Meralco forward Cliff Hodge has been suspended for one game and fined ₱100,000 by the PBA Commissioner’s Office following a flagrant foul on Magnolia rookie Zavier Lucero, the league announced Friday.
Magnolia assistant coach Mon Jose was likewise slapped with a one-game suspension and a ₱20,000 fine for headbutting Hodge during the heated altercation that occurred in the closing minutes of Magnolia’s dominant 117-93 victory over Meralco on Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup.
The incident took place with 2:16 left in the game, when Hodge committed a hard foul that brought down Lucero, sparking tensions on both benches.
Jose confronted Hodge during the ensuing commotion and was caught on video delivering a headbutt.
Both Hodge and Jose were summoned by PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial on Friday to explain their side.
After hearing both parties, Marcial handed down the penalties and issued a stern warning that any future infractions of a similar nature would result in harsher sanctions.
