PBA: Rain or Shine urges stiffer penalties on Cliff Hodge

FILE–Meralco forward Cliff Hodge reacts during a game against Rain or Shine in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–A day after Meralco issued a statement defending Cliff Hodge, Rain or Shine released one of its own—this time urging the PBA Commissioner’s Office to impose stiffer penalties on the veteran forward.

The Elasto Painters’ statement was directed at the league office following coach Yeng Guiao’s remarks calling Hodge the “dirtiest player in the PBA.”

READ: PBA: Yeng Guiao calls Cliff Hodge ‘dirtiest player in the league’

“We fully recognize that basketball is a physical sport; however, sportsmanship and player safety must remain paramount. Mr. Hodge has repeatedly transgressed these boundaries, endangering the well-being of his fellow professionals,” the statement read.

“In light of this, we respectfully request that the Office of the Commissioner impose stiffer penalties for his actions against Mr. Nocum and implement proactive measures to prevent similar dangerous incidents in the future.”

FILE–Meralco forward Cliff Hodge reacts during a game against Rain or Shine in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

In the third quarter of Rain or Shine’s Sunday bout with Meralco, Hodge and Adrian Nocum figured in an on-air collision that left both men down on the floor.

While Meralco and Hodge himself deemed it a basketball play, Guiao didn’t feel the same.

Aside from citing Nocum’s near-injury, Rain or Shine also pointed to previous incidents involving Hodge that left players hurt.

READ: PBA: Meralco slams Guiao for ‘malicious imputations’ against Cliff Hodge

“Earlier in this conference, Mr. Hodge caused a laceration near the eye of our player, Mr. Deo Cuajao, which merited an unsportsmanlike foul. These recurring incidents along with numerous other hard hits delivered to players across the league demonstrate a consistent pattern of behavior.”

“While these actions are often dismissed or characterized as ‘accidental’ by him, they frequently result in bloody and potentially career-threatening injuries for aggrieved players. Notable recent examples include the severe hit on Mr. Mark Barroca in the May 2026 Commissioner’s Cup and the intentional foul on Mr. Zavier Lucero during last season’s Philippine Cup.”

League commissioner Willie Marcial has yet to respond to Rain or Shine’s formal request.