La Salle star denies taking any drug
By Jerome Lagunzad
Embattled La Salle guard Ricci Rivero finally broke his silence yesterday, denying all nasty rumors that his stunning leave of absence from the Green Archers men’s basketball team was because of his alleged use of prohibited drugs.
In an emotional and lengthy statement he posted on his official Twitter account, the 6-foot-1 Rivero admitted that he himself is clean from any variety of drugs like cocaine and opiates, backing it up with a result of a drug test procedure he undergone using his hair folicle last January.
“I am negative to all types of substances, contrary to initial reports that I was tested positive for drugs,” he said. “For the record, I never took drugs and will never try it.”
Rivero, considered by many as one of the country’s most exciting collegiate players to watch right now, also nixed unfounded suspicions about his “alleged acceptance of money from gay benefactors.”
“Please do not disrespect the hard work of my parents to provide for me and my siblings. We are all working hard to help each other sustain a big family like ours. Me, simply accepting money is an insult—it is foul,” he said.
For the nth time, Rivero stressed that the main reason why he, along with his elder brother Prince and close buddy Brent Paraiso, pulled out from La Salle training sessions last January was “not about choosing priorities and greed.
“But it is about honoring my commitments and respecting the new team rules that was just implemented. I can’t just turn my back just like that. It’s a value that I have to adhere. I never wanted to choose, but I was left with no choice,” he said.
While he admitted that he’s still attending his classes at the Taft-based campus, Rivero, however, didn’t say whether he will still suit up for La Salle which has been rocked by several dramas in the aftermath of its UAAP title loss to Ateneo last year.
For now, Rivero is keen on moving on with his life in earnest. “Behind this hype and these controversies is the same kid, 10 years ago, who just wants to play and shoot that ball. How I wished things will not be complicated, because all I pray for is simply to provide for my family and my future,” he said.
