PBA: Renaldo Balkman chokes Arwind Santos

MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) – BalkManimal goes wild. 

After churning out strong performances and leading the Petron Blaze Boosters to 5 straight wins in the 2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, import Renaldo Balkman played poorly in the team’s latest game and released his frustration by holding his teammate Arwind Santos by the neck.

Balkman tallied just 6 points in an 83-73 loss to league-leading Alaska Aces. Before strangling Santos, Balkman was confronting the referees.

Petron’s Ronald Tubid and assistant coach Biboy Ravanes tried to calm the NBA veteran down but were shoved aside.

Balkman has since apologized to his teammates and to Santos’ mother and wife, saying that he regrets what he did and promising he would try to win more games for his teammates and fans.  

I wld like to apologize to the fans, Petron Blaze, my teammates, the PBA and especially @tubidronald71 and @arwind029

— Renaldo Balkman (@R_Balkman32) March 8, 2013

In a statement released in the league’s official social media accounts, PBA Commissioner Chito Salud said he will meet with Balkman on Monday, March 11, 2013, to give the import the chance to explain and be heard.

“From what I have seen, he would need to have a persuasive explanation to justify his behavior before our fans and the sporting public,” Salud said. 

“Our country deserves a convincing clarification from Mr. Balkman,” the Commissioner added.

– Rappler.com