Ex-NBA Player Renaldo Balkman Banned From the Philippines

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Renaldo Balkman

Renaldo Balkman

Former Knicks player Renaldo Balkman has been banned from the Philippines after choking a teammate in the heat of an argument, reports the New York Daily News.

Balkman was playing for the Petron Blaze Boosters in a Philippine Basketball Association game on Friday when the chaos broke out. The basketball player went over to an official to dispute a non-foul near the end of game against the Alaska Aces. When Petron assistant coach Biboy Ravanes noticed that Balkman’s behavior began to get aggressive, he intervened, but shoved back toward the bench. A technical foul was called and Balkman went for another official, prompting teammates to get involved. Boosters guard Ronald Tubin trying pulling him away, but was only shoved away. Forward Arwind Santos proceeded to restrain his angered teammate. That’s when Balkman grabbed Santos’ throat and briefly choked him.

Balkman received a lifetime ban from playing basketball in the Philippines and was fined with roughly $6,000 American dollars. The banned PBA player apologized to the association as well as to Santos on his Twitter.

Basketball Association commissioner Chito Salud said in a statement that while he encourages passion for the game, he took into consideration his disregard for the Philippines and his own teammates when punishing Balkman.

“I also took into consideration Balkman’s evident disregard for local and the host country’s sensibilities highlighted by his choking act on-court in full public view of his own team mate who was trying to pacify him,” Salud said. I do encourage passion for the game but I also want to firmly instil a culture of accountability among our players. If one does something that violates the rules and the norms of sportsmanship and decent behaviour, he will be made accountable.”

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