Distrito's 'victims' Lim, Cariaso happy for ex cager

Jeffrey Cariaso and Frankie Lim, two players who had run ins with Rudy Distrito in the past, were happy to learn that the man called as “The Destroyer" is slowly getting his life back. Distrito, who was sentenced to jail in March 2007, was freed and went back to the country Wednesday. He was escorted by US Marshalls and went home quickly to his native town in Bacolod. “I’m happy that he’s in the country now and wants to start a new life," Cariaso told GMANews.TV. “He should cherish it." Cariaso, then a young and promising player, was a recipient of a clothes-line tackle by Distrito during the game between Alaska and Swift more than 15 years ago. That cost the career of the bruising cager, who earned the reputation as one of Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) most feared enforcer, as he was banned from playing in the professional league. The Games and Amusement Board also revoked the license of Distrito, who started his career as a member of the fabled 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 with the Aces, there’s nothing to forgive. “All things that happened in basketball should stay inside the court." “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," said Cariaso. “Besides, the penalty he suffered when he was banned from playing is more than enough." Lim, then playing for Coney Island in 1993, also had on-court encounter with Distrito. But just like Cariaso, the former Talk ‘N Text team manager and now the newly-appointed Smart Gilas manager, believes the issue should not be taken personal. “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 pag nasa labas ng (That’s a non-issue outside the) court," said Lim. “Maybe kapag nagkita kami (if we meet), I would have hugged him or shake his hands. I’m happy for him that he’s back in the Philippines and wants to be involved in basketball again." Cariaso said he looks forward of meeting Distrito. “I want to greet him and wish him the best." – GMANews.TV