Talk about getting choked up.
Renando Balkman, who formerly played basketball for the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets, has been banned from the professional basketball league in the Philippines after he grabbed a teammate around the neck during a game, Reuters reported.
Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Chito Salud said Balkman would be fined 250,000 Philippine pesos (about $6,000) in addition to the ban.
Balkman reportedly choked teammate Arwind Santos when Santos tried to stop him from "venting his frustrations" at a referee, the article said.
In deciding to ban Balkman, Salud said he considered Balkman's past record, which included a head-butting incident, Reuters reported.
"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," Salud said, according to the article. "I do encourage passion for the game but I also want to firmly instill a culture of accountability among our players. If one does something that violates the rules and the norms of sportsmanship and decent behavior, he will be made accountable."
Balkman apologized several times on Twitter shortly after the incident. (Incidentally, Balkman's Twitter page still says he plays for the Knicks.)
"I accept all responsibilities fro my actions while playing an intense game, I have truly enjoyed my time here playing in the Philippines."
The 28-year-old also indicated an apology Santos, a person who he "would never intentionally harm."
Balkman's team, the Petron Blaze Boosters, went on to lose against the Alaska Aces 73-83.
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