Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 13) — The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) said it will look into the alleged domestic abuse committed by one of its players.
In a statement posted on social media, Blackwater said it will only open its own probe if the allegations are verified and Desiderio gives the team permission.
Blackwater Bossing guard Paul Desiderio, who is currently out for the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, has been accused by his former fiancée Agatha Uvero of physical and emotional abuse.
Uvero alleged Desiderio strangled her and threw her on a table and against a wall when she was two months pregnant with their child. The former UAAP courtside reporter added that the PBA cager also threw her against a car window, kicked, and locked her in a room.
“If the allegations were true and the concerned player consents, then we will look into it and possibly come out with our position,” the PBA team said.
“The league will conduct an inquiry and hand down its findings and resolution as soon as the facts are clearly established. We are confident that the Blackwater management will extend its full cooperation and assistance toward ensuring that a just determination is reached,” the league said in a statement Wednesday, hours after Uvero detailed the alleged abuse and threats from Desiderio on her Twitter account.
The PBA stressed that it does not condone any form of violence against women regardless of the situation.
“We respect the personal life and privacy of our players unless they seek our help and assistance,” it added.
“This leagues will not tolerate any form of domestic abuse. No matter the cause or circumstances, physical and psychological abuse of women, whether in the confines of marriage or not, is inexcusable,” the pro league said. “This report deserves to be given serious attention by both the ballclub concerned and the PBA itself.”
This is not the first time that a PBA player was put in hot water for such allegations. There have been five publicized cases since 2019 where basketball stars were accused of domestic abuse and infidelity by their wives and partners. All players continued to play in the league with no reported consequences from the PBA or their mother teams.
The 25-year-old Desiderio was selected fourth overall by the NLEX Road Warriors in the 2018 PBA Draft.
CNN Philippines contacted Desiderio to get his side. He has yet to reply as of Wednesday afternoon.
READ: Desiderio accused of abuse by ex-fiancée
