Jose Rizal University has shut the door on a possible return for John Amores this season.
JRU athletic director Paul Supan held a separate press conference on Tuesday, expressing the school’s utmost regret and apology for the brawl that transpired on Tuesday involving their player Amores and members of the College of Saint Benilde Blazers.
“Jose Rizal University, as one of the oldest members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, has always supported the objectives of the association to promote sportsmanship, camaraderie, and good values among students of the member schools. In line with this mission, the university does not condone violence in any form,” said Supan as JRU has been in the Grand Old League since 1927.
“The university has therefore decided that Mr. John Anthony Walker Amores will be suspended indefinitely. This means that he will not play for the remainder of the NCAA Season 98 basketball games of the Heavy Bombers or participate in team practices.”
Amores averaged 9.0 points and 4.3 rebounds in 13 games played this season. However, he has been on the receiving end of numerous skirmishes, unsportsmanlike fouls, and warnings throughout the season that culminated in the rampage he caused on Tuesday.
Besides the sanction meted out by the league, JRU will also punish Amores pending an internal investigation.
“A separate internal inquiry of the matter will be conducted consistent with the university rules and regulations. This decision of the university is separate from any decision that the NCAA management committee might have.
“JRU understands the NCAA will have its own internal investigation and promises to operate fully,” continued Supan, a product of University of the Philippines.
To close, Supan, on behalf of the school, apologized for the fracas their player caused not just to the league but also to the community.
“We apologize to the whole basketball community, particularly to our NCAA family for this incident. Violence has no part in the sport of basketball, and as a member of the NCAA, we shall continue to uphold the highest ideals of collegiate athletic competitions.”