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MPBL Slaps Lifetime Ban And P200K Fine On Michole Sorela After Brutal On-Court Punch
Photo credit: MPBL
The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has handed down one of its harshest penalties to date, imposing a lifetime ban and a ₱200,000 fine on General Santos Warriors player Michole Sorela after an on-court altercation left Mindoro Tamaraws forward Jonas Tibayan with severe injuries.
The incident occurred during the Warriors’ recent matchup against the Tamaraws, when Sorela delivered a punch to Tibayan that resulted in a broken jaw, concussion, busted lip, lost tooth, and a broken left limb. The blow also caused multiple lacerations inside Tibayan’s mouth, fractured his front teeth, and required hours of surgery to repair damage to his jaw and dental structure.
MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes minced no words in condemning the act.
“We condemn the incident and the MPBL won’t tolerate such actions,” Duremdes said. “It compromises the player’s safety and taints the league’s image. I’ve seen the worst in basketball, and this is one of them. The league has the full authority to impose sanctions on this deplorable behavior.”
Following the league’s review of game footage, Sorela was banned for life from participating in MPBL events and fined ₱200,000. The Gensan Warriors organization has also issued a statement distancing themselves from Sorela’s actions, reaffirming their commitment to sportsmanship and pledging to take internal disciplinary measures.
“We emphasize that such conduct is unacceptable and does not reflect the values of our team, our organization, or the sport of basketball,” the Warriors’ management said, while extending apologies to Tibayan, the Mindoro Tamaraws, the league, and fans.
The Tamaraws, for their part, expressed both outrage and resolve.
“Sorela’s on-court behavior was shocking and unacceptable — a brutal act that has no place in the world of sports,” the team said, adding that they fully support the MPBL’s lifetime ban. They also confirmed plans to pursue legal action and are awaiting the Games and Amusements Board’s decision on whether Sorela will lose his professional license.
Tibayan’s surgery has been deemed successful, with doctors managing to realign his teeth and secure his jaw with arch bars. While he is now in stable condition, his recovery is expected to take time. The Tamaraws have called on the basketball community to continue praying for his swift healing.
Legal proceedings against Sorela are set to move forward. As the MPBL and the broader basketball community grapple with the shocking incident, the league’s decisive action sends a clear message: violence has no place on the court.
The incident occurred during the Warriors’ recent matchup against the Tamaraws, when Sorela delivered a punch to Tibayan that resulted in a broken jaw, concussion, busted lip, lost tooth, and a broken left limb. The blow also caused multiple lacerations inside Tibayan’s mouth, fractured his front teeth, and required hours of surgery to repair damage to his jaw and dental structure.
MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes minced no words in condemning the act.
“We condemn the incident and the MPBL won’t tolerate such actions,” Duremdes said. “It compromises the player’s safety and taints the league’s image. I’ve seen the worst in basketball, and this is one of them. The league has the full authority to impose sanctions on this deplorable behavior.”
Following the league’s review of game footage, Sorela was banned for life from participating in MPBL events and fined ₱200,000. The Gensan Warriors organization has also issued a statement distancing themselves from Sorela’s actions, reaffirming their commitment to sportsmanship and pledging to take internal disciplinary measures.
“We emphasize that such conduct is unacceptable and does not reflect the values of our team, our organization, or the sport of basketball,” the Warriors’ management said, while extending apologies to Tibayan, the Mindoro Tamaraws, the league, and fans.
The Tamaraws, for their part, expressed both outrage and resolve.
“Sorela’s on-court behavior was shocking and unacceptable — a brutal act that has no place in the world of sports,” the team said, adding that they fully support the MPBL’s lifetime ban. They also confirmed plans to pursue legal action and are awaiting the Games and Amusements Board’s decision on whether Sorela will lose his professional license.
Tibayan’s surgery has been deemed successful, with doctors managing to realign his teeth and secure his jaw with arch bars. While he is now in stable condition, his recovery is expected to take time. The Tamaraws have called on the basketball community to continue praying for his swift healing.
Legal proceedings against Sorela are set to move forward. As the MPBL and the broader basketball community grapple with the shocking incident, the league’s decisive action sends a clear message: violence has no place on the court.
Aug 13, 2025
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