Ex-NBA Player Banned, Renaldo Balkman Chokes Teammate Arwind Santos in Philippines [PHOTO]: Barred from Basketball Association

Reports confirm that ex-NBA player Renaldo Balkman was recently banned from the Philippine Basketball Association after choking fellow Petron Blaze Boosters teammate, Arwind Santos. Apparently, the former New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets star was not happy with one referee during the PBA Commissioners Cup game, and decided to take out his anger on those around him. Things got so heated that Balkman ended up shoving Santos and putting his hands around his throat before other teammates stepped in to restrain the 6'8" forward. He was promptly barred from the basketball league for continued misconduct.

According to reports, just seconds before losing the PBA Commissioners Cup game to the Alaska Aces (83-73) on Friday (March 8), Balkman got angry with one ref over a non-call. He then argued with all three referees, making minor physical contact which resulted in a technical foul. When the coaching staff and fellow teammates attempted to calm Balkman down as he stormed off the court, he pushed and shoved them around too. Balkman couldn't control his anger, and ended up shoving Santos - hard. The 31-year-old Filipino basketball star pushed back, and that's when Balkman full-out attacked. He had his hands in the position to choke Santos, but was restrained by fellow players before things got any worse.

PBA Commissoner Chito Salud announced that Balkman was banned from the league soon after - Salud took this choking incident and the ex-NBA player's past behavior into consideration, including certain other incidents of misconduct. He released in a statement:

"I also took into consideration Balkman's evident disregard for local and the host country's sensibilities highlighted by his choking act on-court in full public view of his own teammate who was trying to pacify him. Stiff as it maybe, this decision upholds the tenets of contextual accountability and the over-all interest of the League and the fans... I do encourage passion for the game but I also want to firmly instill a culture of accountability among our players. If one does something that violates the rules and the norms of sportsmanship and decent behavior, he will be made accountable."

Balkman was also slammed with a $6,000 fine - supposedly the largest ever assessed by the league against a player from another country.

Balkman later went on to tweet his apologies:

@R_Balkman32: "I accept all responsibilities for my actions while playing an intense game, I have truly enjoyed my time here playing in the Philippines."

Balkman lasted for only seven games in the Philippine league for the 5-2 Petron, averaging 25 points, 13.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.7 blocks.