COLLEGE basketball star Kevin Ferrer denied game-fixing allegations hounding the University of Santo Tomas Tigers, months after their loss to Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 78 men's basketball finals.
In an interview with broadcaster Mico Halili on CNN Philippines’ Sportsdesk program, Ferrer said he was unaffected by the allegations, maintaining the Tigers men’s basketball team was not involved in such activities.
“Hindi naman,” Ferrer responded when asked if he was affected by the accusations. “Alam ko naman sa sarili ko, sa amin, na wala namang kung anong meron. Basta ano lang kami, kung ano meron kami, pagpapatuloy lang namin kung ano ‘yung ginagawa namin.”
[See Jarencio tweets support for former players amid game-fixing allegations]
Citing unnamed sources, website Fastbreak.com.ph ran a story alleging certain members of the team were involved in game-fixing activities. No mention was made as to the identity of the student-athletes.
UST has launched an investigation into what athletic director Fr. Ermito De Sagon said is 'related to the (school's) basketball program in reference to the university's policies."
Spin.ph reported on Thursday that UST head coach Bong Dela Cruz has also been accused of physical and verbal abuse directed at his players.
Ferrer said he will cooperate in the investigation while calling for calm within the UST community.
“’Wag mag-alala kasi andoon pa naman ‘yung UST. Normal lang kami. Hayaan na lang muna ‘yung kung sino ang may hawak dun sa issue,” said Ferrer.
[See UST coach facing probe]
The lanky forward maintained that the current issues will not affect his future plans, particularly that of joining the PBA Draft.
“Hindi naman (apektado) kasi ‘yun ang goal ko. Kailangan kung ano mang pagsubok ‘yan, harapin. Walang makakapigil sa goal ko,” said Ferrer.
A graduating student this school year, Ferrer said he is currently focused on playing as a member of the University of the Philippines/QRS-Jam Liner in the PBA D-League as well as his studies.
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