Meralco Bolts forward Cliff Hodge. PBA Images.MANILA — The Meralco Bolts defended veteran forward Cliff Hodge following the remarks made by Rain or Shine Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao.
In a statement, Meralco said it was unfair for Guiao to "unjustly" label Hodge as the "dirtiest player in the PBA" after the veteran forward collided with Rain or Shine star guard Adrian Nocum in the third quarter of their PBA Season 50 Governorss’ Cup match on Sunday.
READ: Guiao says Hodge 'dirtiest player' in the PBA — 'He's a danger to other players'
"We therefore take very strong exception to the unfair, unfounded and unprofessional statement that the head coach of Rain or Shine, Coach Yeng Guiao, uttered in public during his post-game interview against our player, Mr. Cliff Hodge, whom he unjustly maligned in public," the statement read.
READ: Nocum shakes off injury scare after collision with Hodge
"Coach Yeng's malicious imputations against Cliff are uncalled for and have no place in a professional league such as the PBA," Meralco added.
The team said Hodge was simply doing his job, one that has helped establish him as one of the league's top defenders.
"Cliff Hodge has been a Defensive Player of the Year awardee and named to the All-Defensive Team multiple times through the years because of the energy and passion that he has been known to play with, and this should not be taken against him," the team said.
"In the play involving Adrian Nocum, Cliff simply stepped in to try to draw a charge while in a defensive stance. The contact was incidental and should not be misconstrued as a dirty play."
The team added that it does not condone unprofessional conduct, whether in the PBA or in the other leagues in which the Bolts also compete.
"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," the team said. "We take immense pride in the intensity and passion of our players whenever they play and compete on the basketball court."
Hodge, for his part, said there were no ill feelings between him and Guiao.
READ: Hodge says no hard feelings against Yeng Guiao after 'dirtiest player' remark
"That's his personality, so no hard feelings for me," he said in a separate interview.
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