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#TRENDING: DLSU cager Ricci Rivero cries foul over rumors of drug use and having a gay benefactor

By Aedrianne Acar
Published March 7, 2018 5:49 PM PHT
Updated March 7, 2018 5:55 PM PHT

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Collegiate basketball player Ricci Rivero posts a lengthy statement addressing the rumors suggesting he is into drugs and has a gay benefactor.

Enough is enough.

De La Salle University basketball superstar Ricci Paolo Rivero has issued a statement this Wednesday, March 7 to finally address the rumors circulating about his leave of absence from his team.

WATCH: Divine Aucina at Michelle Dee, pinag-agawan si Ricci Rivero!

Last month, Ricci together with his brother Prince Rivero and Brent Paraiso were dropped from the DLSU roster due to conflicts arising from their endorsement deals.

DLSU has implemented a new policy preventing its players from getting into any endorsement deals.

Ricci’s statement, which was posted on Facebook, quickly made headlines in different sport websites. It even became a trending topic on Twitter Philippines.

The multi-awarded cager explained his decision to leave the team. He wrote, “My leave of absence is 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.”

He also revealed that the nasty rumors about him in the past few weeks have taken their toll on his mental and emotional well-being.

“The past few weeks had been so heavy, being accused of something I never imagined to be dragged into. God knows the truth. I will not do something that I know will convert the cheers to boos.”

Ricci revealed that he had undergone a drug test last January 20, 2018 to prove that he is cleared from any substance abuse.

“I am NEGATIVE to all types of substance contrary to initial report that I was tested positive for drugs.”

In addition, he was aghast at those malicious claims and stories that suggest he has a gay benefactor.

“As for the lewd rumor- 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.”

Read Ricci Rivero’s full statement below.