Ricci Rivero issues statement about alleged drug use: ‘I am negative to all types of substances’

On Twitter Wednesday, basketball sensation Ricci Rivero published a statement regarding the controversies beset with, chief of which are the allegations of drug use.

“I am negative to all types of substance contract to initial reports that I was tested positive for drugs,” read a portion of his statement.

Its been a while, once and for all allow me to open my heart to answer your questions. May God bless us all. Thank You po. pic.twitter.com/2ykpNZzLQA

— Ricci Rivero (@RicciRivero06) March 7, 2018

He said he voluntarily submitted himself to a hair follicle drug test on January 20, which “measures a wider window for detection. Hair tests [covers] a period of months or 90 days, ensuring that a drug user cannot evade the test result by simply abstaining for a few days or flushing it out.”

And for good measure, he attached a photo of his results, which came out February 9.

“For the record – I never took drugs and will never try it,” he added.

In his statement, Rivero addressed his leave of absence, saying “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.”

Rivero also talked about his “alleged acceptance of money from gay benefactors”, asking people to “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 thanked the La Salle management and promised “I will always have with me that ANIMO Spirit you all taught me.” Read the complete statement below:

10 years ago I remember playing my  very first basketball game, all I had then was just a simple hobby. I wanted to go out there to play and win. Hearing the cheers of my parents and my siblings alone, for me was more than any medal or trophy. With the generous guidance of my coaches – that hobby became a passion. I saw myself playing ball, day in and day out. I embraced the discipline that it requires, all for the love of the sport. Now I’m playing the game not just for my family but for the entire community who hold on to the sport as a form of entertainment.

God created a plan and he turned my passion to a lucrative source of blessing for me and my family. The scholarships and allowances that comes with it, the trust of my fans and my endorsements that are just additional monetary bonuses to me. This unexpected hype – contrary to speculations of it being a major distraction – became my source of will and reminder that I always have to be careful, better, and proper because I am being looked up to. I was obligation to be even more responsible. I know God put me in this situation to inspire more kids who can share the same passion as I do. Least I will do is to disappoint anyone who believes in me, especially any young kid who is just falling in love with the sport like I was 10 years ago.

For the record, I ever missed out on any class, practice, or game just because I have an engagement to attend. I never had an event a day prior to any important basketball schedule. My scope of work were limited to social media postings – selfies, interviews and pictorials – no video shoot that will require extreme physical activities as due diligence of avoiding any injuries. With these limited scope of engagement – my top priority and focus remains with playing basketball. I know my obligations to the team and there is no way I will be giving them any less as expected from me because of these. While all of these were on-going 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 commitments and respecting the new team rules that was just implemented. I can’t just turn my back just like that. It’s avalue that I have to adhere. I never wanted to choose, but I was left with no choice.

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. I will not commit to something that will ruin my family name. I am award of all the rumors and speculations circulating on social media and all those who personally expressed their concern to us from inside and outside the community – buzzes about alleged drug usage and alleged acceptance of money from gay benefactors – remained mum about it not until I saw the need to speak up now and defend ourselves once and for all.

To whoever started these rumors – my hair follicle test result dated February 9, 2018 is here for your reference. I voluntarily submitted myself last January 20, 2018 to attest all allegations of any drug intake. According to psychemedics.com, hair tests compared to urinalysis measures a wider window of detection. Hair tests covers a period of months or 90 days, ensuring that a drug user cannot evade the test result by simply abstaining for a few days or flushing it out.

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

To everyone who judged me and are doubting me – you can verify the authenticity of this to satisfy your dismay. For the record – I never took drugs and will never try it. 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.

To the La Salle management and Bosses, to the past and current coaching staff – allow me to thank you for taking care of me all these years. To the La Salle community and alumni – rest assured that my utmost respect and gratitude will always be here for all of you. I will always have with me that ANIMO Spirit you all taught me.

Behind this hype, behind these controversies – is the same kid 10 years ago who simply wants to play and shoot that ball. How I wished things would not be this cimplicated because all I pray for is to simply provide for my family and for my future. I just wanted to move on from this situation without fear, without any trauma that I will have to be accused and tried if things get out of what is planned. I wanted to be better, embrace basketball, and the whole industry with the same passion and respect I used to have for it. I pray to still see myself in the future teaching my future kids how to dribble and drive – I don’t want them to be afraid of this game. I’m wishing to feel the excitement again, not regrets. I’m worried that my love for this sport turns to hate so I’m praying for God to heal the pain these accusations are casuing me and my family now – so I can be the same athlete that everyone expects me to be and the same Ricci that God prepares me to be.

Thank you for your support and God Bless us all.

 — LA, GMA News