Cliff Hodge Summoned by PBA Over Dangerous Foul on Zavier Lucero — Suspension Should Follow
The PBA Commissioner’s Office has summoned Meralco Bolts forward Cliff Hodge for a dangerous and unnecessary foul on Magnolia rookie Zavier Lucero during the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s PBA Philippine Cup match at the Philsports Arena.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that the league’s technical committee is still thoroughly reviewing the incident, which occurred at the 2:16 mark with the game already well in hand for Magnolia. Hodge, after committing a turnover, appeared to bring Lucero down with a wrestling-style tackle around the neck area, a move that caused tempers to flare and ignited a scuffle that spilled over near the scorer’s table.
Lucero was visibly upset by the act and confronted Hodge, leading to a sideline altercation that forced Marcial and other PBA officials to intervene.
“Tinitingnan ngayon ng technical (committee), mag-uusap kami later tapos pinatawag namin bukas ‘yung mga na-involve,” said Marcial, adding that several individuals—including coaching staff—may also be summoned for their roles in the chaos that followed.
Lucero was direct in his assessment of the play, labeling it as dirty and unnecessary, especially given that Magnolia was already ahead by a wide margin, 117-92.
“All I hope is that the league does something about it. It’s not basketball. If you continue to let those things happen, then I don’t know what kind of league it is,” Lucero said after the game.
Hodge, in defense, said he was simply trying to prevent an easy basket and hoped Lucero wouldn’t take the foul personally. He also claimed that a Magnolia assistant coach headbutted him during the altercation, something the league is now also looking into.
Why the PBA Must Suspend Cliff Hodge
This is not an isolated incident. Hodge has built a reputation for playing on the edge—and sometimes beyond it. While physicality is part of the game, there’s a clear line between a hard foul and a dangerous, reckless act that could seriously injure a fellow player.
This latest play wasn’t just a basketball foul. It was a wrestling move in a game that was already decided. Intent or not, the result was a dangerous takedown that could have led to injury. In a professional league that markets itself as family-friendly and competitive, there is no room for such behavior.
The league must send a message—not just to Hodge, but to every player—that reckless fouls have consequences. A fine is not enough. A warning is not enough. A suspension is warranted, not out of vengeance, but out of a need to protect players, ensure sportsmanship, and preserve the integrity of the league.
Failure to act decisively would only reinforce the troubling notion that dangerous play is tolerated in the PBA, so long as it comes from a veteran or a team favorite. For the sake of player safety and league credibility, Cliff Hodge must be suspended.
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