Meralco's Hodge banned one game, fined P100K for hard foul on Magnolia’s Lucero

MANILA, Philippines -- The PBA has slapped Meralco Bolts forward Cliff Hodge with a P100,000 fine and a one-game suspension, following his hard foul on Magnolia’s Zav Lucero in their PBA Philippine Cup matchup on Wednesday.

The incident happened during Magnolia’s 117-92 win over Meralco.

Hodge, in the final minutes of their game, turned the ball over after Lucero’s steal. The veteran forward then seemingly took the head of the young Hotshots forward and almost slammed it on the floor.

This led the two players to exchange words as Lucero was understandably heated.

The penalties were slapped by the PBA on Friday, after Hodge and Magnolia assistant coach Mon Jose appeared before commissioner Willie Marcial.

Jose, for his part, was slapped with a P20,000 fine and a one-game suspension after headbutting Hodge.

“Marcial advised both Hodge and Jose to learn to control their emotions. He warned them and said that a repetition of the incident will be dealt with severely,” the PBA’s statement read.

The Hotshots are now holding a 6-0 record and will gun for a seventh straight win against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Sunday.

The 3-5 Bolts, meanwhile, will miss Hodge’s services during their matchup with the Blackwater Bossing on Wednesday.