Yeng Guiao labels Cliff Hodge ‘dirtiest player’ in PBA; Meralco takes exception
MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao did not hold back on his criticism of Cliff Hodge, calling the veteran Meralco forward the “dirtiest player” in the PBA.
This came after Hodge committed what officials deemed an unsportsmanlike foul on Adrian Nocum in the third quarter of the Elasto Painters’ narrow 85-83 win over the Bolts in the Governors’ Cup on Sunday, August 2.
Hodge slid into position in front of a driving Nocum in an attempt to take a charge, the two banging knees.
The collision left Nocum in visible pain as he clutched his left knee and cried out in agony, although he was able to get back on his feet and return to the game to finish with 6 points and 8 assists.
“We were a bit worried about what happened to Adrian. Again, it’s Cliff Hodge. There have already been so many incidents involving Cliff Hodge. He’s the dirtiest player in the league,” said Guiao in a mix of Filipino and English.
“Maybe the league should look into it. He’s a danger to the other players in the game. His record speaks for itself.”
Hodge also looked hurt following the collision, but he suffered a double whammy as the referees slapped him with an unsportsmanlike foul.
“There have been a lot of incidents that, I feel, cause danger to the players. There have been a lot of situations or incidents where Hodge is involved. I think he’s a danger to his fellow players.”
It was not the first time Guiao had some choice words for Hodge.
Back in 2014, Guiao also labeled Hodge a “danger to the league” and went further by using the term “mongoloid” to describe the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year.
Guiao later apologized for using the slur that historically referred to people with Down syndrome, but he stopped short of apologizing to Hodge.
For Hodge, though, Guiao’s latest tirades no longer came as a surprise.
“Coach Yeng always hasn’t liked me so whatever words he says, it’s okay. I play hard for my team, it’s all I do,” said Hodge.
“He likes to do that so I’ll just let him do what he does. That’s his personality. No hard feelings for me.”
Meralco takes exception
On Monday, August 3, the Bolts issued a statement taking “strong” exception to Guiao’s remarks, which they described as “unfounded and unprofessional.”
“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.
Meralco also defended Hodge, saying his style of play simply stems from his competitive drive.
“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,” said the Bolts.
“In the play involving Adrian Nocum, Cliff simply stepped in to try to draw a charge in a defensive stance position. The contact was incidental and should not be misconstrued as a dirty play.” – Rappler.com
