The Philippine sports community had varying reactions to the five-game suspension handed down to NU Bulldog Gelo Santiago, following an altercation with Ateneo’s Waki Espina during their second round encounter at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Sunday.
Santiago was slapped with the penalty when he struck Espina at the back of the head with his right forearm with 8:50 left in the game, after both players fell to the ground off a rebound play.
Earlier this week, the UAAP meted the suspension after deeming his actions “unsportsmanlike” and considered the act “dangerous.” He will be out of commission for the Bulldogs until the end of the second round.
[READ: NU's Gelo Santiago suspended 5 games, to miss rest of UAAP Season 88 elims]
But for other athletes, a five-game suspension is anywhere near what Santiago deserves for the incident.
Players took to social media and commented on an Instagram post by basketball creator HoopJunkie to air out their sentiments.
UAAP alums seek ban
Despite the UAAP already handing down its decision, many former athletes from member schools believe it’s not enough considering the gravity of the situation — and because Santiago’s actions could have caused long-term harm towards Espina.
“5 games, that’s it? 'Yan dapat bina-ban nang matagal eh,” wrote three-time UAAP champion and Ateneo alumni Thirdy Ravena.
A screenshot of Thirdy Ravena's comment on a post regarding Gelo Santiago's suspension. | Photo: Instagram
Other professional players also sounded off, including Converge rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño.
Having played for UP during his college years, he also had his two cents to share after shaping his early career in the UAAP.
“Bro should be banned for the entire season lol,” he commented.
Juan Gomez de Liaño reacted to an Instagram post about the incident. | Photo: Screenshot / HoopJunkie Instagram
Worrying trend?
The community also noted that it doesn’t seem to be the first sign of Santiago’s unsportsmanlike behavior.
Earlier this season, Santiago collided with La Salle’s Mason Amos which resulted in the latter suffering an MCL injury that has sidelined him for the rest of the season.
Even from across the Ateneo-La Salle rivalry, Amos couldn’t believe that Santiago got off with just five games.
“SMH,” he posted.
Mason Amos was among those who reacted on social media regarding Gelo Santiago's suspension. | Photo: Screenshot / HoopJunkie Instagram
“Boy needs anger management and therapy,” said Webb.
Noah Webb, formerly of the UP Fighting Maroons, suggested that Santiago also seek professional help for his actions.
A screenshot of Noah Webb's comment on an Instagram post by content creator HoopJunkie. | Photo: Instagram
Previous incidents also include a run-in with UP’s Terrence Fortea — albeit he was able to walk off scot free with the Fighting Maroons guard still playing this season.
Harmful behavior
Daegu KOGAS guard and Ateneo alum SJ Belangel rang alarm bells on the danger that Santiago's actions presented.
“Delikado! What if tumama talaga mismo toh sa spot kung saan hindi na makakalaro 'yung player,” he posted on social media.
A composite of social media posts by SJ Belangel and Isa Molde. | Screenshot: One Sports, UAAP Varsity Channel
Even volleybelle Isa Molde, playing with Santiago’s sister Dindin Santiago-Manabat in the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the PVL, could not deny the gravity of the issue.
“Sorry, pero [five] games is not enough. Sa likod ng ulo 'yun,” said the former UP Lady Maroon.
Rain or Shine Elasto Painter Anton Asistio, who had a championship with Ateneo, noted that Santiago's move is considered illegal even in combat sports.
"Kahit sa MMA, bawal 'yung elbow to the back of the head," he noted.
Some sporting venues have also gone as far as banning Santiago from using their facilities, with Activate Hoops Arena and Gameville Ballpark expressing their desire to push through with their action to protest Santiago’s behavior.
The official Instagram account of Activate Hoops Arena spoke about banning Santiago from their facilities following the incident. | Photo: Screenshot / HoopJunkie Instagram
Coach Jeff Napa expressed his frustration with his ward after the game.
"Nagalit ako sa kanya. Gano’n kasimple. Hindi naman namin kailangan ng gano’n [sa] intense na laro. Hindi namin kailangan ‘yung mga gano’n na mistakes," Napa said in the postgame news conference.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: NU’s Jeff Napa admits frustration to Gelo Santiago’s action vs Ateneo]
It remains to be seen whether or not the UAAP will revisit their penalty against Santiago but what is certain is that NU will be without Santiago for the time being.
Recall that University of the East's Wello Lingolingo was suspended for three games. He dove for a loose ball and landed on Kean Baclaan's knee, which caused an MCL tear for the La Salle Green Archer. The Red Warrior apologized for his actions.
The NU Bulldogs return to action on Sunday, November 2, against the DLSU Green Archers at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The Bulldogs are currently the league leaders with a 7-2 slate.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.