Marikina Shoemasters head coach Elvis Flores Tolentino received a tremendous amount of criticism on social media after he was spotted badly treating one of their players amid their Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) game on June 27, 2023.
In the said video, taken during a timeout that was called 14 seconds before the game ended, Tolentino confronted one of their players Felipe Chavez.
When the two approached each other, Tolentino struck Chavez in his stomach, making the Marikina point guard writhe.
Marikina lost to Pasig City MCW Sports 66-71.
The said incident received criticism on social media, and netizens urged the MPBL officials and Marikina Shoemasters to remove Tolentino from the team for his temper.
Aside from being a coach, Tolentino is also a public official, sitting as one of the councilors of Marikina City.
Netizens urged the City Government of Marikina to investigate the said incident, calling Tolentino’s action as unethical.
Several celebrities, including Rendon Labador, reacted to the actions made by Tolentino, urging the coach not to put the blame on his players.
“Elvis Flores Tolentino huwag mo sana isisi ang kat*ng*han mong mag coach sa mga players. RESPETO SA MGA ATLETA!!! #stayMotivated,” Labador said.
As of writing, Tolentino has yet to give any statement on the issue.