a one, hot, appetizing meal. But not Katigbak, whose invectives could certainly make even Arboleda’s stone-built body and iron-like feelings more sensitive. More so, with his family among those present in attendance that game.

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So Arboleda will be banned from playing the rest of the 2009-2010 PBA season. Many believed justice had been served against Katigbak, reportedly a Smart-Gilas fan and friend of Chris Tiu.

But wait, what’s the punishment to somebody who started this trouble? All those heckling, insults and invectives hurled against the player, and he’ll just get away with it and in turn had the guts to file a case against the player who confronted him and taught him a lesson he will never forget?

Is justice been served fairly here?

I agree with the punishment on Arboleda. Ban him for the season, if you certainly wish so. Trade him to other team, Burger King, if you think that’s the way to make up for all the troubles he brought.

But what about the fan who created this mess? Would we simply clean this up after Arboleda was penalized?

There’s a saying among men that once you scattered dirt all over, make sure you can back up your thrash.

Here’s the fan, starting it all, creating trouble and now hiding in the law enforcement’s pocket for protection. Did he even say sorry for all those things he did, when he screamed his lungs out at the Big Dome and many people heard of what he said.

Words such as PI mo, has become a figure of speech for Filipino, especially if there’s no harm to be done. It was used as an expression, most of the time at social gatherings or simple barkada hang out.

But once PI has been repeated over and over again – with curse and to do harm – then that’s a different case. Arboleda doesn’t know Katigbak, that’s for sure and I believe the PI word was done to do harm not just used to spice up friendship and make conversation more lively.

So Wynne will be playing more golf – and gulp – from here on until the rest of the season while could also be awaiting whatever charges Katigbak has filed against him.
As for Katigbak, he was a classic case of a class bully who finally met his match.

I assume Arboleda has to become a sacrificial lamb so abusive fans would think twice of their actions.