Ravena slapped with 18-month FIBA ban for doping

MANILA, Philippines — Kiefer Ravena, a four-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist and one of the most recognizable faces of Philippine basketball, is suspended from FIBA-sanctioned events for more than a year because of a substance violation.

 

In a hastily arranged press conference at the TV5 office in Mandaluyong on Monday, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas said Ravena tested positive for three banned substances in the list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The test was conducted after Gilas’ game against Japan in the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers last February 25 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

 

SBP president Al Panlilio said they have received an official letter from FIBA detailing Ravena’s infraction, for which the cager faces an 18-month ban from FIBA-sanctioned events.

 

According to FIBA, Ravena’s A and B samples both tested positive “for three (3) ingredients in the WADA List of Prohibited Substances.” These are Higenamine, 1,3-Dimethylbutylamine, and 4-Methylhexan-2-amine.

 

An apologetic Ravena said he unknowingly took the banned substances from a pre-workout drink he had before the Japan game.

 

“I take full responsibility for my actions,” he told the media.

 

Ravena’s suspension will run from February 25, 2018 to August 24, 2019.

 

The guard is supposed to suit up in Gilas’ next two games in the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. He has played in all of the national team’s past four outings in the global skirmish.

 

Ravena, son of former PBA cager and now TNT deputy Bong, has been celebrated by many for his high basketball I.Q. and his plug-and-play readiness. He was a two-time champion and Most Valuable Player awardee in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines for the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.

 

The PBA, where Ravena is currently playing, has yet to make comments over the rookie’s predicament. He was drafted second overall by the NLEX Road Warriors in the recent draft.