PBA suspends players, officials over game altercation

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) imposed disciplinary actions on Friday following incidents during a game between Meralco and Magnolia last Wednesday, May 14.

Cliff Hodge of Meralco was suspended for one game and fined P100,000 for taking down Zav Lucero with a flagrant foul near the end of the fourth quarter; Hodge will miss his team's upcoming game against Blackwater on Wednesday, May 21.

Magnolia assistant coach Mon Jose received a one-game suspension and was fined P20,000 after headbutting Hodge during the same altercation.

League commissioner Willie Marcial warned both parties to control their emotions, emphasizing severe consequences for repeat offenses.

Deputy commissioner Eric Castro and technical head Bong Pascual were each banned for one playdate after failing to properly penalize Hodge's dangerous foul on Lucero.