The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) had just decided to slap General Santos Warriors Michole Sorela with a lifetime ban and a Php200,000 fine after brutally punching Mindoro Tamaraws forward Jonas Tabayan. The incident has sent shockwaves across the internet, and many condemned Sorela’s uncalled-for act, calling for his license to be revoked or even worse, for him to be arrested. However, an old assault incident from a decade ago pops back out, allowing fans to learn more about Michole Sorela’s history of violence.
MPBL didn’t take long to act on Sorela’s unacceptable behavior and immediately removed the veteran big man from the league. Sources reported that Tabayan suffered a broken jaw, concussion, busted lip, and even a fractured shoulder after being sucker punched in the middle of the game on Monday, August 11. It seemed like it was just a casual matchup between two southern teams, but things suddenly got out of hand after Sorela swung his right hand towards Tabayan’s face, sending the 6-foot-3 forward to the hospital. Even worse, Sorela taunted Tabayan who was lying down on the floor and obviously in extreme pain.
The worst part is that it wasn’t even a heated altercation. Sorela just decided right then and there to strike, without warning and without Tabayan looking. It wasn’t an all-out brawl like the “Malice in the Palace” or when punches were thrown between the Gilas vs Australia in an intense scuffle in 2018.
Which Brings Us Back Ten Years Ago, Where Sorela Was Also Involved in Another Violent Misconduct
Back on September 10, 2015, when he was still playing for San Beda University in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), the Red Lions faced their long-time rivals, the Perpetual Help Altas, in a regular season matchup. It was just a normal game, albeit intense, but just the usual collegiate matchup. However, things took a dark turn when Michole Sorela took a cheap shot at Kevin Oliveria in a heated moment.
Unlike Tabayan, Oliveria recovered quickly and continued to play while Sorela was called with a disqualifying foul after punching an opponent, which automatically meant he would be given a 1-game suspension. Sorela’s college career wasn’t illustrious. He was just a benchwarmer, and although he was a tall athlete, his most memorable highlight—or in this case, a lowlight—was after punching Perpetual’s star player.
A decade has already passed, but Sorela just didn’t change; he even became worse. After a series of crash-outs, people are now calling for the GAB (Games and Amusements Board) to revoke Sorela’s professional license. Moreover, due to the magnitude of the damage that was inflicted by his actions, he may face serious legal charges. Former PBA player turned actor, Mark Andaya, even dubbed it “attempted homicide” after how terrible Jonas Tabayan got injured from a single punch.
The 6-foot-5 big man was drafted 27th overall in 2015 by Talk ‘N Text but never made an impact and was just a passing name in the league. Almost ten years later, he would see action again after being recruited by the General Santos Warriors (then South Cotabato Warriors) back in 2024. Unfortunately, one wrong decision would most likely lead to his ultimate demise. Unlike John Amores, Michole Sorela may be in serious trouble with an assault case not far-fetched. Isn’t it funny that he’d be on the basketball court on Monday and could suddenly be showing up for a hearing in a trial court the next day?
