The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) cracked the whip on controversial NorthPort guard John Amores after suspending the sophomore player in the Commissioner's Cup without pay following his involvement in a shooting incident last month in Lumban, Laguna.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, accompanied by league counsel Atty. Ogie Narvasa, officially announced the decision during halftime break of Game 2 of the PBA Season Governors' Cup semifinal series between TNT and Rain or Shine at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday.
"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 49th Season without pay for conduct detrimental to the league," Narvasa said, reading the official statement.
"Furthermore, in order for Amores to be allowed to play again in the PBA, he must without delay, submit to counseling to address his anger and violent tendencies."
Narvasa explained that the conference suspension includes not allowing the 24-year-old Amores from sitting on the NorthPort bench or watching the games at the playing venue. He, however, is allowed to join the Batang Pier in their daily practices, with minimal allowance.
He explained that the minimal allowance is "residual", which means Amores could still receive what's left from his salary "while practicing and joining the team."
"These players are just like our children, so if we have a child that we discipline, we don't leave them on their own," Marcial explained in Filipino.
The former Jose Rizal University player is currently facing charges of attempted homicide for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred following a pick-up basketball game in Lumban, Laguna.
His brother John Red was also charged with attempted homicide. Both were allowed to post bail.
Should the case be dismissed, Narvasa said such instances won't prevent the league from penalizing the NorthPort guard for violating PBA rules and standards.
Nonetheless, for Amores to be able to return to action, he will have to "obtain clearance" first from his counselors.
"The clearance to play must be obtained from his counselors. The choice of the counseling program of Amores should be with the approval of the PBA," Narvasa added, upon further reading of the statement. "The program should continue until cleared and terminated by the counselors".
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