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UST confirms separate probing on hoops squad for 'bubble'

Aldin Ayo and the rest of the Growling Tigers are in hot waters due to a reported bubble he set in his hometown. Nikki Collantes (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—The University of Santo Tomas confirmed on Sunday that it is indeed investigating its men's basketball team for reportedly holding a training bubble in Sorsogon City.

"We created a committee to investigate and inquire into the matter," the school said in a statement.

Earlier reports over the weekend claimed that Coach Aldin Ayo placed his team in a bubble in his hometown for training.

The joint administrative order for sports practices amid the COVID-19 pandemic bars amateur teams from holding practices at the moment.

Once confirmed, the Growling Tigers could be held accountable for violating quarantine protocols.

"While we adhere to the belief that physical activity can have a profoundly positive impact on the students' physical and mental health, we believe that the undertaking should be done in compliance with the guidelines issued by the government," UST's statement continued.

A fallout that is said to have taken place in the bubble led to CJ Cansino being removed from the Tigers. Cansino eventually transferred to the University of the Philippines.

Interestingly enough, Cansino bared in an interview with Mela Tunay on Saturday that the bubble took a toll on his mental health, which may have sparked the row within the team.

Meanwhile, UST vowed to continue supporting the government in its ongoing battle against COVID-19 and will apprehend those who keep on violating the protocols.

"We always endeavor to support the concerted government effort to ensure that proper social and physical environments are in place. We wish to assure you that the university does not tolerate any form of violation of government regulation and it responds promptly by taking the appropriate action," the statement concluded.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno_