MANILA, Philippines — UP Fighting Maroons’ Reyland Torres said the spitting controversy between him and De La Salle coach Topex Robinson that started in their game on October 6, 2024 is already water under the bridge.
“I just focused on our team,” said Torres on Sunday, October 13 as he and the Maroons defeated the UST Growling Tigers, 83-73, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I already let go of it [spitting controversy]. What’s more important to me is my team, each one of us. I’m over and done with it. I’m onto the next game. We have a goal as a team and that’s what I’m going to focus on.”
Torres logged four points, five assists, and three rebounds for UP which bounced back from its loss to La Salle last timeout compounded by that spitting controversy, where rumors spread that Robinson spat on Torres in the third frame of their game.
Robinson denied the allegation on Saturday when his La Salle beat UE, 77-68, but admitted to shouting at Torres and apologized for it.
The UAAP released a statement on the same day, saying that if found no conclusive evidence to support the allegations hurled on Robinson as well as those that said Torres used profane language against the coach.
The league, however, issued a stern warning for both parties due to unsportsmanlike conduct they showed.
The UAAP found that Torres passed on Robinson in very close proximity and the latter responded with language unbecoming of a coach.
Torres accepted the league’s decision.
“I’m okay with it. I think they carefully thought about it and they were fair. It’s hard to be in their position. I’m thankful for their decision. I’ll just leave things to God.”
Torres managed to move on from the controversy immediately thanks to the support of his teammates.
“They were there for me. They told me to let go of it, we’re on to the next game, a loss is a loss. We focused on this game, not thinking of the previous one. I wouldn’t compromise my team with that incident. I just focused on my team.”
