FILE–Former PBA player Marc Pingris. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO
MANILA, Philippines — Former PBA star Marc Pingris denied having any romantic involvement with celebrity actress Kim Rodriguez after some social media users alleged them of having an affair.
Pingris, also a former national team stalwart, released a statement On Thursday through his social media accounts, saying that his connection to Rodriguez was merely because of two separate basketball events.
“Walang katotohanan ang mga lumalabas na balita tungkol saamin ni Ms. Kim Rodriguez. Walang namamagitan sa aming dalawa gaya ng sinasabi ng ibang tao. Nakasama ko po si Ms. Kim sa isang basketball event at sa isa pang event noong naging muse siya ng team namin. Salamat din sa nag pa abot ng concern,” Pingris wrote.
READ: Pingris on facing NBA players during Gilas stint: I never backed down
(There’s no truth to the news regarding me and Ms Kim Rodriguez. Nothing is going on between us unlike what people are alleging. We were both part of a basketball event and another one where she became our team’s news. I’d like to thanks also those who sent their concerns.)
Some social media users speculated that there was something going on between Pingris and Rodriguez after the two posted separate photos at the Opera House in Sydney, Australia. Pingris posted his picture last February 16, while the celebrity uploaded her photos at the same place and Harbour Bridge three days ago.
Pingris, who retired from the PBA in 2021 after a long storied career that also involved an unforgettable stint with Gilas Pilipinas, emphasized that all is well between him and his wife Danica Sotto-Pingris and urged the public to avoid making rumors and respect his family.
READ: Pingris who sparked Gilas’ most famous triumph walks into the sunset a legend
“Ok kami ng pamilya ko. Wag na po tayo magpakalat ng mga balita na hindi totoo. Humihingi po kami ng respeto at para hindi madamay ang mga anak namin ni Danica. Salamat po at God bless po,” Pingris said.
(My family is doing okay. Let’s stop spreading false news. We’re asking for respect for our children. Thank you and God Bless.)
Pebbles Duque, Danica’s friend, believes that Pingris “won’t do that” to her best friend, saying that the basketball player has a lot of priorities.
She also clarified in a separate post that the photo was taken even before Feb. 16.
“My besfriend Danica and him have a very beautiful family. Holy week na, dasal na lang po tayo para naman mabawasan yung mga kasalanan natin,” Duque said.
Danica seems unbothered by the false rumors as she commented on her best friend’s post: “Kalma miga! we love you.”