Renaldo Balkman banned from Philipines Basketball Association after choking teammate

So remember over the weekend when I said I couldn’t envision a scenario where ex NBA player Renaldo Balkman stayed with his team, the Petron Blaze Boosters, after he choked up his teammate, Arwind Santos?  The Philipines Basketball Association has banned Balkman following the incident.

In addition to the ban, Balkman has been fined the equivalent of $6,100. In a statement, PBA commissioner Chito Salud cited Balkman’s history in the game, including a past head-butting incident when announcing the decision.

“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,”

“I do encourage passion for the game,” Salud says, “but I also want to firmly instill a culture of accountability among our players.”

What’s next? Back to the states? The D League? Today’s lesson, “Always have an exit plan.”