Yeng Guiao questions PBA ban on Jaylen Johnson, warns of precedent in heated Rain or Shine-TNT clash

The fiery encounter between Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and TNT Tropang Giga last Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum did more than ignite the crowd—it sparked debate over discipline in the league. 

It erupted late in the fourth quarter when Rain or Shine import Jaylen Johnson and TNT’s Glenn Khobuntin came to blows under the basket, leading to swift league sanctions.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial handed Johnson a one-game suspension and a P50,000 fine, while Khobuntin, identified as the instigator, received a two-game ban and a P70,000 fine. 

The ruling immediately drew criticism from Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao, who questioned the fairness and logic behind punishing his import for what he describes as self-defense.

“I question the fairness and the wisdom of the commissioner with this decision,” Guiao said a day after the sanctions were announced. 

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Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao said import Jaylen Johnson was only provoked, adding that sending in a trash player is one way to get under an opposing import’s skin. l Via Zeus Valdez#FastBreak #JaylenJohnson #GlennKhobuntin pic.twitter.com/5nWuUUE3Iz

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“Jaylen was punched first and he reacted in self defense, which is a totally rational human reaction. It was the officials’ incompetence and Khobuntin’s lost of temper that precipitated the incident. Jaylen was just reacting as a normal human being would, protect himself,” the 67-year-old veteran coach said.

The altercation unfolded in the final six minutes of the game as the two players wrestled for position. 

Khobuntin reportedly landed an uppercut to Johnson’s jaw, prompting the import to retaliate with a straight right before officials intervened. 

“It’s just too bad that it happened. Jaylen’s a good guy, but napikon siya dahil pinikon siya,” Guiao added, reflecting on the unfortunate chain of events.

Beyond defending his player, Guiao warned that suspending an import could set a troubling precedent in the league. 

“In a conference of unlimited height, suspending an import is practically gifting the other team a victory. This means we could’ve lost two games just by an inconsequential player throwing a punch on our import. This is a precedent we should avoid as a league,” he said. 

The coach added that Johnson’s absence could seriously impact the team’s chances, “The commissioner can suspend Khobuntin for two games or two years and it would not make a lot of difference for TNT.”

Despite the looming suspension, Johnson showcased his value on the court, putting up 33 points with nine rebounds and three assists, leading Rain or Shine to a narrow 112-109 victory over the Tropang 5G. 

However, Rain or Shine faces a critical challenge as they prepare to confront the Meralco Bolts on March 27 at the same venue, now without the presence of their fiery import.

Guiao’s public questioning of the PBA’s disciplinary measures adds a new layer of tension to the league, highlighting the debate over how on-court retaliation and self-defense should be addressed in professional basketball.

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