Banned TNT import Johnson: ‘The devil is working overtime’

Jane Bracher

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Banned TNT import Johnson: ‘The devil is working overtime’
The 31-year-old Tropang TNT import rants on his Twitter account after the PBA banned him for hurling profanities at league commissioner Chito Narvasa

MANILA, Philippines – Banned import Ivan Johnson was expectedly unhappy about being slapped a lifetime ban plus a P250,000 fine on Saturday, February 13, in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The 31-year-old Tropang TNT reinforcement ranted on his Twitter account after the PBA banned him for hurling profanities at league commissioner Chito Narvasa, who had to be restrained by media bureau chief Willie Marcial as he stood up and pointed a finger at Johnson.



Johnson, who immediately left the PhilSports Arena at halftime, was ejected at 4:21 of the second period after incurring his second technical foul plus a flagrant foul penalty 1.

The San Antonio, Texas native and former Atlanta Hawks player was whistled for his first technical at the 9:02 mark of the second for second motion on Kelly Nabong. His flagrant foul came from elbowing Bryan Faundo on the face, and his second tech was after his encounter with the commissioner.

LIVID. PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa (right) is livid after TNT import Ivan Johnson cursed at him. Photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler

The comebacking import missed TNT’s first game as he served out a one-game suspension owing to a pre-conference punching incident during a tune-up game versus Blackwater. He was also fined P50,000 for the incident.

Johnson, who fast developed notoriety for his aggressive antics last season, finished with 9 points, 4 rebounds, and a block in close to 16 minutes of play.

Johnson was fined P150,000 as well during last year’s Commissioner’s Cup after bumping Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao during Game 1 of the finals.

The last import to be banned from the league is Renaldo Balkman for choking Petron Blaze teammate Arwind Santos in 2013.

The Tropa fell to the Bolts, 88-84.

Meralco coach Norman Black’s jaw dropped and his eyes widened upon learning during the post-game press conference that Johnson has been banned.

“Wrong move,” he said, when told Johnson cursed at the commissioner.

“Wow. That’s my reaction.” – Rappler.com

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