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By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--UST coach Bong Dela Cruz finally spoke up about rumors about him allegedly doing derogatory actions against his young players.
In an official statement released on Monday, the soft-spoken mentor said, "Nais kong ipabatid na simula nang lumabas ang mga 'issues' o usapin laban sa akin ay nagpasya akong manahimik, dahil walang katotohanan ang mga binabatong 'issues' laban sa akin at naniniwala akong magtatapos ito sa tinatawag na 'natural death'.... Alam ko sa aking sarili na malinis ang aking konsensya."
About why he decided to keep mum these past few days after reports surfaced about the Growling Tigers' alleged internal problems, Dela Cruz explained, "...mas pipiliin ko na kung kinakailangan ay sa tamang lugar o proper forum ako magsasalita upang maipahayag ko ang aking panig. Umaasa ako na sana ay igalang ang aking desisyon."
The coach also stated that his family is now affected by the issues against him and hopes that the university will not be further dragged by the current news about its men's basketball team.
Dela Cruz is now on the hot seat after reports surfaced that he treats his young players very harshly.
UST has started a probe on Dela Cruz and the rest of the Growling Tigers, but Fr. Ermito De Sagon, the school's athletic director, said that it is "about our basketball program in reference to the university's policies" as told to The Varsitarian. An online report also claims some of their players and coaches were involved in game-fixing during the UAAP Finals.
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