Cone, Chot, players air their views on Balkman punishment
Notable basketball personalities took to Twitter to give their reactions after PBA Commissioner Chito Salud slapped Petron Blaze import Renaldo Balkman a lifetime ban plus a hefty fine of P250,000 following his complete meltdown that ended with a stunning choke on teammate Arwind Santos at the tail-end of the Boosters’ 73-83 defeat against the Alaska Aces last Friday night.
“Wow!” was SanMig Coffee coach Tim Cone’s initial reaction then expounded his point.
Wow! I was going to tweet about last night's game, but that's old news now. Not sure what to say about Balkman ban. Wow!
— Tim Cone (@manilacone) March 11, 2013
If the Balkman incident had happened in practice or in the locker room, then you could MAYBE smooth it out, but on National TV? Mahirap.
— Tim Cone (@manilacone) March 11, 2013
I'm not saying I necessarily agree with the ruling, but I am saying because it happened on primetime TV, it forced the commissioner's hand.
— Tim Cone (@manilacone) March 11, 2013
Cone added the 6-foot-8 Balkman has no other choice but to accept his fate.
@gnorwood5 Thanks, Gabe. Tough call for Balkman's career. I feel for him, but sometimes you make your own bed and gotta lay in it.
— Tim Cone (@manilacone) March 11, 2013
Stressing the decision was just, national team coach Chot Reyes is convinced the Boosters can use this incident as a rallying point in their championship drive.
Perfect time now for Petron 2 show its character. @thebigols will use this as motivation. If theyre able to regroup i see them sa FINALS
— Chot Reyes (@coachot) March 11, 2013
In light of the sanctions to Don A & Wynne A, + his headbut history + his attack on Alaska bench preseason, the Balkman decision was just
— Chot Reyes (@coachot) March 11, 2013
RELATED: Balkman: I'm not a bad guy
Balkman’s teammate, Dorian Peña, couldn’t hide his disappointment.
Super Ouch!!!!!!
— Dawg4PetronBlaze™ (@4TheRealDawg) March 11, 2013
Rain or Shine wingman Gabe Norwood, meanwhile, was surprised, saying he expected a suspension but not a ban.
@b3st_intheworld not in the position to say what's fair.But I was expected a suspension not a ban
— Gabe Norwood (@GNorwood5) March 11, 2013
Amateur cagers Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo and San Beda’s Melo Lim also tweeted their reactions.
Balkman lifetime ban? Wow. This is interesting. Im comish has his points. #Respect
— Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) March 11, 2013
Chito Salud should be the commissioner for the next 20 years. Respect.
— Melo Lim (@carmeloman5) March 11, 2013