MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas head coach Kungfu Reyes rushed to EJ Laure’s defense, saying that there’s no truth to accusations swirling around social media shortly after the holiday season.
Reyes said Laure is sitting out the upcoming 80th University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball tournament due to a chronic shoulder injury and not due to pregnancy as some quarters are claiming on social media.
The Cocolife assistant coach in the Philippine Superliga (PSL) said he can’t stand Laure being attacked so he has to stand up and defend his player over baseless accusations.
“Alam mo, madami din akong naririnig at kahit ako naguguluhan din. Kung ako lang ang may katawan, nasagot ko na lahat yan,” said the good-natured mentor in regards to the burning reports that started to circulate after the Christmas season.
“Ang dahilan ng hindi nya pagsali ay yung injury nya sa kanang balikat. Ang gamit nilang term dun ay ‘chronic shoulder injury’ kasi matagal ng injury yun na bumalik lang.”
Reyes said aside from the pregnancy issue, Laure is also being accused to have academic deficiency so she has to sit out the UAAP season that opens on Feb. 4.
“Aside from that, malalaman namin kasi ang grades palabas pa lang sa portal ng UST,” he said. “Sa mga susunod na araw, makikita nyo naman si EJ sa laro. Manonood naman yun.“
He added that it would be wise if fans would verify first before jumping into conclusion, especially now that the reputation of a student-athlete like Laure is at stake.
“Sa mga readers, kung ano ang nababasa nila, it’s for them to find out kung totoo o tama o mali ba ang nababasa nila,” Reyes said.
“Kasi ako, sini-seek ko talaga muna kung totoo o hindi. Itinatanong ko muna sa tao kung totoo ba ang lumalabas na mga balita para may validation.”
“Kung ano ang sinabi nya (Laure), dun ako magre-rely kasi tao sa tao na usapan na yun eh. Mas naniniwala ako kay EJ.”