Tropang TNT’s controversial import Ivan Johnson has issued a public apology yesterday in hopes that PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa will reconsider on his lifetime ban decision following an outburst in a game against Meralco in the Oppo Commissioner’s Cup last Saturday.
Johnson, the 6-8 forward with ‘anger management’ issue, took to social media asking forgiveness from Narvasa, who also penalized the TNT reinforcement a hefty P250,000 fine.
“This lifetime ban in truly unfortunate and devastating to me being that I feel at home and most welcomed when I am here playing in the Philippines,” said Johnson, who even thanked Narvasa for giving him an opportunity to return and play again for TNT.
“I do want to sincerely and most humbly apologize to Commissioner Narvasa for my actions in last night’s game. I ask that you forgive me,” added Johnson, as he likewise apologized to PBA fans.
Narvasa came up with the decision following the TNT-Meralco match, where Johnson was automatically ejected late in the first period after accumulating two technical fouls – first for extending a forearm that hit Meralco’s Kelly Nabong in the mouth and second when he threw an elbow on Bryan Faund’s temple as the latter set a pick.
After he got his second T, Johnson turned to Narvasa, who was seated at the commissioner’s section of the Philsports Arena (former ULTRA) in Pasig City, and hurled profanities on the commissioner. (Waylon P. Galvez)