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| Michole Sorela could find himself facing legal actions for his "shocking and unacceptable" punch on Jonas Tibayan. MPBL (file photo) |
MANILA—The Mindoro Tamaraws are exploring the possibility of taking legal actions against GenSan Warrior Michole Sorela for his apparent sucker punch on Jonas Tibayan during their Monday night MPBL game at the Batangas City Sports Coliseum.
According to team owner Jennifer Cruz, Mindoro wants to hold Sorela accountable for hitting Tibayan on his face that led to a fractured jaw, chipped tooth, bloodied lip, and a broken shoulder.
"We acknowledge and support the lifetime ban imposed by the MPBL on Sorela. However, we are still awaiting the decision of the Games and Amusements Board on whether he will be stripped of his professional license to play. In addition, we are pursuing legal action to ensure accountability," said Cruz, currently the mayor of the Tamaraws' hometown of Pola, on Tuesday night.
In a moment uncharacteristic of Sorela, the six-foot-five forward, known as a level-headed player eversince his collegiate days with San Beda, suddenly hit Tibayan with 7:33 left in the third quarter of their game, knocking the latter out.
The former Gilas youth team member is currently at the New Era Hospital in Quezon City for further evaluation of the injuries he got.
"We strongly condemn the unsportsmanlike conduct of Michole Sorela of the GenSan Warriors against our player, Jonas Tibayan, during the recent MPBL game. Sorela’s on-court behavior was both shocking and unacceptable—a brutal act that has no place in the world of sports," Cruz further said.
The former actress concluded her statement by asking for prayers for the speedy recovery of Tibayan.
