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| Aldin Ayo will no longer coach the Growling Tigers. Nikki Collantes (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--It is official: Aldin Ayo is no longer University of Santo Tomas' head coach.
The champion coach confirmed on Friday night that he just left the Growling Tigers amid the alleged training bubble they conducted in Capuy, Sorsogon despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I have tendered my resignation as head coach of the UST men's basketball team," Ayo said in a statement.
UST has been on the hot seat for the past few weeks due to the alleged bubble, which was exposed after CJ Cansino was, according to him, removed from the team.
Athletes not considered as professionals are not allowed to train amid the pandemic at all, implying that the Growling Tigers may have violated quarantine protocols by putting up the bubble.
The UAAP Board of Trustees has yet to convene on whether it will approve the sanctions the Board of Managing Directors proposed in its meeting on Thursday.
But as early as now, Ayo is owning up for the mistakes he seemingly made.
"I deeply apologize to all those who have been adversely affected by our activity and unnecessarily exposed to much condemnation especially the university. I take responsibility for my actions and shall face the appropriate sanctions," he further stated.
Before he will embark in what he calls "a personal retreat," Ayo expressed his gratitude to the Thomasian community "for their faith and continued support for the team."
"I ask for prayers that they, as well as I, may be able to recover from these trying times," he concluded.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno_
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