Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
With Kiefer Ravena’s 18-month ban from basketball in force, Alyssa Valdez said the PBA rookie is coping with the challenge through the encouragement of his family, friends, and supporters.
Ravena is suspended from all any Fiba-sanctioned activities after taking in banned substances under the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list through a pre-workout drink. He is also not allowed to even practice with NLEX.
“Everyone’s supporting him so we’re okay with all that has happened,” said Valdez, Ravena’s girlfriend, in Filipino Saturday after Creamline’s game in the Premier Volleyball League.
When Ravena’s suspension’s was announced, the hashtag #IStandWithKiefer started trending on social media.
Valdez added Ravena’s suspension could be the silver lining for Filipino athletes in terms of anti-doping awareness and staying clean.
“I think this is a blessing in disguise because everyone will be more careful because almost everything can be bought over the counter,” said Valdez. “We really don’t know what’s in those products.”
The Dust pre-workout drink contains 4-methylhexan-2-amine (methylhexaneamine), 1,3-dimethylbutylamine (DMBA), and higenamine, all of which are included in WADA’s list of banned substances.
“We just want to perform well, be ready for our games, and with all these that has happened we will all be more careful,” said Valdez. “We know Kiefer will come back stronger for his basketball career.”