UST coach denies charges

MANILA, Philippines – Beleaguered UST coach Bong de la Cruz yesterday denied maltreating players and branded the accusations hurled against him as part of mudslinging efforts by parties he didn’t identify.

Dela Cruz said he’s willing to answer all allegations point by point at the proper forum. The controversial mentor is facing an inquiry being conducted by UST, according to Institute for Physical Education and Athletics director Fr. Ermito de Sagon.

“Alam ko sa aking sarili na malinis ang aking konsensiya subalit mas pipiliin ko na kung kinakailangan ay sa tamang lugar o forum ako magsasalita upang maipahayag ko ang aking panig (My conscience is clear but I’d like to defend myself against the allegations at the proper venue and forum),” he said in a statement.

He said he has chosen to keep mum when the issues came out and hoped it would “die a natural death.”

“Subalit sa paglipas ng mga araw ay nararamdaman ko na lumalala na ang ginagawang paninira hindi sa kakayahan ko bilang coach kundi paninira sa aking pagkatao (These past couple of days, I felt the mudslinging on my person was getting worse),” he said.

Dela Cruz, who’s been ordered to stay away from the Tigers’ practices while the inquiry is ongoing, lamented how this “trial by publicity” was affecting his family.

“Lubos kong ikinalulungkot ang nangyayaring kaganapan dahil bukod sa akin, ang aking pamilya ay lubos nang naaapektuhan sa nangyayaring trial by publicity, dahil alam nila kung paano ko ibinuhos ang aking panahon, oras at dedikasyon bilang head coach ng aming koponan (I’m deeply saddened because my family is also affected by the trial by publicity that’s happening because they knew how I invested time, effort and dedication as UST coach),” he said.

He also reminded people how the Tigers exceeded expectations and finished runner-up in the UAAP Season 78.

“Umaasa din ako na sana ay hindi na madamay pa ang aming unibersidad na ang tanging hangarin lamang ay ang kapakanan ng kanilang mag-aaral (I just hope we spare UST from the controversy as they only look out for the welfare of students),” said Dela Cruz.

“Umaasa ako na sana igalang ang aking desisyon (I also hope you all respect my decision),” he added.