Narvasa, Johnson meet, verdict expected today

Games today

Araneta Coliseum
4:15 p.m.- NLEX vs. Phoenix
7:00 p.m.- Meralco vs. Rain or Shine

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is expected to come up with a decision today whether or not to stand by its earlier decision slapping a lifetime ban against Ivan Johnson, the temperamental import of Talk ‘N Text.

Johnson yesterday met with PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa and sought forgiveness for his actions last Saturday where he was ejected in Talk ‘N Text’s 84-88 loss to the Meralco Bolts.

Johnson was tossed in the second quarter after after committing a flagrant foul penalty one and technical earlier.

Johnson allegedly threw profanities towards Narvasa after his ejection and the commissioner quickly handed down a decision banning the former NBA player plus a P250,000 fine.

“I just want to come in and show him that we met on bad terms. We needed to learn about each other first. It only took a minute to learn about each other. He’s a good person,” said  Johnson referring to Narvasa in a press conference shortly after their 20-minute meeting.

“Personally, I figured I need to come here to show him what type of person I am. If you just look at me from the basketball side, you’ll never know who I am because it’s two different people. There’s so much emotion in the basketball game you’ll never know who I am. I can say that myself. I’m a totally different person on the court and my passion for the game is way, way up here.” Johnson added.

Narvasa accepted Johnson’s apologies.

“I think I feel the same way about Ivan. I told him we have a lot of similarities. One is I think we always look like we’re angry,” Narvasa said.

“He came here on his own volition. He extended his hand and he apologized and I accept. I think it was just frustration also. I told him I understand him. He just wants to win. It’s just borne out of frustration. Nothing was meant intentionally or anything personal. It was just spur of the moment,” Narvasa added.