The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) has revoked the playing license of John Amores upon the completion of its probe on the erring player.
This means that the NorthPort guard is prohibited from returning to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and play in other professional leagues in the country.
In a six-page decision on GAB Case No. 109-4 signed by chairman Francisco Rivera and commissioners Manuel Plaza III and Angel Bautista, they found Amores guilty of “conduct unbecoming of a professional basketball player.”
“The respondent’s license is revoked effective immediately,” said the government-run regulatory body for professional sports in the Philippines.
This comes in the aftermath of his involvement in a shooting incident in Laguna last September, which saw him charged with attempted homicide for firing yet missing on a certain Lee Cacalda after an unsanctioned game in Lumban.
Amores and his brother, John Red, were able to post bail, which also gave the former a chance to explain his side to PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial.
Even before the GAB ruling, the 6-foot-2 cager was already serving a one-conference suspension without pay imposed by the league.
Amores was penalized in violation of the Uniform Players’ Contract (UPC) of the PBA and for conduct detrimental to the league as well.
The 25-year-old out of JRU has also been ordered by the PBA to undergo counseling “to address his anger and violent tendencies.”
“Consistent herewith, both the PBA and the management of NorthPort are strongly against any kind of violence on and off the court,” said Atty. Ogie Narvasa during an impromptu press conference last October.
Amores was drafted 51st overall by the Batang Pier in the 2023 Rookie Draft. That had given him another chance in his career for having a history of violent tendencies during his stint in the collegiate ranks.
He’s infamous for his punching spree during the Heavy Bombers’ game against St. Benilde in NCAA Season 98, which led to his indefinite ban from the league – and, eventually, his expulsion from the school’s program.
Amores also figured in an altercation with Mark Belmonte of UP in a PG FLEX-UCBL Preseason Invitational Tournament game in July of that same year, where the school filed a case for “serious physical injuries” against him.
Belmonte suffered a gum fracture, teeth dislocation, and mouth lacerations and had to undergo surgery at the Philippine General Hospital after the game.
GAB’s decision may mean that Amores has missed his last shot at redemption.
