Thursday, January 14, 2010

The Destroyer welcomed back by ex-rivals

THERE was a time in the Philippine Basketball Association that Rudy Distrito, the man aptly called The Destroyer instilled fear in the hearts of players.

Jeffrey Cariaso, then a young, promising guard from Alaska, was given a clothes-line tackle by Distrito during a game between Alaska and Swift nearly 15 years ago.

“Good thing I was young then, as I was able to endure that hard tackle and avoid the injury,” Cariaso told Standard Today in a telephone interview recalling the incident that led to the ban on Distrito from the professional league.

As a result of that PBA ban, the Games and Amusement Board also revoked the license of Distrito, who started his career as a member of the Crispa Redmanizers, but became popular when he was taken in by crowd darling Ginebra San Miguel of playing coach Robert Jaworski.

But has Cariaso already forgiven Distrito?

For Cariaso, who is now on the twilight of his career as team captain of the Aces, it’s not even an issue.

“All things that happen in basketball should stay inside the court,” said Cariaso. “Maybe, it’s just one way of intimidation for him every time he plays. We don’t know what happened in the United States, but I do believe he’s a good guy outside of the court. Besides, the penalty he suffered when he was banned from playing is more than enough.”

Distrito spent time in the High Desert State Prison in Nevada after being convicted of manslaughter in the death of 24-year-old Mexican Juan Amaya during a scuffle outside an apartment near the strip. Distrito, who was paroled for his good behavior and didn’t serve his full term of eight years, is back in the country a free man.
Frankie Lim also shared his run-ins with Distrito.

Then playing for Coney Island in 1993, the newly appointed team manager of the Smart-Gilas national developmental pool and former team manager of the Talk N Text Tropang Texters, recounted his past clashes with Distrito. But Lim didn’t take his duels with Distrito personally.

“That’s basketball. Sometimes you’ll see some rough moments and sometimes emotions get high, but I don’t think it should be taken personal against Rudy. Balewala na ‘yun kapag nasa labas ng court,” said Lim.

“Maybe kapag nagkita kami, I would hug him or shake his hands. I’m happy for him that he’s now back in the Philippines and want to be involved in basketball again,” added Lim.

Cariaso said he looks forward meeting Distrito in some of the games of the PBA.

“I want to greet him and wish him the best,” said Cariaso.


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