NorthPort Batang Pier player John Amores was charged with attempted homicide after figuring in a shooting incident in Lumban, Laguna.
The PBA has suspended the embattled NorthPort player John Amores for the Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup without pay.
League legal counsel Ogie Narvasa announced this decision during halftime of Game 2 of the Governors’ Cup semifinals between TNT and Rain or Shine on Friday, October 11.
“In coordination with the management of NorthPort, the Commissioner has decided that John Amores will be suspended for all his games in the next conference of the PBA’s 49 Season without pay for conduct detrimental to the league,” said Narvasa, who read the decision beside commissioner Willie Marcial.
Amores was charged with attempted homicide after figuring in a shooting incident in Lumban, Laguna.
Such act, according to the league’s decision, was clearly in violation of the Uniform Players’ Contract.
“Quarreling with other players in a pick up game, engaging in a challenge to a fight, chasing after his protagonist with a handgun, and then shooting his gun are not consistent with the standard behavior and image that the PBA wishes to project ton its fans, particularly to its young followers,” the decision read.
“The potential for young people to see Amores’ conduct as acceptable is disturbing, and this the PBA will not permit.”
“Consistent herewith, both the PBA and the management of NorthPort are strongly against any kind of violence on and off the court. They also advocate responsible ownership and safe handling of gun.”
On top of the one-conference suspension, Amores also has to undergo counseling to address his anger and violent tendencies.
But that's not all. To be allowed to play again, he must obtain clearance from the counsellor/s approved by the league.
“He has to be cleared by his counsellors. But remember, even after he’s cleared to play by his counsellors but his program requires him to finishes even beyond the clearance, he has to finish the counselling program,” said Narvasa.
While serving his suspension and submitting to counselling, Amores is allowed to join the team’s practices or other activities. Per league rules on suspension, the former Jose Rizal University cager also cannot be on the venue.
“To be clear, Amores will continue to receive his salary and other emoluments less the salary for the games where he is suspended,” the statement read.
The PBA explained why they allowed Amores to remain in the league.
"Parang anak natin 'tong mga players. Kapag may anak tayo, pinaparusahan natin, pero 'di natin pinapabayaan," Marcial said.
Narvasa emphasized that having a normal environment will be important, and that's why they chose counseling and retain training with the NorthPort Batang Pier.
"Isolating him from his normal environment will not be helpful and healthy for his rehabilitation. He must learn to deal with his issues under as normal circumstances as possible," he noted.
"Sana ayusin nila buhay nila. We're giving them the opportunities to better themselves," Narvasa added. "Hopefully, he focuses on making himself a better player."
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