RONDAE Hollis-Jefferson was slapped with a P20K fine by the PBA Commissioner's Office for his role in the endgame commotion that marred the PBA Commissioner's Cup game between Rain or Shine and TNT last week.
The TNT import was penalized for going behind the bench of the Elasto Painters in the final 49 seconds of the heated match as he tried to go after a referee for calling a foul against his brother and TNT replacement import Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson.
His presence sparked a verbal altercation between him, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao and the rest of the Elasto Painters.
COLUMN: RHJ way out of line - literally and figuratively - in ROS incident
Appearing before PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, the former NBA player apologized for his actions and vowed 'it will never happen again.'
Hollis-Jefferson also apologized to coach Yeng, the Rain or Shine team, and to PBA fans in general.
While the 29-year-old Jordan naturalized player could no longer play for TNT as per league rule prohibiting an import from being replaced twice in the same conference, the PBA reiterated Hollis-Jefferson is still in the lineup of the Tropang Giga for their EASL (East Asia Super League) campaign.
Marcial said since TNT represents the PBA in the EASL, it also meant Rondae Hollis-Jefferson remains a player and employed by the telecommunication franchise.
"Sa EASL puwede pa siyang maglaro," said Marcial of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who serves as TNT import in the EASL along with his brother Rahlir.
Guiao was likewise given a P10K fine for flashing a middle finger at the former NBA player.
Rain or Shine won the game, 119-112, to clinch a berth in the quarterfinals.
The loss was a costly one for TNT as it suffered a third straight setback for a 4-6 record and in eighth place in the standings.
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