Balkman apologizes for hurting teammates in game vs Alaska

Games today:

Araneta Coliseum

4:15 p.m.- Air21 vs. Globalport

6:30 p.m.- Barangay Ginebra vs. San Mig Coffee

Petron Blaze import Renaldo Balkman has apologized for his much-talked-about outburst in the waning moments of the Boosters’ 73-83 loss to the Alaska Aces last Friday night.

“I want to express my deepest and sincerest apologies to all the PBA fans, particularly the Petron Blaze Boosters fans, for my behavior during the final seconds of our game against Alaska last Friday. I realize that my actions are wrong and unacceptable,” said Balkman in a statement e-mailed by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) to sportswriters.

Alaska had the game in the bag when Balkman lost his cool, gripping the Araneta Coliseum with tension.

Trouble started when Balkman was thwarted by the double-team defense of Cyrus Baguio and Alaska import Robert Dozier late in the game.

Balkman, who had stints with the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets in the NBA, confronted and made contact with a referee while asking for a foul.

Petron assistant coach Biboy Ravanes tried to restrain Balkman but was shoved by the six-foot-eight, 225-pound import.

Balkman walked toward the second referee in front of the Alaska bench and continued complaining. It was then that Balkman was assessed with a technical foul.

Balkman approached the third referee and continued barking. Teammate Ronald Tubid pacified Balkman, who slapped his teammate’s hand before shoving him.

Arwind Santos, Petron’s co-captain, intervened and asked their import to calm down. The two exchanged words until Santos pushed Balkman away. Balkman then choked Santos, who also placed his hand on the import’s neck before cooler heads prevailed.

“It was brought about by my frustration and passion, which I realize now are still no excuse for what I did. It brings me great pain to know I let so many people down and I vow not to let this unfortunate occurrence happen again,” said Balkman, who struggled in that game. He just finished with six points on a dismal three-for-18 shooting from the field.

Balkman said he has reached out to Santos and his family.

“Immediately after the game, I also apologized to the Petron management, coaching staff, my teammates, Arwind Santos and his family.  I am truly grateful and admire their concern for my welfare. I love the PBA and the Petron team and this incident will only make us stronger and even more trusting of each others’ abilities.”

Balkman was asked to appear before the Commissioner’s Office tomorrow. The Games and Amusement Board (GAB) is reportedly waiting for the PBA to take action before initiating its own move. The GAB reportedly warned that Balkman’s license could be suspended for his behavior.

Despite the incident, Petron will be keeping Balkman, according to SMC sports director Noli Eala. Balkman  averages 28.2 points a game in the Commissioner’s Cup.