Meralco slams Guiao for ‘malicious imputations’ vs Hodge

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao looks on during a game against Meralco in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The Meralco Bolts came to the defense of Cliff Hodge and slammed Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao for his remarks against the veteran forward.

Following Rain or Shine’s thrilling 85-83 win over Meralco, Guiao labeled Hodge as “the dirtiest player in the league” after a third-quarter incident saw Hodge colliding with Elasto Painters guard Adrian Nocum in the third quarter. The two players stayed down for a few minutes, but appeared OK after returning late in the game.

“Coach Yeng’s malicious imputations against Cliff are uncalled for and have no place in a professional league such as the PBA,” the team said in a statement.

“We hold all our coaches, players, and staff to always observe the highest level of professionalism, decorum, and conduct in all the games we play here and abroad.”

READ: PBA: Rain or Shine continues hot streak, escapes Meralco

Guiao didn’t mince words against Hodge, whom he also described as a “danger to his fellow players.”

“Sinaksak niya yung paa niya (he stuck out his foot). There have been similar incidents that I think cause danger to the players. It’s always been a lot of situations or incidents that Hodge is involved,” the multi-titled mentor said during the post-game presser.

The 38-year-old Hodge said he was trying to draw an offensive foul on Nocum, who was driving down the lane.

READ: PBA: Cliff Hodge brushes off Yeng Guiao’s comments

“I saw him (Nocum) coming full speed, I went for a charge and at the moment, he sidesteps right into my knees and dished it so we both fell on the ground,” he recalled.

Hodge didn’t seem affected by Guiao’s latest comments against him that came more than a decade since the veteran tactician referred to him in a derogatory term.

“Coach Yeng is coach Yeng. You guys know, everyone knows and the world knows how he is. He likes to say that, I’ll let him say that. That’s his personality. No hard feelings from me,” said Hodge.