Tropang TNT import Ivan Johnson has been banned from playing in the PBA, the league announced Saturday.
Johnson was ejected in the first half of TNT’s Saturday match with Meralco after picking up two technical fouls on top of a flagrant foul penalty one.
The import then confronted PBA Commissioner Atty. Chito Narvasa and used profane language towards the commissioner.
The full statement from the Office of the Commissioner read:
“For addressing the Commissioner with profanities and showing utter disrespect for authority, Tropang TNT import Ivan Johnson has been banned from the PBA and fined P250,000.”
Johnson immediately left the venue even before the first half ended.
It was not the first time at Johnson has been banned from playing in a basketball league, as he was also banned the Korean Basketball League in 2010.
In his first stint in the PBA, Johnson had always been in the spotlight for his alleged dirty style of play, especially in the finals series against Rain or Shine where Elasto Painters Yeng Guiao always had comments about Johnson’s style of play.
Johnson was also involved in a scuffle during Game 4 of that Commissioner’s Cup finals when he rushed towards Rain or Shine’s JR Quinahan and appeared to have had a fighting stance.
Earlier this year, Johnson was involved in a fight with Blackwater players during a tune-up game which eventually merited a one-game suspension and a fine.
The PBA also banned former Petron import Renaldo Balkman in 2013 after he choked teammate Arwind Santos out of frustration after complaining about officiating.
