PBA: Balkman wants to stay to give Petron a championship

An apologetic Renaldo Balkman addressed fans live on Sunday, in a short interview between the live coverage of Sunday's PBA games, two days after his infamous meltdown late in Petron's 83-73 loss to the Alaska Aces.

[Related: Balkman goes bonkers as Alaska downs Petron]

"I want to apologize to everybody, even referees and Arwind [Santos] and [Ronald] Tubid and their families," said Balkman. "The situation got out of hand. It was unintentional. [I] never wanted to go out there and do something to my teammates or to the opposing team and I regret it."

After arguing unsuccessfully with all three referees, Balkman shoved away Tubid, and then strangled team captain Santos, who were trying to calm down the former NBA first round draft pick.

When asked about why he blew up, Balkman said:  "I wanted to let the referees know I had a frustrating game. My main goal was to let the referees know. It escalated and it shouldn't have happened.

"I know I did something bad. Not only for myself but for everybody watching. Even for the kids. I'm a leader and a role model in these kids' eyes. I don't want them to see me as that type of person because I'm not. I'm a different guy than that I showed you."

After being the engine that gave Petron an up-to-that-point 5-1 record, Balkman had been held to just six points on 3-of-16 shooting, missing all four of his free throws to boot.

The former New York Knick and Denver Nugget also acknowledged that his actions might send him packing.

"I did something wrong. When you do something wrong, there's a consequence. I prepare myself for the consequence, whatever it is. Today's for me to let my teammates know, Arwind and Tubid, that I'm not that guy. I'm a good guy."

[Related: Balkman issues apology on Twitter]

Balkman later apologized that evening to his teammates and fans via Twitter.

[Related: Arwind hopes 'brother' Balkman gets a second chance]

Eager to get a second chance, the big man also expressed his love for the country and for the league.

"I love the Philippines. I love the PBA. This is a great league. If I'm sent home, I have to take it and deal with the consequence. I'm still gonna give it my all if they give me a second chance. I'm still gonna show everybody that's not the type of guy I am. I'm still gonna give my all to try to win a championship.

"That's my ultimate goal, to give the Petron Blaze another championship."

Balkman is scheduled to meet PBA commissioner Chito Salud on Monday to go over the repercussions of his actions. - AMD, GMA News