The Meralco Bolts have come to the defense of veteran forward Cliff Hodge after Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao once again labeled him "the dirtiest player in the PBA" following their PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup clash.
In an official statement released Monday, the Bolts said they "do not and will not condone any unprofessional conduct," emphasizing that everyone within the organization is expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, decorum, and sportsmanship both on and off the court.
The franchise, however, took strong exception to Guiao's latest remarks, describing them as "unfair, unfounded, and unprofessional."
"We take very strong exception to the unfair, unfounded, and unprofessional statement," Meralco said, adding that Guiao had "unjustly maligned" Hodge with comments that, according to the team, had no factual basis.
Meralco also defended Hodge's reputation, highlighting his credentials as a former PBA Defensive Player of the Year and a multiple-time member of the league's All-Defensive Team. The Bolts said his physical style of play has always been rooted in hard-nosed defense rather than an intent to injure opponents.
Addressing the controversial play involving Rain or Shine guard Adrian Nocum, Meralco maintained that Hodge was simply attempting to make a legitimate defensive stop.
"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," the statement read.
The Bolts added that Guiao's "malicious imputations" against Hodge were "uncalled for" and have no place in a professional league such as the PBA.
The statement came a day after Guiao reignited his long-running criticism of Hodge following Rain or Shine's 85-83 victory over Meralco on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The incident in question occurred with 4:06 remaining in the fourth quarter and Rain or Shine holding a 66-63 advantage. Nocum drove into the lane before colliding knee-to-knee with Hodge while attempting to pass the ball to Christian Manaytay. The impact left Nocum in visible pain on the floor, while Hodge was assessed an unsportsmanlike foul.
Following the game, Guiao expressed concern over Nocum's condition before once again directing criticism at Hodge.
"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."
