Slaughter fires back at bashers, calls for unity

MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra rookie center Greg Slaughter answered his detractors online following his sudden withdrawal from the national pool.

Slaughter went to Twitter to defend himself and San Miguel guard Marcio Lassiter as they came underfire for their decision to leave the national pool for the FIBA World Cup and the Asian Games this year.

For all the bashers: please remember Marcio and I have proudly served the national team for four years straight. I even did everything

— Greg Slaughter (@GWillSlaughter) March 8, 2014

I could in practice to help Gilas prepare for the World championship qualifier last August. While I have received a lot of supportive

— Greg Slaughter (@GWillSlaughter) March 8, 2014

feedback, I am saddened to see how hateful some of my fellow countrymen have reacted to my decision while even some going as far as

— Greg Slaughter (@GWillSlaughter) March 8, 2014

continuously expressing their hate online directly towards me or indirectly. Ex. (@ronnathanielsz) The last thing I wanted was distractions

— Greg Slaughter (@GWillSlaughter) March 8, 2014

to our national team. Instead of wasting our energy and being negative. We should use our energy to show support to the 12 and @coachot

— Greg Slaughter (@GWillSlaughter) March 8, 2014

who has brought glory to our country by qualifying for the world championships after 50 years. I see no one more deserving than

— Greg Slaughter (@GWillSlaughter) March 8, 2014

the 12 to go to Spain and play in this possible once in a lifetime opportunity. God willing I will play for the national team again

— Greg Slaughter (@GWillSlaughter) March 8, 2014

as I have always been honored for the opportunity to represent the country I have called my home for the past 7 years.

— Greg Slaughter (@GWillSlaughter) March 8, 2014

Slaughter and Lassiter both played for the original Gilas team under Serbian mentor Rajko Toroman.

Slaughter was among the last player cut alongside Beau Belga in the FIBA Asia roster while Lassiter was also eyed to join the all-pro Gilas pool for the FIBA Asia but the one-team, one-player policy and injuries kept him back.

RELATED: Chot sticks with 15-man pool as Slaughter, Lassiter withdraw

The 7-foot former Ateneo standout took to Twitter to respond to his critics, singling out veteran journalist Ronnie Nathanielsz.

The longtime TV broadcaster was very vocal also on his Twitter account on what he felt as unpatriotic act of the two Fil-American players.

Hope no players in the Gilas Pool are forced to pullout because of management pressure like the last time.We need to send our best team.

— Ronnie Nathanielsz (@ronnathanielsz) March 5, 2014

@coachot It seems that Lasssiter and Slaughter don't have a FILIPINO HEART. Their excuses were BS.Suspicious that both are from SMC.

— Ronnie Nathanielsz (@ronnathanielsz) March 8, 2014

Slaughter instead rallied to consolidate the support for the original members of the FIBA Asia team, whom he strongly feels deserve to play in Spain.

While Slaughter declined to join the national pool this time, he is still looking forward to be invited in the future.

Thank you, God bless and #LabanPilipinas

— Greg Slaughter (@GWillSlaughter) March 8, 2014