Renaldo Balkman spent six seasons in the NBA with the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets, playing only around 14 minutes per game and averaging 3.0 points and 1.9 rebounds. To this point, his professional career has been very forgettable. The meltdown he had on Thursday while playing in a Philippine Basketball Association game will likely be remembered forever.
According to GMA News, Balkman, who plays for the Petron Blaze Boosters, was upset with a non-call late in the game during a loss to the Alaska Aces. Balkman had attempted a hook shot with 26.7 seconds remaining and his team trailing by seven, and he felt that he had been fouled on the miss. That set the former Knick off, as he moved toward the officials and shoved his own teammates when they tried to stop him.
At one point, teammate Arwind Santos shoved Balkman back and Balkman responded by putting his hand on Santos’ throat. Someone wearing a denim vest eventually came out of the stands to calm Balkman down. Television announcers speculated the man may have been a friend.
Balkman later took to Twitter to apologize for his spaz-out.
I wld like to apologize to the fans, Petron Blaze, my teammates, the PBA and especially @tubidronald71 and @arwind029
— Renaldo Balkman (@R_Balkman32) March 8, 2013
I got caught up in the moment of a very intense game.I respect @arwind029 as a person & player.I am proud to be part of@petronblaze fam.
— Renaldo Balkman (@R_Balkman32) March 8, 2013
This was unintentional towards @arwindsotnas,I ama team player who always has the best interest of the team at heart.
— Renaldo Balkman (@R_Balkman32) March 8, 2013
That’s certainly not going to help his future NBA prospects. We have seen players choke opponents before during altercations on the court, but putting your hand on a teammate’s throat is a bit more rare. Somebody get this man a cold shower.
UPDATE: Balkman received a fine and lifetime suspension from the league.
Video via The Big Lead
