Ex-NBA player banned: Renaldo Balkman has been banned from the professional basketball league in the Philippines for his inappropriate on-the-court behavior.
Days ago, Balkman was caught on camera getting into a fight with referees and his own teammates after a ref refused to call a foul on a play. The non-call clearly frustrated Balkman, who began to act out because of it.
Shoving his teammates and appearing inconsolable, Balkman then was approached by Arwind Santos, Renaldo’s own teammate. Renaldo, upset, shoved Santos away. Santos then shoved Balkman back.
That’s when Balkman took both hands, placed them around Arwind’s neck, and appeared to choke his teammate.
Now, the basketball league has had enough. And because of Balkman’s prior indiscretions, the league felt it had no choice but to ban the ex-NBA player.
"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," said league commissioner Chito Salud.
"I do encourage passion for the game but I also want to firmly instill a culture of accountability among our players. If one does something that violates the rules and the norms of sportsmanship and decent behavior, he will be made accountable."
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