Meralco Bolts big man Cliff Hodge served a one-game ban and paid a P100,000 fine after a hard foul on Magnolia Hotshots ace Zavier Lucero during a recent PBA Philippine Cup clash.
After serving a one-game suspension and paying a P100,000 fine, Cliff Hodge vowed not to end up in such a situation again.
The hardworking Meralco forward was punished after what appeared like a wrestling move on Magnolia's Zavier Lucero in the dying seconds of their match last May 14.
The Bolts wound up losing, 92-117.
“It's great to be back. Of course, you never want to get suspended for any extracurricular activities. But I served my suspension and it kind of let me reflect on being a better role model to everyone,” he said after the Bolts picked up back-to-back victories via a 108-92 decision over NLEX in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup on Sunday, May 25.
“I know I've got to control my emotions, and I tried my best today. I think I did a little bit better than that, so it's good to come out a little bit better.”
[ALSO READ: Cansino delivers while holding fort for injured Allein Maliksi: 'CJ embraced it’]
Hodge finished with 12 points, five rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block in his return.
It was a lesson learned for Hodge, who was meted a suspension for the first time in his 12 years of playing in the league.
“It was my first time [to be suspended], and I actually didn't know that you couldn't go to the game. I was going to go to the game, and they were [saying], 'No, you can't.' I was like, 'Oh, OK,'” said the league veteran.
“Well, I have to serve it. It was my first time getting suspended in my whole career, which is kind of crazy, 12 years in the league. But I hope it never happens again, for sure," he said.
The hefty fine, the 37-year-old added, would certainly make him think twice about committing the same act in the future.
“That will definitely make me think about doing anything dirty or just trying to stay solid and play good defense,” Hodge said.
After the encounter with Lucero, which also ended up in a bench-clearing altercation, Hodge apologized to the Magnolia rising star via social media and admitted he was in the wrong.
“I messaged him on Instagram. I just apologized personally. I just told him how I feel, [that] it wasn't anything personal or anything like that; it was just something that happened. It wasn't supposed to happen, and I told him that it was my fault. I'm glad he didn't get hurt, so it's good,” Hodge said.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Trillo glad Cliff Hodge apologized after hard foul vs Zavier Lucero]
With Hodge back, things are starting to be looking up for the Bolts, who scored back-to-back victories for a 5-5 card.
But it’s only about to get harder as the defending champion is set to clash against playoff rival Ginebra.