PBA: Arwind hopes 'brother' Balkman gets a second chance

"Natural na minsan na may girian ang mag-kuya. Balkman is like my brother."   On this note, Arwind Santos said Petron import Renaldo Balkman should be given a second chance in the PBA, after latter's meltdown on Friday late in Petron's 83-73 loss to the Alaska Aces, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. After charging at referees, Balkman pushed teammate Ronald Tubid before strangling Santos. [Related: Balkman goes bonkers as Alaska downs Petron] In a televised interview in-between PBA's Sunday games, Santos said "I pray for [Balkman]... Lahat naman ng taong nagkakamali binibigyan ng second chance." Santos assured the public that he and Balkman are already on good terms. "Sobrang ok na kami. Pinilit na naming maging ok kasi ayaw na namin palakihin yung issue," said Santos. "Nandun din kasi yung teammates ko na nakipag-usap din sakin. Kailangan maintindihan natin yung nangyari." Santos also appealed to the PBA fans to understand Balkman. "Sana maintindihan niyo yung nangyari. Palabasin natin na ang team namin ay parang isang pamilya. Natural na minsan na may girian ang mag-kuya. Balkman is like my brother," said Santos. "Natural na minsan di natin nako-control ang emosyon natin. Sana hindi yun ang dahilan para maging pangit ang tingin niyo samin at sa PBA. we're ok. Sana nandyan parin kayo para suportahan kami pareho at ang team namin," Santos added. [Related: Balkman issues apology on Twitter] Balkman later that Friday evening tweeted out apologies to his teammates, fans, and the league. He is scheduled however to meet PBA commissioner Chito Salud on Monday. — AMD, GMA News