THE MPBL has suspended Marikina coach Elvis Tolentino for one game and fined P75,000 for hitting Felipe Chavez during their game against Pasig last week.
Elvis Tolentino suspended, fined
Tolentino was sanctioned after his actions were caught on camera, a video of which recently went viral.
The league deemed Tolentino’s action as “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,” said MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes.
Tolentino’s action happened with 14.7 seconds left in the game eventually won by Pasig after Chavez committed a turnover.
Most netizens have condemned Tolentino’s act, but some, including those inside the basketball community, also said that the action is also normal and part of ‘tough love’ of a coach to a player.
The Games and Amusements Board is also investigating the matter.
Tolentino will serve the suspension on Tuesday when Marikina faces Paranaque in Calapan, Occidental Mindoro.
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