John Amores, a player for NorthPort Batang Pier in the PBA, may have his registration with the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) revoked pending the outcome of an investigation into his involvement in a shooting incident last month.
Amores allegedly fired a gun at a man during an argument over a basketball game in Lumban, Laguna, but missed. Both he and his brother later surrendered to the police and were charged with attempted homicide. The brothers are currently out on bail.
During a Senate Subcommittee on Finance hearing, GAB Chairperson Atty. Francisco Rivera stated that the PBA’s investigation will determine Amores’ fate in the league. “The investigation could potentially involve his expulsion from the league,” Rivera said. “Once that’s done, the Games and Amusement Board could, as a result, cancel his registration with us.”
Rivera also noted that Amores was previously granted a license after committing to undergo anger management therapy. However, the recent offense may change the board’s stance. “Considering the gravity of the offense that he committed at this time, the same argument will probably no longer work for him,” Rivera added.
Amores has a history of violent behavior, including a punching incident in an NCAA game in 2022, which led to his expulsion from Jose Rizal University’s basketball program. Despite this, he was drafted by NorthPort in the 2023 PBA Rookie Draft.
Senator Bong Go emphasized the importance of mental health evaluations in such cases, saying, “Check nang mabuti before you issue permits to play. Prevention is key.”
