MANILA, Philippines — De La Salle University head coach Topex Robinson denied the allegations that he spat on UP player Reyland Torres in their game on October 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Speaking to the media after his Green Archers beat the UE Red Warriors on Saturday, October 12 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Robinson, usually calm and composed, got emotional and shared his side of the story.
He began by thanking the people who stood by him and admitting that the accusations hurled against him hurt his feelings.
“I’m just so fortunate that I have my La Sallian family – the team, the management and all the people who came to me and tried to support me because I’m only human too. Of course it hurts to get judged on without getting my side of the story,” said Robinson.
Robinson then mentioned a certain ‘Mrs. Villanueva’ whom he said shouted and accused him of the aforementioned allegations which he denied.
“To Mrs. Villanueva who humiliated me at MOA in front of my family and other people, who accused me. The reason why I couldn’t answer you was because I didn’t really do it [spat on Torres],” said Robinson.
“Should we meet, I hope you have the courage to admit that what your accusation was false.”
On Saturday, the UAAP said in a statement that it found no conclusive evidence to support the allegation that Robinson spat on Torres as well as the latter using profane language against the former.
Still, the UAAP issued a stern warning on Torres and Robinson for their unsportsmanlike conduct in the third quarter of the contest which La Salle won, 68-56, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The UAAP found that Torres passed on Robinson in very close proximity and the latter responded with language unbecoming of a coach.
This finding supports Robinson’s side of the story that he only shouted on Torres, not spat on him. He issued an apology for this.
“I apologized to the kid [Torres] for shouting at him and hopefully we could forget about this because it’s exhausting to hurl accusations on other people. I hope this serves as a lesson for us that we should accuse someone of wrongdoings if there is no conclusive proof. Don’t carelessly accuse someone because it does hurt.”
Robinson also encouraged people to not throw allegations on Torres and make room for understanding, instead.
“I also ask the public to not accuse the kid because he wouldn’t be able to withstand something like what happened to me. Let’s give him understanding for what he did because I know how hard it is to be in that position.”
‘I DID IT THE RIGHT WAY’
Robinson also hit back at those people who allegedly called him ‘squatter’ due to unfounded accusations of spitting on Torres.
“To those people who called me ‘squatter’. Thanks to you as well because I did struggle in life and I worked hard for whatever I achieved in life. Now my question to you, is that, does ‘squatter’ necessarily mean a bad person?
“Isn’t it squatter are those people who didn’t choose to be poor but worked their way out of it through perseverance? They studied, got scholarships and now they have a good life. They used their poverty as motivation to get a better life for their family. I didn’t know why ‘squatter’ has to be derogatory.”
Robinson added that whatever he achieved in life, he did it fair and square.
“I took care of my name for a long time. I never cheated my way to wherever I am right now. I won games because I did it the right way. For you to accuse me as a bad person… but I forgive you.
The 49-year-old tactician concluded:
“I will always live by what we always pray at La Salle..
I will continue to do all my actions for the love of you. Thank you.”
