The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has suspended NorthPort guard John Amores for one conference without pay following his involvement in a shooting incident after a basketball game in Lumban, Laguna. The suspension, which will take effect during the Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup, comes amid Amores facing an attempted homicide case.
According to the PBA, Amores will be penalized regardless of whether his case is dismissed. The league emphasized that his actions, which included quarreling with another player, brandishing a handgun, and firing the weapon, are “not consistent with the standard of behavior and image that the PBA wishes to project to its fans, particularly to its young followers.”
The PBA further stated, “The potential for young people to see Amores’ conduct as acceptable is disturbing, and this the PBA will not permit.” They highlighted the importance of promoting good sportsmanship and moral character.
Amores, who was also banned from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in 2022 for a violent outburst during a game, must undergo counseling to address his anger and violent tendencies before being allowed to return to the PBA.
The PBA clarified that while Amores is suspended from official games, he will still be allowed to practice with his team. “He must learn to deal with his issues under as normal circumstances as possible,” the league noted.
The incident stemmed from a dispute during a pick-up game over a foul call and a reported P4,000 bet, which escalated when Amores allegedly fired a gun at the victim, Lee Cacalda. Both Amores and his brother later surrendered to the police.
