Push Admin

READ: Ricci wants to clear his name, releases drug test results

Article (news)

Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA, Philippines — De La Salle University’s Ricci Rivero on Wednesday firmly denied the rumors that his removal from their men’s basketball team stemmed from drug use.<br/><br/>Rivero along with his older brother Prince and teammate Brent Paraiso all had to take a leave of absence from the Green Archers, with La Salle saying it was due to a policy that barred players from signing endorsement deals.<br/><br/>It was a blow to Rivero, who was coming off a breakout campaign that saw him earn Mythical Team honors in UAAP Season 80. It was also a blow to La Salle as Rivero was expected to be a major pillar of the Green Archers as they rebuilt following the exit of Ben Mbala and Coach Aldin Ayo.<br/><br/>However, there were also plenty of unfounded rumors that Rivero had been tested positive for drugs, which the young player finally and definitively denied in an emotional statement posted on his <a href="https://twitter.com/riccirivero06/status/971204310724886528?s=21">social media</a> account on Wednesday morning.<br/><br/>“I am negative to all types of substances, contrary to initial reports,” said Rivero. “I never took drugs and will never try it.”<br/><br/>Rivero also released a copy of his drug test, done by Omega Laboratories, showing that he is indeed negative for a variety of drugs including cocaine and opiates.<br/><br/>He submitted himself to the drug test on January 20, and got the results on February 9. Rivero has submitted the results of the test to DLSU.<br/><br/><strong>Read Rivero’s full statement here:</strong></p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/03/07/msg.jpg"/></figure></div><div><br/><strong>This is the result of Rivero’s drug test.</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/03/07/drugtest.jpg"/></figure></div><p>As it stands, Rivero’s future is still uncertain. He is still diligently attending classes in La Salle, but a source told ABS-CBN News that Rivero has not stepped foot inside their practice facility since going on his leave of absence.<br/><br/>More than anything, however, Rivero just wants to move forward.<br/><br/>“Behind this hype, behind this controversies is the same kid, 10 years ago, who just wants to play and shoot that ball,” he said. “How I wished things will not be complicated, because all I pray for is simply to provide for my family and my future.”</p>

<p>MANILA, Philippines — De La Salle University’s Ricci Rivero on Wednesday firmly denied the rumors that his removal from their men’s basketball team stemmed from drug use.</p>

MANILA, Philippines — De La Salle University’s Ricci Rivero on Wednesday firmly denied the rumors that his removal from their men’s basketball team stemmed from drug use.

READ: Ricci wants to clear his name, releases drug test results

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Sports

READ: Ricci wants to clear his name, releases drug test results

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 07, 2018 10:19 AM PHT

|

Updated November 05, 2018 07:41 AM PHT

Read More:

UAAP

De La Salle Green Archers

Ricci Rivero

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.