Petron coach Olsen Racela willing to give Renaldo Balkman another chance

Petron Blaze coach Olsen Racela isn’t ready to send Renaldo Balkman home after one forgettable incident. The Boosters’ import suffered a meltdown late in the team’s loss to the Alaska Aces Friday night, confronting referees, shoving away teammates and coaches, before getting into a tussle with Petron co-captain Arwind Santos. The bizarre episode saw Balkman grabbing at Santos’ neck before the two men were separated by teammates. But Racela said he saw the sincerity of Balkman’s apology in the locker room after the game. “Rey (Balkman) went to each and every member of the team to apologize,” said the coach. “He even approached Arwind’s mom and wife to say sorry also.” Balkman, who came into the Alaska game averaging 28 points, was held by the Aces to just six. If it were up to Racela, the import would have get a chance to bounce back. “I’m willing to give him another chance,” said Racela. “As far as I’m concerned, he’s still part of the team.”