The coach and councilor blew his top.
The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) has started an investigation on basketball coach and councilor Elvis Tolentino, vowing "swift action" after he was seen hitting his own player during a game in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
The coach of the Marikina Shoemasters and a councilor in the second district of the city was seen yelling at his point guard, Felipe Chavez, after a crucial turnover in the game against the Pasig City MCW Sports.
The Shoemasters were down 71-66, with 14.7 seconds left in the game.
Tolentino yelled at Chavez during the timeout and hit him in the chest or stomach. The guard had his hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath during the break. Tolentino then grabbed Chavez's jersey and pulled the player towards him.
"Our priority is to uphold the integrity of the MPBL and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved," the GAB statement read.
"GAB remains dedicated to promoting the highest standards of sportsmanship and professionalism in all sporting events under our jurisdiction."
"Any actions that compromise the integrity of the game will not be tolerated."
Pasig won the game, improving to 11-6. Marikina, meanwhile, slid to a 7-10 record.