Ricci Rivero breaks silence on La Salle hiatus, posts negative drug test results

MANILA, Philippines — Embattled De La Salle University Green Archer Ricci Rivero finally addressed the elephant in the room.

Following a whirlwind of allegations that include illegal drug use and involvement with gay benefactors, the student-athlete took to Twitter on Wednesday morning make clarifications.

“Once and for all, allow me to open my heart to answer your questions,” the social media posting read.

“The past few weeks had been so heavy, being accused of something I never imagined to be dragged into,” the 19-year-old cager said.  “God knows the truth. I will not do something that will convert the cheers into boos.  I will not commit to something that will ruin my family name.”

The claims surfaced after the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament Most Improved Player awardee took a leave from the Green Archers early in February.

His statement, which has reached nearly 3,000 of his followers as of this story's posting, included an image of a full examination that tested him negative from marijuanna (weed), methamphetamine (shabu), cocaine, and opiates among others.

The drug test result was certified on February 14, 2018.
 

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

Rivero’s leave from the Green Archers can be traced back from a complication over his myriad endorsement deals. This, according to the University’s Office for Sports Development, is a result of a new policy.

The coverage of the new rule also included the versatile forward’s older brother Prince and fellow teammate Brent Paraiso.

"This will allow the players to focus on the games and team practices without any restrictions,” the body noted.

Following the student-athletes’ move, rumors of a transfer to rival UAAP schools followed. Tittle-tattle of involvement with illegal narcotics along with having sponsorship came after.

"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 ... simply accepting money is an insult -- it is foul,” the younger Rivero added in his note.

The 6-foot-1 hooper, who was recently selected by coach Chot Reyes as part of the Gilas Pilipinas 23-man pool for the 2023 Basketball World Cup, normed 14.1 points and 5.4 boards for the Taft-based squad. His spike in usage saw him notch the MIP prior to falling short in a bid for a UAAP title repeat over archrival Ateneo de Manila University last December.