After five years, Renaldo Balkman, Arwind Santos, and the PBA can say they have moved on.
Last Tuesday, the commissioner’s office of the PBA and former league commissioner Chito Salud finally closed a dark chapter in the league’s illustrious history after lifting their lifetime ban on Balkman.
Now 33 years old, San Miguel Alab Pilipinas’ World Import could not help but be relieved that a thorn in his side has finally been removed after all those years of carrying it.
“I’m willing to come back. It’s a great thing,” shared Balkman after powering Alab to a 110-100 win over the Saigon Heat, Sunday evening.
“Five years ago, I did something. When they called and let me know, I was kinda relieved.”
Ever since that incident that saw him confront all three game officials, shove his assistant coach and teammate Ronald Tubid, and choke Santos, the 6-foot-8 big man has played all over the world, including his home country of Puerto Rico. Five years later, he was able to find himself back in the Philippines.
And he feels that the experience and maturity he gained helped change the PBA’s perception of him that led to the reconciliation.
“I’m a basketball player. I don’t think it’s just the ABL. I’ve been playing basketball a long time. probably, they haven’t seen me in a while, so it could be that. But as a basketball player, I come out there and play every game like it’s my last. I didn’t expect this to happen,” the 20th overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft added.
“Thank you to the PBA, they lifted my ban.”
Still, Balkman is not getting his hopes up for an immediate call-up back to the PBA. All he is focused on right now is to lead Alab to the championship.
“I came here to win a championship for Alab. The PBA came while I’m out here, that’s great, that’s a plus for me.”
