Ivan Johnson, an ex NBA player has had his lifetime ban from the professional league in Philippines for a blasphemous outburst at an official reduced to one year. This came after he made a personal apology, according to the league officials.
The banish of Johnson, who is an ex Atlanta Hawk occurred on Saturday’s mid game after he used the “F-word” in argument with Chito Narvasa, the commissioner of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
The league spokesman Willie Marcial said that Narvasa reduced the lifetime ban to one season after having a meeting with a player from the Talk N’ Text Tropang texters team.
“He apologized for his actions, he explained that he is different on the court. His intentions was to show that he is a good man and he also loves his fans in Philippines.” Marcial said in a meeting that included Johnson and his family.
31- year old Johnson is married to one wife and is a father of two children.
After the incident, the PBA reduced Johnson’s fine from 250,000 to 150,000 pesos.
Johnson, who is 6 ft 8inch, has had tough season, having been suspended for one game earlier this month for fighting with a player of an opposing team.
In fact, he was banned for life in 2010 by Korean Basketball league for making an obscene gesture at the referee.
In addition to that, he was also fined for different altercations with fans and officials during 2011-2013 abbreviated NBA career.
Marcial said if Johnson misbehaves again, he will be banned for life in the Philippines.
In his post on twitter, Johnson said,“ This lifetime base is truly unfortunate and devastating for me because I feel at home and welcomed when I play here at Philippines.”
Players from foreign countries are highly valued in Philippines’ crazy Basketball as they can dominate a role in PBA, which is highly competitive.
This article is published in: News
Tags: basketball, NBA
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