Louie Alas could have shown he was the ‘better man’

Social media can be very unforgiving. One wrong gesture can get you crucified online from harsh comments or hatred. Just take the case of Ateneo Blue Eagles coach Louie Alas, who cursed and pointed at UP Maroons Jacob Bayla, not just once, after the latter dunked the ball in the dying seconds of a game lost by the Ateneo Blue Eagles. I was very shocked at what Alas did. Even if Alas apologized later, the damage had been done. And the damage was not on the UP Maroons or Ateneo Blue Eagles. The damage was on himself. In this age where apologies are doubted, and granting forgiveness is no longer expected automatically from injured parties, public figures need to very careful of their actions, gestures, statements, and words. Alas was no exception. At the start of this year’s UAAP season, Alas should have been aware of the “Aurora stigma” that still plagued Ateneo. I need not elaborate on that. But with the baggage the Ateneo Blue Eagles team was carrying entering the current UAAP season, Alas had the chance to show that he was the “better man.” Or somebody who would exercise utmost humility even in the face of possible losses and setbacks, and the stigma caused by...