Basketball star Kiefer Ravena has been suspended by the World Basketball Federation or FIBA for 18 months after the federation found him to have taken a banned performance-enhancing drug during random drug-testing held at a FIBA Asia qualifying tournament last February.
A remorseful Ravena said he made an honest mistake in taking a workout drink that contained the banned supplement.
Ravena talked about his problem in an early evening press conference Monday, saying that he will take full responsibility for his actions.
I take full responsibility for this. It is not fair “na may madamay pang iba,” said Ravena.
Philippine Olympic Committee President Ricky Vargas, legal counsel Chito Narvasa, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio, Executive Director Sonny Barrios and SBP chairman Manny V. Pangilinan joined Ravena in discussing his case.
Ravena said the sports drink he took before a workout contained a supplement, which can be bought over the counter. He said he was not aware that it contained substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
He tested positive for the said performance-enhancing drug after Gilas Team Pilipinas played in Melbourne and lost to the Boomers, 84-68, last Feb. 22.
SBP learned that Ravena tested positive in a communication by FIBA last May 22, according to Panlilio.
Ravena, 24, scored six points to go with two assists and two rebounds in 17 minutes of play in that game against Australia.
All members of the Gilas Pilipinas pool for the coming FIBA qualifiers are now being required to undergo drug-testing at any time on orders coming from FIBA.
The former Ateneo King Eagle is in the middle of an impressive rookie season after being made the No. 2 pick in the last Philippine Basketball Association Draft by NLEX.
It is not yet known what sanctions, if any, will be slapped on Ravena by the PBA and his pro team.
Ravena had a great collegiate stint, which included two UAAP championships with Ateneo and MVP awards in high school and college.