UST athletic director steps down amid 'Sorsogon bubble' controversy —report

The director of the University of Santo Tomas' Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) has resigned amid the "Sorsogon bubble" controversy surrounding the men's basketball team.

According to a report from The Varsitarian, UST's official student publication, Fr. Jannel Abogado will be replaced by former director Fr. Ermito de Sagon, who steered the Growling Tigers' athletics program for 16 years.

The report also said an alleged waiver for the training bubble bearing Abogado's name previously leaked online.

Sports activities have been suspended due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). So far, only professional sports have been allowed to resume training.

Sorsogon is the home province of UST head coach Aldin Ayo, who declined to give details on the issue pending investigation by authorities.

READ: Butch Ramirez speaks on 'moral challenges' in sports amid UST's alleged breach of protocols

Reports on the bubble surfaced following the sudden exit of team captain CJ Cansino from the team.

The Varsitarian reported that Cansino and the team agreed to part ways, but the former King Tiger said he was kicked off the team.

In a series of now-deleted tweets, he shared screenshots of the group chat between the players and their parents regarding the conditions of the bubble in Sorsogon. 

Cansino transferred to the University of the Philippines after his departure from UST. --MGP, GMA News