Updated: October 12, 2024
This article provides the most recent updates on John Amores, a player currently with the NorthPort Batang Pier of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Amores previously played for the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers and Light Bombers. This timeline covers events primarily from September 2023 to October 2024, focusing on his career progression and the controversies surrounding him.
OCTOBER 2024: Further Investigations and League Suspension
GAB Launches Probe into John Amores
Image alt text: John Amores participates in drills at the PBA Rookie Draft Combine, showcasing his basketball skills amidst scrutiny.
John Amores is under scrutiny again as the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) initiates its own investigation into a shooting incident involving him and his brother. This incident occurred last month following a pickup basketball game in Lumban, Laguna.
This new inquiry adds to the mounting issues surrounding Amores. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial has already met with GAB Chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera to discuss the league’s decision to suspend Amores for the entirety of the Commissioner’s Cup.
Commissioner Marcial clarified that the PBA’s suspension is separate from any actions GAB might take. The regulatory body for professional sports in the Philippines has the authority to conduct its own independent inquiry into the September 25th shooting incident and impose further sanctions.
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PBA Imposes Commissioner’s Cup Suspension on Amores
Image alt text: PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial and legal counsel Atty. Ogie Narvasa address the media, announcing John Amores’ suspension from the Commissioner’s Cup.
The PBA officially suspended John Amores for the entire Commissioner’s Cup following his involvement in the shooting incident in Lumban, Laguna. Commissioner Willie Marcial announced the suspension at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, accompanied by PBA legal counsel Atty. Ogie Narvasa.
“In coordination with management of NorthPort, the Commissioner has decided that John Amores will be suspended from all his games in the next conference (Commissioner’s Cup) of the PBA’s 49th season,” Atty. Narvasa stated, conveying the league’s decision during halftime of a Governors’ Cup semifinals game.
Commissioner Marcial confirmed the duration of the penalty, stating, “One conference suspension siya,” emphasizing that this suspension is without pay.
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Contract Termination and License Revocation Loom for Amores
Image alt text: A tense meeting between NorthPort team manager Eric Arejola, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, and John Amores as they discuss the player’s future in the league.
John Amores potentially faces contract termination from NorthPort and revocation of his GAB professional license as a consequence of his legal issues. PBA commissioner Willie Marcial indicated that these severe penalties are under consideration, contingent on the findings of the league’s investigation into the shooting incident.
The incident, which occurred after a “ligang labas” game on September 25th, has put Amores’ PBA career in serious jeopardy. The league is carefully evaluating the situation to determine the full extent of sanctions.
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PBA Meets with John Amores to Discuss Sanctions
Image alt text: John Amores in his NorthPort Batang Pier jersey during a PBA game, prior to the recent controversies and investigations.
The PBA confirmed a meeting with John Amores to personally discuss the implications of his involvement in the shooting incident. Commissioner Willie Marcial stated that Amores met with league officials earlier in the week to explain his side of the events and understand the potential repercussions.
During the meeting, PBA officials outlined the possible sanctions Amores could face due to the frustrated homicide case filed against him. The league is proceeding cautiously to determine appropriate disciplinary measures.
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John Amores Breaks Social Media Silence
Image alt text: John Amores shares a photo on Instagram of himself praying, marking his return to social media amidst the legal proceedings and PBA scrutiny.
John Amores returned to social media, posting a series of photos on Instagram. This marked his first social media activity since becoming entangled in the shooting incident.
The NorthPort Batang Pier guard’s post included images of him praying and attending church services. He captioned the post with a praying hands emoji and a red heart, offering no explicit statement but suggesting a reflection on his personal faith during this challenging period.
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SEPTEMBER 2024: Arrest, Charges, and Release on Bail
Amores Brothers Released After Posting Bail
Image alt text: A throwback image of John Amores during the PBA Draft Combine, juxtaposed with news of his release on bail after arrest.
John Amores and his brother were released from detention in Lumban, Laguna, after posting bail. This followed their arrest in connection with the shooting incident.
Amores posted bail of P24,000, while his brother secured release with a P10,000 bail. Their release came after spending time in jail following the incident in Lumban.
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Attempted Homicide Charges Filed Against Amores
Image alt text: Symbolic image representing the attempted homicide charges filed against John Amores, suggesting the severity of the legal situation.
John Amores was officially charged with attempted homicide for his alleged involvement in the shooting incident after a pickup basketball game in Lumban, Laguna.
The criminal case was filed by Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Maria Victoria Cayaba at the Lumban-Kalayaan Municipal Circuit Trial Court. The court recommended bail of P24,000 for Amores’ temporary release pending trial. His brother, John Red, faces the same charge with a P10,000 bail recommended.
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PBA Expresses Concern Over Amores Incident
Image alt text: PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial conveys the league’s disappointment regarding John Amores’ shooting incident, emphasizing the PBA’s stance on player conduct.
The PBA released a statement expressing its disappointment regarding the shooting incident involving NorthPort guard John Amores. Commissioner Willie Marcial refrained from further detailed comments as Amores was in police custody at the time.
“This is a matter subject of investigation by the police, and we cannot comment on it. But we are saddened by such unfortunate incident,” Commissioner Marcial stated, indicating the league’s official position.
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Amores Surrenders to Police, Faces Serious Charges
Image alt text: John Amores during the PBA Draft process, a moment preceding the legal troubles he now faces, including attempted murder charges.
John Amores surrendered to police in the early hours of the morning following the shooting incident. He faces charges of attempted murder, carrying a potential prison sentence of six to twelve years.
Reports from GMA News and ABS-CBN News indicated that Amores and his younger brother decided to surrender for their safety, citing received threats. They were taken into police custody following their surrender.
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John Amores Involved in Laguna Shooting Incident
Image alt text: News breaks about John Amores’ involvement in a shooting incident in Laguna, marking another serious controversy in his basketball career.
John Amores was reported to be involved in a shooting incident in Lumban, Laguna. A manhunt was initiated for the NorthPort player after allegations that he shot an individual following a basketball game. Initial reports indicated no injuries from the incident, but the situation rapidly escalated into legal charges.
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OCTOBER 2023: NorthPort Contract and PBA Entry
NorthPort Signs John Amores to One-Year Contract
Image alt text: NorthPort Batang Pier announces the signing of John Amores, adding him to their roster for the PBA Season 48.
NorthPort Batang Pier bolstered its roster by signing rookie John Amores to a one-year contract. This move brought Amores into the PBA just before the start of the Commissioner’s Cup for Season 48.
The Batang Pier officially added Amores on Tuesday, just days before the league’s mid-season tournament commenced, signaling a new chapter in Amores’ basketball journey despite his past controversies.
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SEPTEMBER 2023: PBA Draft and Lingering Controversy
Amores Acknowledges Past Issues Ahead of PBA Draft
Image alt text: John Amores at the PBA Draft Combine, facing questions about his past conduct and seeking a fresh start in professional basketball.
Prior to the PBA Draft for Season 48, John Amores openly acknowledged the infamous punching incident from his NCAA career. He recognized that this controversy would likely remain a part of his public image.
Amores stated his focus was on his PBA draft aspirations, aiming to transition to professional basketball despite the shadow of the previous incident during his time with Jose Rizal University against College of St. Benilde.
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DECEMBER 2022: ABL Opportunity with Zamboanga Valientes
Amores Joins Zamboanga Valientes for ABL Debut
Image alt text: Zamboanga Valientes logo represents John Amores’ move to the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) as he sought to rebuild his career.
John Amores looked to revitalize his basketball career by joining the Zamboanga Valientes for their debut in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Invitational. He was included in their 14-man lineup for the tournament starting in January 2023 in Singapore.
This move to the ABL provided Amores an opportunity to play alongside notable players like James Kwekuteye and former Gilas player Kemark Carino, offering a fresh start after his NCAA controversies.
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NOVEMBER 2022: NCAA Suspension and Fallout
Examining Amores’ Sportsmanship Award Controversy
Image alt text: A JRU Light Bombers team photo, clarifying the context of John Amores’ past sportsmanship recognition amidst recent controversies.
Photos resurfaced online showing John Amores receiving a Sportsmanship Award, creating irony amid the fallout from his on-court rampage against St. Benilde. However, the context behind the award was clarified.
The photo was from the NCAA Season 94 juniors tournament in 2018 when Amores played for the JRU Light Bombers. He received the Most Improved Player award that season. The Sportsmanship award in the photo was given to the entire JRU juniors team, not solely to Amores.
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PSC Offers Counseling to John Amores
Image alt text: Karen Trinidad of PSC offers counseling to John Amores, indicating efforts to support the player after his NCAA suspension and behavioral issues.
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) offered counseling to John Amores following their fact-finding committee’s investigation into the NCAA incident.
The PSC conducted meetings with NCAA officials, Filoil EcoOil Centre representatives, and SBP members to understand the events and recommend measures to strengthen amateur sports. The counseling offer was part of a broader effort to address Amores’ behavior and support athlete welfare.
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Amores Apologizes to St. Benilde Blazers
Image alt text: John Amores visits the St. Benilde Blazers practice to personally apologize for his actions during the controversial NCAA game.
John Amores took steps to reconcile with St. Benilde by visiting the Blazers’ practice and apologizing for his actions during the infamous game.
Coach Charles Tiu of St. Benilde shared that Amores contacted player Carlos Sumabat to initiate reconciliation. Amores then appeared at a CSB practice to personally apologize to the team, aiming to begin the healing process after the incident.
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SBP Grants NCAA Autonomy in Amores Issue
Image alt text: SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios and John Amores, highlighting SBP’s decision to allow NCAA operational independence in handling the Amores controversy.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the national basketball federation, granted the NCAA “operational independence” in managing the John Amores controversy and its aftermath.
SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios explained that while the federation stated its position on the incident, they would allow the NCAA to handle the issue independently, respecting the league’s autonomy and judgment in disciplinary actions.
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JRU Suspends John Amores Indefinitely
Image alt text: John Amores representing Jose Rizal University, before his indefinite suspension from the NCAA and JRU due to his violent outburst.
Jose Rizal University imposed an indefinite suspension on John Amores, mirroring the ban issued by the NCAA. This meant Amores would no longer play for JRU in the remainder of the Season 98 basketball tournament.
JRU’s NCAA Management Committee representative Paul Supan announced the penalty and apologized for Amores’ behavior, emphasizing the university’s commitment to sportsmanship and condemning violence.
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NCAA Indefinite Ban for John Amores Rampage
Image alt text: Moment of John Amores’ rampage during the NCAA game against St. Benilde, leading to his indefinite ban from the league.
The NCAA officially handed down an indefinite ban to John Amores following his violent actions during a game.
The NCAA Management Committee acted on the recommendation of basketball commissioner Tonichi Pujante, imposing the most severe penalty on the Jose Rizal University forward after he charged towards the St. Benilde bench and physically assaulted players.
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Amores Escorted Out After NCAA Outburst
Image alt text: John Amores is escorted away from the court after his on-court meltdown during the NCAA game, highlighting the immediate aftermath of his actions.
John Amores was escorted back to the JRU team bus after his on-court rampage during the NCAA game against St. Benilde.
Officials, teammates, and security personnel intervened to prevent further incidents after Amores’ outburst caused the game to be stopped with 3:22 remaining and St. Benilde leading significantly.
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JRU Player John Amores Attacks Benilde Bench
Image alt text: John Amores in the act of charging towards the St. Benilde bench, initiating the brawl that led to widespread condemnation and severe penalties.
John Amores of Jose Rizal University again displayed aggression, throwing punches during a game against St. Benilde in the NCAA Season 98 tournament.
With St. Benilde leading by a large margin, Amores lost his temper and charged towards the opposing team’s bench. He broke through attempts to restrain him and attacked St. Benilde players, resulting in the game being abandoned.
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OCTOBER 2022: Seeking Redemption After Past Controversies
Amores Aims for Redemption with JRU
Image alt text: John Amores playing for JRU against Lyceum, hoping to redeem his image and contribute positively to his team’s performance.
John Amores expressed his desire to move forward from past controversies and contribute positively to Jose Rizal University’s performance in NCAA Season 98.
After sitting out the previous season, Amores aimed to make up for lost time. However, a preseason punching incident had already negatively impacted his reputation, casting a shadow over his return to the NCAA.
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JRU Coaches Silent on UCBL Incident
Image alt text: JRU Head Coach Louie Gonzales declines to comment on the UCBL punching incident involving John Amores, deferring to school authorities for statements.
Jose Rizal University head coach Louie Gonzales remained silent regarding a preseason incident involving John Amores and University of the Philippines player Mark Belmonte in the UCBL.
Coach Gonzales stated that he would leave any further comments to the school administration to avoid escalating the situation following the punching incident.
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Indefinite Ban After UCBL Punch
John Amores received an indefinite suspension for punching Mark Gil Belmonte of the University of the Philippines during a PG Flex Linolium-UCBL Preseason Tournament game.
The game was stopped in the third quarter after Amores punched Belmonte, causing injuries to Belmonte’s mouth. UCBL officials forfeited the game in favor of UP and imposed the indefinite suspension after investigating the incident.
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2018: High School Recognition
Amores Ranked Top High School Player in NBTC NCAA
Image alt text: A younger John Amores as a standout player for the JRU Light Bombers, ranked as the top high school player in the NBTC NCAA rankings in 2018.
John Amores of the JRU Light Bombers was recognized as the top high school player in Week 10 of the Chooks-to-Go/NBTC 24 NCAA rankings.
His performance, including a game with 13 points and 19 rebounds, led the Light Bombers to victory. Amores, in his final year with the juniors team, had a breakout season, becoming a key player for JRU and achieving the number one ranking after consistently being in the top 20.
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