John Amores slapped with suspension without pay for PBA Commissioner's Cup

The PBA slapped John Amores with suspension without pay in all his games in the upcoming Commissioner's Cup of the league's 49th season.

This came weeks after Amores was involved in a shooting incident in Lumban, Laguna.

Atty. Ogie Narvasa, the league's legal counsel, and commissioner Willie Marcial announced the decision on Friday.

"In coordination with the management of NorthPort, the Commissioner has decided that John Amores will be suspended for all his games in the next conference of the PBA's 49th season, without pay, for conduct detrimental to the league," Narvasa read from the decision.

"Furthermore, in order for Amores to be allowed to play again in the PBA, he must, without delay, submit to counseling to address his anger and violent tendencies. Clearance to play must be obtained from his counselors. Choice of the counseling program of Amores should be with the approval of the PBA and the program must continue until cleared and terminated by the counselors," he added.

Amores, in the meantime, will be allowed to practice while serving his suspension.

"Isolating him from his normal environment will not be helpful and healthy for his rehabilitation. He must learn to deal with his issues under as normal circumstances as possible. It is under normal settings, including the challenges and stress they create, where he can fully exercise tolerance and restraint. In any case, he will be subjected to stiffer penalties and restrictions should his violent tendencies erupt during team activities," Narvasa read from the decision.

The decision also stated that Amores will "continue to receive his salary and other emoluments less the salary for the games where he is suspended."

Narvasa emphasized that Amores has to be cleared by his counselors before he will be allowed to play.

"He has to be cleared by his counselors. Remember, even after he is cleared to play by his counselors but his program requires that he finishes even beyond the clearance, he has to finish the counseling program," Narvasa said.

Marcial added that the league has also coordinated with the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) with the decision.

"Kausap ko kahapon si Chairman (Francisco Rivera), pinakita ko 'yung desisyon, pumunta ako sa office niya. Sabi niya okay naman 'to. Mayroon silang sarili, iimbestigahan din nila ng kanilang legal at sina chairman kung anong gagawin nila. Hindi pa natin alam kung anong gagawin ng GAB, pero may coordination na kami, pinadala na namin ang letter kay chairman, tingnan natin kung anong desisyon ng GAB," Marcial said.

GAB previously said it might no longer allow Amores to play in professional leagues. 

"Parang anak natin 'tong players. 'Pag may anak tayo, pinaparusahan natin pero hindi natin pinapabayaan. 'Yun 'yung inaano ng PBA," the commissioner added.

Narvasa also added that the league's decision is only for Amores' violation of PBA rules and not for the case the latter is involved with. 

"Bahala ang husgado doon, ito, violation of PBA rules," he said.

Previously, the league said they would follow due process in handling the case.

Amores, along with his brother, were charged with attempted homicide but were released from detention after posting bail.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News