STORY:
Titan Ultra Giant Risers team manager Aldrianne Anglim maintained that the organization will not enter a public dispute following comments from PBA legends Gerry Esplana and Jerry Codiñera regarding the collapse of their planned involvement with the franchise.
Anglim, in an exclusive interview, emphasized the team’s respect for all parties and the confidentiality of the negotiations.
“Out of respect to all parties, we prefer not to engage in a back-and-forth regarding private negotiations,” he said. “Each person involved has their own expectations, and as management, we also have our own internal budget, guidelines, and structures that we need to follow.”
While Esplana and Codiñera expressed disappointment over the breakdown of talks, with Esplana saying he felt disrespected and disputing claims about their asking price, Anglim clarified that both sides conducted the discussions professionally.
“What I can say is that discussions were conducted professionally on both sides,” he noted. “Any figures mentioned publicly may differ depending on interpretation, timing, or context, but we stand by the confidentiality of our negotiation process.”
Reports earlier indicated that Titan Ultra initially considered Esplana as team governor, Codiñera as head coach, and Allan Caidic as team manager before ultimately choosing a different direction and proceeding with John Cardel.
Despite the fallout, Anglim stressed that the organization holds no ill will toward the trio.
“We respect both Jerry and Gerry and wish them the best in their careers,” he said.
No formal contract was signed, and Titan Ultra shifted its staffing strategy shortly before the start of its inaugural season. (JNV)
