Kiefer speaks up

It is said that doing what you love is where happiness lives. So what happens when, suddenly, you stop doing it? Cager Kiefer Ravena felt the stabbing pain of having to temporarily stop from playing basketball when FIBA ordered his suspension for 18 months after he tested positive from three banned substances.

The NLEX Road Warriors rookie and Gilas Pilipinas player admitted the sanction hit him so hard because he was banned from joining in any basketball activities whether sanctioned or not sanctioned events by FIBA.

During an interview in Tonight with Boy Abunda, Kiefer said he is also prohibited from watching any barangay basketball leagues. But he can still do some workouts alone and not with the team.

What came as the biggest blow to Kiefer was the misconception of people regarding his suspension. Negative comments flooded his social media accounts with Kiefer trying to keep his cool by not responding to any of them.

“Many were saying that I’m into drugs, na nag-te-take ako ng illegal drugs na alam naman natin kung ano yun. Umabot sa puntong ganun na masakit sa akin pero hindi ko na lang sinasagot dahil hahaba lang din yung opinyon nila.”

To recall, the 24-year-old PBA star was all over the headlines when he yielded positive to a random drug test after Gilas defeated Japan in the FIBA Asia Qualifiers last Feb. 25, the same day the random test was conducted.

“I took a pre-workout drink and I wasn’t aware that it has three substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency or WADA. After the game, I and a teammate were called for random drug test which is mandatory naman. They took two urine samples — Sample A and Sample B — i-te-test yung isang sample at kung yun mag-positive, meron kang option na ipakita yung Sample B of the same urine.

“After the result came out positive, they asked me if I want to go to the second bottle and I said yes knowing that there’s a slim chance but I’m still hoping for the best na mag-negative pero malamang it would turn out positive since it’s from the same urine.”

The pre-workout drink, according to reports, contained banned substances dimethylbutylamine, methylexamine which are both stimulants, and higenamine, a beta A2 antagonist.

Kiefer shared that he learned about the pre-workout drink when he played basketball in the US which “most of the players take and then seeing their performance, I wanted to try it and yes, it is available in the Philippine market over the counter. Hindi ko alam na may bawal na substance so I was surprised.”

A real man that he is, Kiefer took full responsibility for taking the pre-workout drink without analyzing its contents and he told in the reports that it was an honest mistake. To this day, he is hoping that FIBA can lessen the suspension.

What important lesson did he learn from the experience?

“Appreciate what you have because even if you know that it’s yours throughout your life, you’ll never know its value until it has been taken from you tulad ng basketball sa akin. I’m thankful there are still many who give their love and support to me.”

He continued, “Another thing I learned — to keep your circle close. You have to keep positive people around you... there are people whom you can talk to because men prefer to keep to themselves what they feel but it will come to a point when you want to share (in order) to gain strength or talk to someone who can give pieces of advice.”

It’s not the first time for Kiefer to be involved in an issue. He also became a hot topic for his nude photo that went viral. He said that it affected his relationship with volleyball star Alyssa Valdez.

“Just like with any other relationship, natakot ako but when you truly love the person, you are ready to face the consequence like I did. And I was very fortunate to have her as a girlfriend because she never left my side. Trust was broken, it was difficult to explain and too tough to look straight in her eye, too hard to explain every day but at the same time she also sacrificed a lot because she could’ve walked away easily but she never did and for that, I think I know I have a keeper. I have someone who I can spend the rest of my life with.”

Alyssa also remains by his side in the new challenge that put his basketball career in a sensitive position.

“She would always defend me and say encouraging words to me. Alam nya ano ang nawala sa akin, basketball which is one of the things that calms me and gives me sanity. It’s my sanctuary.”

Are they talking about marriage?

“Well, every now and then. We’re not getting any younger as well. But we know our priorities are basketball and volleyball so we want to maximize our bodies, our time to be the best in our sport,” replied Kiefer who added that he is a faithful boyfriend.

While everything seemingly has been already told, Kiefer agreed to reveal things not many people know about him in 5 in 45. Read on.

• “I am a frustrated singer.”

• “Mahilig ako sa paintings.”

• “I am a superstitious person.”

• “I once got lost at Disneyland in America.”

• “I can’t sleep with the lights on.”