Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Renaldo Balkman’s dreams of returning to the PBA could soon be a reality.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that Balkman finally got the nod from former league chief Chito Salud to lift the ban imposed on the controversial import back in 2013.
“He wrote a letter of appeal then personally appeared in my office. But I didn’t decide just based on that,” said Marcial.
“I solicited the thoughts of commissioner Chito Salud and Arwind Santos. Both gave their thumbs up for the lifting of the ban.”
For his part, Salud believes the ban allowed Balkman to reassess himself and made him a better person.
“I trust that he has learned his lesson and has become a better person and a more disciplined athlete. Good luck to him,” said the former commissioner.
The Puerto Rican forward played for Petron in the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup where he averaged 25 points, 13.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.7 blocks per game.
However, he blew his gasket in the Blaze Boosters’ game against Alaska, shoving teammate Ronald Tubid and assistant coach Biboy Ravanes before choking teammate Arwind Santos.
He was fined P250,000 for his actions and was slapped with a lifetime ban.
Balkman returned to Philippine soil this year as import for San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the 2018 ASEAN Basketball League where he is averaging 23.8 points and 11.5 rebounds.
San Miguel still has the right of first refusal on Balkman, and any team that would want to enlist his services would need to secure a clearance from the Beermen first.