WATCH: Former Knick Renaldo Balkman Strangles Teammate In Philippines
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Hey Knicks fans, remember Renaldo Balkman?
You know, the former first-round pick of the Knicks in 2006 out of South Carolina?
The forward played with the Knicks from 2006-2008 and then returned for a second stint from 2011-2012 after being acquired in the trade that sent Carmelo Anthony to Manhattan.
Do you know where he is these days?
Probably not.
The 28-year-old is currently a member of the Petron Blaze Boosters of the Philippine Basketball Association. He was at the center of controversy on Thursday night when, after missing a shot and committing a foul, he got into it with three referees and an assistant coach.
Teammates attempted to calm down the big man, but that got the Staten Island native even more heated. In the midst of the chaos, he briefly strangled teammate Arwind Santos. The video of the incident is quite disturbing.
Balkman finally pulled himself together after a man, who the announcers said was a friend of the ex-Knick, came onto the court and set him straight.
The six-year NBA veteran apologized for his actions via a statement, which was released by his public relations firm.
"I, Renaldo Balkman, would like to apologize to my teammates, the fans, the entire Philippines Basketball Association and the entire Perton Blaze Boosters organization," the statement read. "I would especially like to apologize to Arwind Santos and his family. I would never intentionally inflict harm on another human being, especially a teammate who I respect deeply.
"My behaviors, during a very intense moment of a heated game, came as a surprise even to me. It is not in my character to react physically in any situation, and this is the first time I have ever behaved in such a manner. My actions were out of line and I am ready to fully accept any consequences for my actions. I hope that the Petron Blaze Boosters' management will recognize this unfortunate situation as a slip up that will never happen again."
Balkman played in just 14 games with New York last season, averaging 3.0 points, 0.4 assists and 1.9 rebounds in 8.2 minutes per game. He was released by the team on February 17, 2012, to make room for J.R. Smith on the roster.
Balkman never averaged more than 5.0 points per game in his NBA career.
Rock bottom, anyone? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...
