Filipino hoops star Ray Parks insisted his decision to skip the PBA season that led to his release from TNT and him signing with the Nagoya Dolphins of the Japan B League was done in “good faith.”

Parks explained his side as he starts a new chapter in his basketball career by joining a growing number of Filipinos who have pursued overseas stints in the Land of the Rising Sun.

“Everything that I did was in good faith and my heart was in the right place when it came to everything,” Parks told the Power and Play with Noli Eala program of Radyo Singko.

“It was very clear that I wanted to prioritize my family and take care of my family. I did not go into specifics of what or anything like that. But at the end of the day, I did everything with a good heart.”

The son of legend Bobby Parks made a stunning announcement in March when he revealed he will not play in the ongoing PBA season due to personal matters involving his family.

His decision was doubted by none other than TNT owner Manny Pangilinan, who questioned Parks’ reasons regarding his planned hiatus.

Parks pushed through with his sabbatical and kept a low profile on social media before TNT bared in July that it has cleared the do-it-all guard to play in the B League.

A month later, the Dolphins announced they have acquired the services of Parks under the Asian Player Quota system.

“When it comes to the miscommunication and all that, I’d humbled myself and just say I apologize for any misunderstanding, whether it may be the TNT family, the PBA, or even to the fans,” Parks said.

“I just hope that they give me the benefit of the doubt that my heart was in the right place. And going forward, that they can continue to support me in this journey,” he added.

“You may not like me, but hopefully, you can support me as a fellow kababayan in a foreign land trying to represent our country,” he continued.

Happy place

The 28-year-old admitted it hurt to hear what people said about him without knowing his side of the story.

He said it was also hard seeing his family – particularly his mother and sister – having to go through emotional distress as he became a subject of scrutiny for choosing to take a break from the PBA.

“That was the thing that hurt the most, to be honest. I’m fine with people crucifying my name and hurt me, but when it is the people that I love, that is when it really gets to me,” Parks said.

“I feel like I was being crucified for something that I did that was better off for me and my family. Yeah, it may be questionable from afar if you do not know the story. But if you are in my circle, then you know my character.”

Parks, though, is now in a good place.

Having not played competitive basketball for months, Parks seeks to breathe new life to a Nagoya squad that finished in the middle of the standings last B League season.

“You definitely cannot please everybody. That is one thing. But as long as your heart is in the right place, then God will vindicate you,” Parks said.

“I am happy now. Coming from a dark place like that, being away from the game, and just being in the shadows. It feels good to come out back to the light and be out there on the floor.” – Rappler.com