UAAP: Reyland Torres, UP Maroons moving on from controversy

UP Fighting Maroons’ Reyland Torres during a UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines guard Reyland Torres is moving on from the issue involving La Salle coach Topex Robinson, saying he and the team are focusing on their title quest in the Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

“It’s okay with me. I think they really thought it through, and they were fair. From their perspective, it’s definitely harder to make decisions. Whatever their decision was, I’m thankful. I’ll just leave it up to God,” Torres told reporters after UP’s 83-73 win over the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The league sent Torres a “stern warning” for passing in very close proximity to Coach Robinson twice during a heated exchange in the third quarter of their first-round loss last week, while the latter was warned for responding with “language unbecoming of a coach.”

READ: UAAP: Topex Robinson, Reyland Torres given ‘stern warning’

 The investigation by a subcommittee of the Board of Managing Directors also revealed that there was no conclusive to prove the allegations that Robinson had spat on Torres and that the UP player used using profane language towards the coach.

In their first game back from the heated UP-La Salle game, Torres had four points, three rebounds, and five assists,.

“I just focused on the team. I let that go and set it aside. What matters more is our team, each one of us. I think it’s already over. We have a goal as a team, so that’s where we are focusing now,” Torres said.

READ: UAAP: Topex Robinson sorry for actions, hurt over accusations

UP coach Goldwin Monteverde also chose to put  the controversy behind him.

“The UAAP made the decision. Of course, we will abide by it, and I’m sure that on their part, it wasn’t just decision they made without proper thought. For us, we respect that. What’s done is done,” Monteverde said. “I’m very confident that the UAAP will be strict moving forward, and no incidents like spitting or similar actions will happen again in the game.”

“What’s important is the well-being of the players, Reyland, and everyone involved. Hopefully, this won’t happen again.”

Torres thanked his coaches and teammates for supporting him during the controversial exchange.

“They were there for me, constantly telling me to move on, that it was over, next play. We lost that game, but we focused on this one. I didn’t let the incident affect our team, so I just stayed focused on us,” he said.