World No.3 pole vaulter and Filipino Olympian Ernest John Obiena took to social media his frustration over false claims that he endorses gambling, which he vehemently denied.
"I am dragging myself to share stuff like this but it’s necessary to inform all of you that I don’t endorse gambling!!!," Obiena said in a Facebook post on September 18.
According to the 28-year-old athlete, he carefully chooses the products or brands he will promote or endorse, and it’s never 'just about the money'.
He emphasized that the product or brand must be something he can believe in, that doesn’t undermine his values, and that supports a healthy and thriving society.
"The latter is why I have refused to endorse alcoholic products and/or gambling businesses. Whilst both may be legal, it is irrefutable both are regulated for a reason, and both are restricted from children," Obiena said.
"I recognise I have a platform that could influence kids and I understand and embrace this responsibility with honor and humility. I won’t hence endorse products like this," he added.
Obiena said that some companies attempt to link him, his name, and his image to such things that he does not want to be associated with like casinos, without his approval.
"Whilst my lawyers are pursuing this kind of “Guerilla” marketing legally, I wanted to in-parallel tell everyone directly I am in no way endorsing any alcohol or gambling related products. Ever. Never ever," Obiena said in closing.
Meanwhile, in a post on X, ArenaPlus apologized to Obiena for the unapproved use of his image and name by the sports betting online platform.
ArenaPlus is truly sorry to Mr. EJ Obiena and will work harder to ensure it doesn't happen again. We have learned from our recent missteps and are committed to being more mindful and doing better for our sports community & Filipino athletes. pic.twitter.com/MiGTtmFKew
— ArenaPlus (@arenaplusph) September 20, 2024
