PBA: Cliff Hodge brushes off Yeng Guiao’s comments

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

MANILA, Philippines—Meralco forward Cliff Hodge was quick to brush off Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao’s most recent remarks about him.

After the Elasto Painters’ 85-83 win over the Bolts in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday, Guiao had some choice words for Hodge, who collided with Rain or Shine guard Adrian Nocum in the third quarter.

Guiao called Hodge the “dirtiest player in the PBA,” and a “danger to his fellow players.”

‘NO HARD FEELINGS’

WATCH: Cliff Hodge responds to coach Yeng Guiao’s remarks about him and quickly brushes off animosity. #PBA50 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/cQI24YMWN8

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) August 2, 2026

Hodge seemed to be unaffected by the comments and said he has “no hard feelings” toward Guiao.

“Coach Yeng always hasn’t liked me, so whatever he says, it’s okay. I play hard for my team, that’s all I do,” he told reporters.

“Coach Yeng is coach Yeng. You guys know, everyone knows and the world knows how he is. He likes to say that, I’ll let him say that. That’s his personality. No hard feelings from me.”

Hodge also explained his side of the story that saw him and Nocum both helped off the floor. Both were able to return to action late in the game.

At the 4:06 mark of the penultimate period, Nocum drove the lane and collided with Hodge, who claimed that he was going for a charge.

“I saw him coming full speed, I went for a charge and at the moment, he sidesteps right into my knees and dished it so we both fell on the ground.”

Guiao and Hodge have had some history together. Back in 2014, Guiao called Hodge a “mongoloid” after the latter hit then-Elasto Painter Raymond Almazan, who’s now with the Bolts.

The veteran tactician was fined P100,000 and would later apologize for using the derogatory term, but added the “apology does not extend to Cliff Hodge.”