PBA Commissioner: Lifetime Ban on Balkman, Fined 250K

Renaldo Balkman met with the Commissioner at the PBA Office following his meltdown that involved teammate Arwind Santos, among other players, during a match against the Alaska Aces last Friday, March 8. The league commissioner has decided to impose a lifetime ban on Balkman, which will keep him from playing in the league in the future, on top of a PhP 250,000 fine. 

The announcement was made Monday afternoon and was published on the league's official Twitter account, with several media personnel in tow to hear the commissioner's announcement. 

The decision came after an untoward incident that took place in the midst of Balkman's worst game in the league so far. He has played tremendous for the Petron Blaze Boosters giving them five straight wins before the night of March 8. But with only six points under his name and a looming loss against the Aces for solo leadership position, Balkman lost it and started shoving his teammates and choked Petron's team captain, Arwind Santos, who were only trying to pacify him as he complained to the referees. 

Balkman has issued a public apology following the incident. In today's meeting with the commissioner, all players and coaches of the Petron Blaze Boosters joined him to show their support. However, PBA commissioner Salud issued the following statement behind their decision to impose the lifetime ban on the import:

You can read the rest of the PBA Commissioner's statement here. What did you think of the verdict?