Fans were not pleased by the Fighting Maroons' actions.
Despite the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament being long done, the UP Fighting Maroons have somehow landed on the headlines once again as of late.
In a vlog posted on YouTube by team captain CJ Cansino, the Fighting Maroons were spotted having a good time at the Fiesta Carnival in Subic on December 13.
There, Season 86 Rookie of the Year Francis Lopez was seen attempting to pull off the mask of a carnival employee during a horror train ride.
The video has since gone viral, leading to heavy criticisms against the Fighting Maroons, specifically Lopez and Cansino.
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In response, Lopez took to social media to express his regret and take full responsibility for the incident.
“Inadvertently, I hurt a carnival employee in one of the carnival rides. This thoughtless moment was recorded on video and was later posted on social media, and I take full responsibility for what happened,” Lopez said in a Facebook post.
Cansino likewise issued an apology, acknowledging his responsibility for the incident.
“Walang rason para manakit ng tao, at very sorry si Francis for what happened,” said Cansino.
Fans, meanwhile, took to Twitter to express their disappointment over the Fighting Maroons’ actions but nonetheless welcomed the apology given by Lopez and Cansino.
“I hope what happened serves as a BIG lesson, not only for them but for each one of us,” wrote @zavinilucero. “We won’t tolerate those kinds of acts, but remember, there is always ample room for reflection, learning, and change.”
“Words are just words, but this is a start. I hope they (yes, all the boys) walk the talk,” said user @atornijajing.
Some, however, were not too pleased with Lopez using the term “inadvertently” in his apology post.
The word inadvertently makes it insincere. If you're gonna apologize, apologize and take responsibility for your actions. No spin.
Inadvertently HAHAHAHAHHAHAHA nu yun nakita mo may mask yung employee instinct mo na bigla nalang hablutin?
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Lopez and Cansino have both shared that they have been attempting to reach out to the carnival employee to apologize in person.
“I am sorry for any harm that I have caused, and I am committed to learning from this experience. I will do my best to be more mindful of my actions in the future,” said Lopez. “I will make every effort to remember that what I do reflects on the values of my family, my team, and the university I represent.”
It looks like the Fighting Maroons are hoping to put 2023 behind them as best as they can.
(MDB)