The Snatcher’s Rage

Wynne “the Snatcher” Arboleda, a well-known professional basketball player here on Philippines, was sacked by the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner Sonny Barrios after assaulting a fan, physically. Arboleda threw a kick at the midsection and threw rough punches on Alain Katigbak. Arboleda’s team, Burger King Whoppers, is playing against the PBA’s guest team, the Philippine National Team developmental team Smart-Gilas, whom Katigbak is a fan.

Arboleda is known for his steals and “slight” dirty games. He fouled Smart-Gilas point guard JV Casio using a clothesline wrestling move. He committed his first flagrant foul when he threw an elbow to Casio while doing a screen play. According to Arboleda, Katigbak said some “incessant name-calling and cursing.”

Arboleda is now suspended for the entire 2009-2010 PBA Season—without pay, bonuses, advancement and player awards. Arboleda is currently receiving a Php 2.73 million ($ 56,875) guaranteed salary annually. Arboleda admitted that he lost his composure and he apologized publicly to the whole PBA community, to the fans and to Alain Katigbak.

Fans’ that do name-calling, using profane words and cursing players are part of any sports. As a player, you must not be emotionally affected and as a responsible fan, you must know your limitations. This is similar to what has happened in the infamous players-fans brawl, also known as the Malice in the Palace, that involved Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson.

Arboleda is a member of All Defensive Team from 2005 to 2009 and his lat year’s average was: 10.4 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game, 5.4 assists per game and the leagu-leading 2.1 steals per game.

photo courtesy of PBA Press Corps