MANILA – De La Salle University Green Archers player Ricci Rivero denied the allegation that he was booted out of the team for testing positive for banned substance use.
Rivero released on Wednesday a copy of the result of a hair follicle test done at the Omega Laboratories in Quezon City showing he was negative of any banned substance.
“I am aware of the rumors and speculations circulating on social media and all those who personally expressed their concern to us from inside and outside the community,” Rivero said in a statement.
“Buzzes about alleged drug use and alleged acceptance of money from gay benefactors – I remained mum about it until I saw the need to speak up now and defend ourselves once and for all,” he added.
Rivero admitted that he, his brother Rashleigh, and Brent Paraiso were on a one-year leave of absence from Green Archers for them to fulfill their commitments with their corporate sponsors.
“My scope of work [was] very limited to social media postings. No video shoot that will require extreme physical activities as due diligence of avoiding any injury,” said Rivero. “With [this] limited scope of engagement, my top priority and focus remains with playing basketball.”
The Rivero brothers and Paraiso were reportedly kicked out of the Green Archers earlier this year. Rumors had it that they tested positive for drugs during a surprise test conducted right after the UAAP basketball season.
Rivero added: “I know my obligations to the team and there is no way I will be giving them any less than expected [of] me because of these. While all of these were ongoing last year, my stats and school records will all prove if this indeed became in any way a distraction.
“My leave of absence is not about choosing priorities and greed, but it is about honoring my commitment and respecting the new team rules that was just implemented.”/PN
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