Kris defends ex-husband James from game-fixing allegations

MANILA, Philippines – Kris Aquino defended ex-husband James Yap from allegations that he “sold” his game during Game 6 of the Philippine Basketball Association semifinals.

The game fixing allegation came after Yap's San Mig Super Coffee Mixers lost to the Ginebra San Miguel Kings on Monday, February 10, after James was called for a loose-ball foul and missed a 3-point shot during the game’s fourth quarter.

RELATED: James Yap laments not seeing son Bimby for a long while

But in an episode of ABS-CBN’s evening talk show “Aquino and Abunda Tonight” on Tuesday, February 11, the actress-TV host said James will never sell his game.  

“Sa matagal na panahon na kilala ko si James Yap at nakilala ko ang buong pagkatao niya, hindi niya gagawing magbenta ng laro dahil buong buhay niya binuhos niya for that,” she said.

Kris added: “As somebody who used to read the contracts of James Yap, pag pumasok sila sa finals, kahit anong benta ang sinasabi nila, matutumbasan yun ang kikitain nila by making it to the finals."

“Ganun kalaki ang kontrata niya. There’s no reason for him to sell the game. And at the end of day, you are as good as your last game so good luck James.”

“I’ve released all the anger from my heart,” Kris said when asked by co-host Boy Abunda on why she defended James.

The two were married in 2005. They separated in 2010 and their marriage was annulled by the court in 2012.

It seems like all’s well between the Kris and James now, just after their recent spat about the basketball player’s visitation rights with their son Bimby.

In a TV interview last month, Kris said James has not exerted any effort on seeing Bimby. This is after James claimed he has not seen their six-year-old son in over five months.

RELATED: Kris says James ‘hasn’t exerted the effort’ to see Bimby

But it looks like the said conflict is now a thing of the past, as Kris revealed on her television show that James will be spending his birthday with Bimby and Kris’ son Josh.

“On Saturday, happy birthday James. Alagaan mo si Bimby at si Josh, nasa iyo sila. Be good,” she said.