Balkman issues public apology after 'The Choke'

MANILA, Philippines -- Former NBA player Renaldo Balkman issued a public apology after losing his cool in a bizarre ending of the Petron Blaze Boosters' 73-83 loss to the Alaska Aces last night. 

Balkman was limited to only six points after averaging a tournament-best 28.2 points in leading the Blaze Boosters to the top of the standings with a 5-1 win-loss record. The frustrating night turned to worst in in the dying seconds of the lost game when he tried to confront the referees for what he perceived was a non-call. Balkman shoved Petron assistant coach Biboy Ravanes, and teammates Ronald Tubid and Arwind Santos, who were trying to pacify him. He strangled Santos by the neck when the 6-4 Petron star pushed him back.

Balkman went to Twitter last night to apologize to his teammates, the Petron organization and the PBA.  

The ex-New York Knick and Denver Nugget immediately apologized to his teammates in the dugout after the emotional loss that snapped Petron's five-game win streak. San Miguel Corporation sports director Noli Eala dismissed that it was just an off-night for the 6-6 import and that he will stay with the team.