Balkman accepts PBA decision, vows 'it will never happen again'

MANILA, Philippines -- Banned PBA import Renaldo Balkman has already accepted his fate. 

The 6-6 former Petron import, who was meted by a lifetime ban and Php 250,000 fine for his bizarre emotional outburst Friday night that ended with him choking his teammate Arwind Santos, went to Twitter to thank the PBA fans and his team for his short stint in the league yesterday. 

Balkman averaged 25 points, 13.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.7 blocks in leading the Petron Blaze Boosters to a 5-2 win-loss card. The 2006 20th overall choice by the New York Knicks in the NBA has appealed for a second chance but his personal track record of melting down and the interest of the league carried weight on PBA Commissioner Chito Salud's landmark decision.