By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball (MPBL) has slapped Marikina Shoemasters coach Elvis Tolentino with a one-game suspension and a P75,000 fine for hitting his own player Felipe Chavez in their game against Pasig City last June 27.
The league made the announcement Tuesday, July 4, following the review and evaluation of the league’s management committee, led by its founder Manny Pacquiao and commissioner Kenneth Duremdes.
Duremdes already notified Tolentino through a memo regarding his punishment on Monday.
The league stated that “Tolentino’s actions of inflicting physical harm on a player is conduct unbecoming of a professional basketball coach.”
“We would like to reiterate our commitment to fostering a positive and safe environment that is free from violence and conducive to fair play, respect and sportsmanship for all players, coaches and staff members during every game and every event,” Duremdes said.
The sanction came after Tolentino’s actions were caught on camera and went viral on social media.
It happened when Tolentino called for a timeout after Chavez committed a turnover with 14.7 seconds left in the game where Marikina was trailing Pasig, 66-71.
With the boxing icon acting as the negotiator, Chavez, who arrived with his mother, and Tolentino settled the punching issue last Sunday.
Tolentino, according to a league insider, admitted he hit Chavez because he was caught up the heat of the moment.
