IT appears the alleged bubble training of University of Santo Tomas in Capuy, Sorsogon City was green-lighted by school officials.
A copy of a waiver that the players and their parents or legal guardians signed to be able to join the Growling Tigers’ reported training in Bicol surfaced online last Monday night.
Dated June 2, the letter was addressed to Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) director Fr. Jannel Abogado, OP, and stated the parents or guardians were “voluntarily allowing” the players to join the training at the hometown of UST coach Aldin Ayo.
The waiver also cleared the school and the coaching staff of any liability in the event of an injury or any other untoward incident.
“My son and I are fully aware that inherent dangers exist and while in good health and able to fully participate in activities, it may result in illness or injury due to accidents, forces of nature and any other causes unforeseen. By allowing my son to participate, we hereby knowingly assume all risks resulting from these activities,” the waiver read.
“On behalf of my son, my family or other personal representatives, I hereby agree to release, hold harmless and indemnify University of Santo Tomas, Coaching Staff, and Managers, from any and all claims and law suits for bodily injury, property damage, wrongful death, medical illness, etc. which may result during this activity.”
The Tigers’ bubble was pricked after their former captain CJ Cansino said he was booted out of the squad last Friday when he asked permission from the champion but controversial coach Aldin Ayo to leave Sorsogon and return to his home in Valenzuela.
That led to a disagreement and the shocking exit of the 6-foot-2 wingman from the Tigers.
Cansino, 20, who was named UAAP juniors’ MVP in 2018 as a Tiger Cub, has transferred to University of the Philippines.
The España-based crew wound up with an 8-6 card after the elimination round in the last UAAP cage wars for fourth and hurdled No. 3 Far Eastern University and the second-ranked and twice-to-beat Fighting Maroons in the stepladder semifinals to reach the finals for the first time since 2015.
UST, however, fell to mighty Ateneo in the Big Dance.
The Tigers lost playmaker Renzo Subido, who was selected 24th overall in the pro league draft last year and was signed by NorthPort, forward Zach Huang, and reserve Enrique Caunan due to graduation.
The likes of reigning MVP Soulemane Chabi Yo, forward Rhenz Abando, playmaker Mark Nonoy, and big men Dave Ando and Ira Batiller are expected to lead UST’s charge next season.
With the country’s COVID-19 pandemic woes having no end in sight, the UAAP is eyeing to launch its 83rd season early next year.
