AS PBA commissioner Chito Salud weighs the case against Renaldo Balkman, Petron has prepared contingency plans in case the pro league comes down hard on the temperamental import.
A source said the Boosters have lined up a couple of replacements in the event Salud hands out a suspension on Balkman, among them former Barako Bull import Rodney White.
White, the source added, is set to arrive anytime within this week, or probably a few days before Petron returns to action on Saturday against Rain or Shine in a road game in Panabo city.
Petron, however, needs to get a clearance from White's former team before signing him.
Petron is bracing for the worst for Balkman owing to the gravity of his misdeeds on Friday night when he confronted game officials, shoved teammates and choked Petron team captain Arwind Santos on live television.
Analysts have compared the incident to Latrell Sprewell's choking of coach PJ Carlessimo during a Golden State Warriors practice in 1997, for which he was meted a 68-game suspension.
“Kung yun nga practice lang at hindi napanood ng tao, nasuspendi si Sprewell, paano pa yung ginawang pagwawala ni Balkman na napanuod ng milyong milyong tao,” said a veteran PBA analyst.
Salud is set to meet with Balkman at noon on Monday, after which a decision is expected to be announced.
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