MANILA, Philippines—PBA superstar James Yap may have scored a national sprints record with that dash for dear life during a PBA game last week.

But before details of that super feat get swept in the current series, what with crowd darling Barangay Ginebra now in the heated semifinals race, Yap should heed this reminder.

It would do the Purefoods’ premier point-maker well to call on Mr. Ali Peek, who happened to be on the scene when Yap kicked Terrence Leather of Talk ‘N Text from behind.

Yap owes Peek an apology.

* * *

Yap uncharitably dented Peek’s image in a post-incident interview.

Yap bragged he would’ve stood his ground and taken on the furious Leather frontally—if not for Peek.

Yap said it was the sight of Peek charging into the fray that caused him to turn around and scamper.

“Iba na ‘yun (That’s already a different story),” Yap was quoted as explaining later.

* * *

Sorry about that, but it was obvious Yap did not know what stuff Peek is made of.

Well, going by appearances, Yap could not exactly be blamed for that sudden attack of wracked nerves.

Mr. Peek may not wear the meekness of a chaste choir boy.

But the fellow is not as tough and heartless as advertised.

Deep inside Peek, behind that menacing man-mountain mien, beats a concerned, charitable heart.

Maybe not the kindest this side of the national play-for-pay playground, mind you, but not one to irresponsibly start a fight.

* * *

What’s easier to believe now is that Yap allowed himself to be terrified by Peek’s deceiving looks.

OK, aesthetic surgeon Vicki Belo may have to call on foreign support to help soften Peek’s competition mask.

But as PBA records would bear it out, Peek has, since being drafted by Pop Cola in 1998, never been involved in a floor fight.

Information provided by Dave Corros of the PBA media office notes that one early fine slapped on Peek cost him P800 for “tripping the Red Bull team mascot.”

* * *

There were other infractions, like resenting a call, being involved in verbal altercation, and refusing a post-fight interview on television.

However, there was not a single mention of the former mythical team member being involved in an on-floor fight.

Reports Ms Beth Celis: “Ali Peek, in fact, stemmed further on-court violence. At the height of the scuffle, Ali chased Leather and locked him in his arms. Leather tried to break loose, but couldn’t. Ali was simply stronger… Yap was able to sprint away and Peek only let go of Leather when he was sure James was already a safe distance from the import.”

Thursday, suggestions reached this deadline beater that the burly Mr. Peek should be commended for his peacekeeping efforts.

We’re also at risk of being slurred for belaboring the issue, or trying to flog a dead horse, to say.

It’s a pity, but James Yap, in wrongly suspecting that a gentle giant could start a hardcourt brawl, was also being unfair to himself.

Pray that the poor fellow has not been seeing many ghosts.