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PBA bans TNT import Johnson for cursing league officials


The Philippine Basketball Association has ruled to ban Tropang TNT import Ivan Johnson from playing in Asia’s first professional basketball league after after getting involved in an altercation with league commissioner Chito Narvasa on Saturday afternoon.

Johnson was also fined P250,000.

Johnson was ejected in the second quarter of the TNT-Meralco game after incurring his second technical foul for disrespectfully addressing Narvasa.

Johnson, who was whistled for a flagrant foul penalty one on Bryan Faundo, uttered some unpleasant words towards the official's table which sent Narvasa on his feet.
"For addressing the Commissioner with profanities and showing utter disrespect for authority, Tropang TNT import Ivan Johnson has been banned from the PBA," read the statement released by league media bureau chief Willie Marcial.

Johnson told Narvasa "f--- you" while turning his back to the commissioner, Marcial said.

The American reinforcement, fresh from a one-game suspension after figuring in a tune up game fracas a week before the conference, was earlier slapped with a technical foul for second motion against Kelly Nabong.

After getting wind of the league's decision, Johnson turned to Twitter to say his piece.

Last season, Johnson figured in several commotions despite being en route to leading TNT to the Commissioner's Cup title.

He had run-ins with Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, Alaska coach Alex Compton, and Star Hotshots forward Marc Pingris.

In 2013, Petron Blaze import Renaldo Balkman was banned from the league after choking teammate Arwind Santos. — APG, GMA News

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