MANILA – NLEX Road Warriors guard Kiefer Ravena apologized to his fellow Ilonggos for missing the Visayas leg of the 2018 PBA All-Star Week in Iloilo City on Sunday.
The native of Mandurriao district, Iloilo City felt he let his hometown fans down but assured that his nonappearance was a precaution to avoid additional sanctions from FIBA.
Ravena was tested positive for three banned substances he allegedly got from a pre-workout drink. He said it was an honest mistake – he took the drink without checking the label.
FIBA consequently slapped him with an 18-month ban, rendering him ineligible to play from Feb. 25 this year to Aug. 24 next year.
The substances found in urine samples from Ravena were in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s List of Prohibited Substances.
“In a way nag-paasa ako. Andoon ako the whole time and ’di ako nagpakita noong All-Star,” Ravena told a news conference Monday night.
“I was voted as one of the starters, and hindi rin naman mura ang ticket tapos hindi ako nagpakita. I wasn’t able to fulfill my job as an All-Star.
“FIBA has been very lenient, iyon na nga nabawasan na iyong sintensya. Baka ’pag pilitin ko na (maglaro sa PBA All-Stars), baka mapatagal pa or mapasama pa.”
Ravena was pulled out from playing for the Visayas All-Stars team after the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas reportedly told him to immediately fly back to Manila.
“It was really hard for me, and it was the first time I was supposed to play in front of my fellow Ilonggos,” he said. “Hopefully, ’di mawala iyong suporta nila sa akin. I have to tell them that their support is very much appreciated, especially in these times.
“Humihingi ako ng pasensya sa kanila (fellow All-Stars players). It’s a very tough week for me, more than what is happening, it’s tough to leave them hanging especially in Iloilo.”/PN
