Guiao Labels Meralco’s Cliff Hodge ‘Dirtiest Player’ Following Dangerous Foul in Rain or Shine Victory

Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao sharply criticized Meralco Bolt Cliff Hodge after a contentious foul during their closely contested PBA Governors’ Cup game on Sunday. The Elasto Painters edged the Bolts 85-83 in a match marked by physicality and tension at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Manila.

The incident that sparked Guiao’s ire occurred in the third quarter with Rain or Shine holding a 66-63 lead. Adrian Nocum, driving aggressively to the basket, collided with Hodge in a play where the Meralco forward attempted to take a charge. The collision resulted in both players falling and Hodge being called for an unsportsmanlike foul, a decision that drew protests from Meralco’s head coach Luigi Trillo and Hodge himself.

After the game, Guiao did not hold back, labeling Hodge as the “dirtiest player in the league.” He expressed concern for player safety, emphasizing that Hodge’s repeated involvement in dangerous plays warranted league attention. Guiao pointed out that Hodge had deliberately stuck out his foot during the play, which led to the foul call and posed a risk to opponents.

Guiao’s comments highlighted a pattern of incidents involving Hodge that he believes endanger fellow players. He urged the PBA to review Hodge’s conduct, underscoring that such actions compromise the safety and integrity of the game.

In response, Hodge maintained that his intention was simply to take a charge and denied any malicious intent. He explained that as Nocum approached at full speed, he positioned himself to absorb the contact, but Nocum sidestepped into his knee before passing the ball, causing both players to fall. Hodge acknowledged Guiao’s criticism but dismissed it as part of the coach’s known demeanor, stating he harbors no hard feelings.

The game’s outcome improved Rain or Shine’s standing to 4-2, while Meralco slipped to 2-4 in the tournament. The narrow victory was a testament to the Elasto Painters’ resilience amid a fiercely competitive match.

Guiao’s remarks revive a longstanding tension between the two, recalling past incidents where he publicly criticized Hodge’s playing style. The coach’s call for league intervention reflects ongoing concerns about physicality and player safety in the PBA.

As the season progresses, the league may face pressure to address such conduct to ensure fair play and protect athletes from potentially harmful actions on the court. Meanwhile, both teams prepare for their upcoming fixtures with heightened awareness of the rivalry’s intensity.