Captain Hook was man enough to admit it.
One of the more feel-good stories in the local basketball scene recently has been Mac Cardona.
The former PBA star had his fair share of troubles and controversies, especially during his final stretch in the league. He became a pariah because of his mercurial attitude, eventually bowing out of the PBA in 2017.
But in the last couple of years, Captain Hook has been on the path to redemption. Not just in basketball, but in life in general. He said he's now a "changed man," having reestablished his faith and refocused his worldview.
In his latest vlog, the 41-year-old Cardona opened up to his guest, former longtime rival Ronald Tubid, about the most difficult period of his PBA career.
"'Yung time na nasa Talk 'N Text (Tropang Texters) ako, na-depress ako. Nag-start 'yung parang na-down ako nung simula nung nag-champion kami tapos nag-iba na ugali sa'kin ni Coach Chot (Reyes). Parang nag-iba siya sa'kin," shared Cardona, referring to their title in the 2008-09 PBA Philippine Cup.
He didn't disclose further what happened between him and Reyes, although Cardona eventually got traded to the Meralco Bolts the following season.
"Nagulat ako, trinade niya ko," admitted Cardona, who was wearing his Talk 'N Text jersey.
But he also acknowledged that it was nothing personal between him and the decorated tactician. After all, it was under Reyes when Cardona blossomed in the PBA and was even named Finals MVP and Best Player of the Conference.
"Pero parte ng trabaho natin 'yun na ma-trade tayo," said Cardona, although he admitted that it stung when he was shipped out by Talk 'N Text. "Medyo nalungkot ako kasi as a player, mahirap sa'tin ma-trade. Masakit. Nag-build ka na ng relationship sa coach mo, sa teammates."
It was just one of the many challenges that Cardona later faced, which sent him into a downward spiral. But as he's said in the past, he has nothing but respect and love for Reyes.
Cardona has also recognized that previous hurdles in his life only made him stronger, allowing him to learn his lessons the hard way. Now, he's on the right path and hoping to inspire others who've been through a rough patch like him.