By REYNALD MAGALLON
With his gung-ho style of play, Paul Desiderio was one of the most desirable players when he entered the professional basketball league four years ago.
Well, the No. 4 pick is now in hot water after former partner and courtside reporter Agatha Uvero accused the Blackwater guard of physical and emotional abuse.
In a series of tweets, Uvero detailed the abuse she experienced during her relationship with the PBA player.
“I really didn’t wanna do this but the threats have been difficult and I owe this to myself and to women out there,” tweeted Uvero.
“I’ve talked to Paul so many times but he kept telling me to do it, and said that if his career goes down, it’s my fault. I’m done with your gaslighting, Paul,” she added.
Uvero then went on and revealed the violent acts she suffered at hands of Desiderio including punching, kicking, throwing and strangling some of which happened while she was two-months pregnant with their child.
“I really hate airing dirty laundry on social media, but I also don’t have it in me anymore to keep quiet just because I know that so many people empower this person and enable him to be the abuser he is,” the 25-year old model added
“As a go-getter, a woman with a strong personality, I couldn’t admit to myself that I had a lapse of judgement in this man who I defended to many people who told me to avoid. I’m swallowing my pride for my own safety and for my own accountability not to cover up for someone just because of love or fear,” she furthered
Uvero said she suffered from post-traumatic stress syndrome due to what she has experienced in her relationship with Desiderio and that she’s standing up not just for her, but also for the other women who suffered the same abuse.
“We won’t let them be the victors while we hide as silent victims. Please ladies, we can’t allow this to keep happening. Men should be accountable for their actions.”
Uvero and Desiderio announced the end of their relationship last June, a month after she gave birth to their child.
Desiderio hasn’t seen action in the PBA after suffering an ACL injury last May.
Tempo-Manila Bulletin tried to reach out to Desiderio for his side but has yet to get a response from the former UP standout as of press time.
The PBA, for its part, stressed that the league will not tolerate such reports of domestic abuse and will conduct its own inquiry while expecting the full cooperation of the Blackwater management.
