Balkman apologizes on Twitter, to Santos’ mother

Renaldo Balkman. PBA IMAGES / Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — After apologizing to the entire Petron squad, spitfire import Renaldo Balkman did the same on Twitter for his stunning actions against his teammates Friday night.

Balkman, after a frustrating output in Petron’s 73-83 setback to Alaska, vented out his despair on the referees by, among others, shoving Ronald Tubid and choking Arwind Santos.

“I would like to apologize to the fans, Petron Blaze, my teammates, the PBA and  [Ronald Tubid] and [Arwind Santos],” Balkman tweeted (@R_Balkman32) past midnight.

“I got caught up in the moment of a very intense game. I respect [Arwind Santos] as a person and player. I am proud to be part of the [Petron Blaze] fam.”

“This was unintentional towards [Arwind Santos], I am a team player who always has the best interest of the team at heart,” Balkman also said.

And after patching things inside the locker room, the first person Balkman approached as he went out was Santos’ mother, Arceli, who was waiting at the backstage area.

“Nanghingi sya ng sorry, pero di na ako nagsalita kahit galit na galit ako sa kanya kanina,” said Mrs. Santos, who was sitting three rows behind the Boosters’ bench during the game.

“Gusto ko pa sana pagsabihan  kaya lang nagapproach sya eh, at halata ko naman na sorry sya kaya di na ako kumibo,” she added.

Mrs. Santos, though, couldn’t hide her dismay towards Balkman.

“Gusto ko sana sya tanungin kung bakit nya nagawa yun eh kakampi nya yun. Nag-worry ako sa anak ko [Arwind] kasi ang payat lang nun tapos sasakalin nya [Balkman] ng ganun. Disappointed ako sa kanya.”

First posted 11:37 am | Saturday, March 9th, 2013