It's very, very likely that SMC knew before-hand that Balkman will be banned by Salud ...... after all, Salud is a very close Danding ally and only won his office through the SMC bloc.
Chito Salud has been consistent in approving everything that favors SMC teams since he became Commisioner.
Like I said, in a way, the Balkman expulsion is the least worst thing that can happen to PETRON ..... instead of multiple game suspension, which would have derailed their campaign this conference, PETRON gets to hire another import instead.
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Read reports that PETRON is contemplating on hiring Rodney White as Balkman's replacement.
He's decent, but acted like he was Michael Jordan during his recent stint as BARAKO BULL import. Somewhat risky choice for PETRON.