Basketball has had its fair share of scandals over the years in all of its leagues, whether this is the NBA and the ongoing debate over the best player in the league or the controversial resigning of Renaldo Balkman in the PBA, there are a number of reasons to follow this game closely and get excited, but could these scandals be going to far as the drama continues both on and off the court? In this article, we are going to be giving you insight into some of the loudest scandals from the PBA commissioners cup in 2019.
Renaldo Balkman’s Lifetime Ban Lifted
One of the most controversial aspects to come out of this year’s PBA Commissioners Cup is the controversy surrounding the lifting of the lifetime ban on player Renaldo Balkman. Balkman is most remembered for strangling a player during a game in the 2013 championship. This resulted in a lifetime ban as well as a fine of 250,000 Philippine Pesos which is the equivalent of around $6,140. Following this Balkman issued an official statement as well as an apology on Twitter.
However, for many including the sports officials this was not enough. This story has recently come back into the limelight as this controversial player has been allowed to return to the court just 5 years after the initial ban was put into place. This is great for those looking to begin betting in the Philippines as this team is set to take the team to a new level of success. However, this controversial player is back this season in the old 32 shirt to prove that he is bigger and better than ever before, but is this enough to win over the fans and allow him to rise above his controversial past? Only time will tell.
Carl Bryan Cruz Flop During The Quarter Finals
When looking at the PBA Commissioner’s Cup thus fair, there is no denying that there has been a fair share of drama and scandal but by far one of the most recent is the attempt at a foul from Carl Bryan Cruz during the quarter-final. This attempt at a foul from the 27-year-old Alaska Aces star lead many to wonder what lengths this team will go, and their center-forward will go to further their position in this competition.
The Fight For The Semi’s
With the semi-finals well and truly underway, the fight to be at the top of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup is heating up. With games between Rain and Shine and Beerman on the 29th of July and a number of other playoff games, the competition is set to hot up as we edge ever closer to the final in the mid part of august. With 2 sets of semi-final matches between the last four teams as well as a number of other games scheduled, TNT KaTropa, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, San Miguel Beermen and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. The semi-finals are set to be fierce between these two teams with the final 4 set to be decided on August 4th. This will then result in 7 games between the SF1 and SF2 winners to decide the winner.
Aguilar’s Block
Another highlight and a questionable bit of play from this competition is Japeth Aguilar most recent block in the quarter-final game. With an outstanding lead, this player blocked the attempt at a dunk from the opposing team taking them to victory with a 106-point lead to the opposing 80. This is a landslide victory for this extremely successful team making them extremely likely contenders to finish the championship as winners.
Whether you are a fan of this sport or you are watching in 2019 for the first time, there is no denying that this is an action-packed sport with its fair share of scandal and controversial decisions. But as the finals draw ever closer, this is an exciting time for the sport as these players will battle head to head to become 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup champions! Who are you rooting for?