A GRATEFUL Rendell Senining vowed not to let the Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup down in its decision to lift his suspension for his involvement in the controversial game between Lapu-Lapu and Siquijor on April 14.
The VisMin Super Cup on Wednesday lifted the suspension on Senining following a thorough investigation into the game marred by several questionable misses and turnovers that raised suspicion of game-fixing.
“I was really happy na nangyari ‘yun and I’m very thankful for this league. Hindi ko sila ipapahiya sa ginawa nila,” Senining told SPIN.ph hours after the lifting of the suspension was announced by the regional pro league.
“They took a gamble on me. They took the bullet for me for that and I appreciate that. Dito ko na-feel na they really have my back, not just me but the players dito who really wants to play the game right na gusto maglaro dito sa league."
Prior to the reprieve, Senining was serving out a season-long suspension on top of a fine of P30,000 as punishment for a game that saw him taking free throws using his left and right hand alternately.
He already apologized and explained his actions.
As part of the Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup’s decision to lift his suspension, Senining must also publicly apologize to the fans and fellow players for the incident and be involved in outreach activities of the league.
Senining is already eligible to play for Lapu-Lapu in their match against Talisay on Thursday.
Aside from his family, relatives, and close friends, Senining also thanked his former coaches Olsen Racela and Nash Racela at Far Eastern University, Eric Altamirano at National University, his wife Marissa and son Anton, Joey Guanio at NU, and Rommel Rasmo at Ateneo de Cebu for their support during the ordeal.
Senining also expressed his readiness for Thursday’s game against Talisay, saying he was still joining team practices even following the sanctions.
“Answered prayers. Since that day na nangyari ‘yun, I asked for guidance to God and I prayed everyday. I tried to avoid negative factors like social media. I stuck with the people that believed in me which is my family, friends na close sa akin, uncle Mon (Fernandez), lahat sila. That’s what I focused on. That’s what gave me a lift during the hard times,” said Senining.
Senining also reiterated that his actions during that farcical game were in no way related to game-fixing, saying that he was confident he didn’t do anything that would prove otherwise when an investigation was made.
“Ininvestigate talaga nila. They were really hands-on sa investigation lalo na si Sir Rocky (Chan, VisMin Super Cup COO). I know that they were working on it day and night. They were really looking into it. I didn’t see any reason for me to do that illegal stuff. Sa part ko lang, mali lang talaga ‘yung how I handled it.”
He was also overwhelmed with the support he received.
“Daming nag-message sa akin … They really didn’t believe na ganun akong klaseng player and there was a reason behind it. They never had any doubts when the news came out na nangyari ‘yun,” said Senining.
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