Yeng Guiao’s long-running criticism of Cliff Hodge resurfaced once again on Sunday, with the veteran Rain or Shine mentor branding the Meralco forward as the “dirtiest player in the league” following an incident involving Adrian Nocum late in the Elasto Painters’ 85-83 victory in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
With Rain or Shine holding a 66-63 lead and 4:06.2 left in the fourth quarter at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Nocum drove before attempting a pass to Christian Manaytay when he collided knee-to-knee with Hodge.
The collision left Nocum writhing in pain on the floor, prompting concern from the Rain or Shine bench.
Hodge was assessed an unsportsmanlike foul on the play.
“We were a bit nervous about what happened to Adrian,” said Guiao after the game as Nocum eventually returned and helped the Elasto Painters escape with the two-point victory.
Guiao then renewed a criticism he has repeatedly directed at Hodge since the latter entered the league in 2012.
(C) PBA Images
“Again, it’s Cliff Hodge. He’s the dirtiest player in the league, I think,” Guiao said.
“He’s a danger to the other players in the game. So, his record speaks for itself.”
The fiery coach doubled down on his comments, insisting the play endangered Nocum.
“Sinaksak niya paa niya kaya nga tinawagan na unsportsmanlike foul. Maraming incidents na ganoon na I think cause danger to the players,” he said.
“It’s always been a lot of situations or incidents where Hodge is involved. So, I think it’s a danger to his fellow players.”
The exchange adds another chapter to a feud that has stretched for more than a decade.
During the 2014 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals, Guiao blasted Hodge for what he described as physical play that was “way out of the rules.”
His remarks at the time included a slur that earned him a P100,000 fine from the league.
Eight years later, while coaching NLEX, Guiao again took issue with Hodge after Kevin Alas — then playing with a protective mask due to a fractured nose — was struck in the face during a layup attempt.
“Naka-mask na nga si Kevin. Alam natin may fracture siya sa ilong, pero parang sinadya ni Cliff Hodge eh,” Guiao said back then.
“So cheap shot ‘yun.”
(C) PBA Images
Hodge, however, shrugged off Guiao’s latest comments, maintaining that he was simply trying to make a defensive play.
“During that play, I was coming in to take a charge. Coach Yeng doesn’t like me, so whatever words he says, it’s okay. I play hard for my team. That’s all I do,” the 12-year pro from Hawaii Pacific said.
“Yeah, I saw him coming full speed. I went in to take a charge, and at that moment, as I was going to take the charge, he sidestepped right into my knee, then he dished it. That’s why we both went down.”
Despite Guiao’s strong words, Hodge insisted there was no animosity on his end.
“Yeah, I mean, Coach Yeng is Coach Yeng. You guys know, everyone knows, the world knows. He likes to do that, so just let him do what he does. That’s his personality,” said Hodge.
“So yeah, no hard feelings from me.”
