A REMORSEFUL Renaldo Balkman said he longs for a chance to make up for what he did late in Petron's loss to Alaska on Friday night.
Emerging from a 45-minute meeting with PBA commissioner Chito Salud, Balkman admitted his mistakes and expressed his determination to redeem himself.
"Basically, he (Salud) said I'm the leader (of the team) and role model of the kids. And that's what really hurt the most," said a repentant Balkman at the PBA office on Monday.
Petron showed its support for the under-fire former New York Knick, going straight to the PBA office in Libis, Quezon City at the end of practice to join its embattled import.
The entire team also joined Balkman when he faced the media after the meeting with Salud.
"Whatever happens, if I'm here, I'll still be part of the team. That's how I feel. I'm a member of the Petron Blaze right now. This is my family on and off the court," Balkman said.
While awaiting Salud's decision, Balkman said he's prepared to accept the consequences of his outburst, which saw him confront referees, shove teammates and coaches, and grab teammate Arwind Santos by the neck.
"I'm ready for whatever decision. He said a lot and he's right about a lot of things and I was wrong. And I'm gonna admit that," added the six-year NBA veteran.
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