Suspended John Amores can still play hoops if...
Notorious college basketball player John Amores could still theoretically make a return to the hard court despite being slapped with an indefinite suspension by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
This point was highlighted on Monday afternoon, Nov. 14 during a plenary discussion between Cavite 4th district Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. and Quezon City 3rd district Rep. Franz Pumaren regarding the brawl instigated by Amores during an NCAA game in San Juan City last week.
During Monday's session, Pumaren delivered a privilege speech on the viral hard court rampage for the purpose of shedding light on what has been happening in the local college basketball scene.
Barzaga, Pumaren's lone interpellator, asked the following: "Will it be a correct interpretation Mr. Speaker that insofar as the NCAA has already issued the penalty of suspension , it will cover only the games involving or under the auspices of the NCAA, but excluding the other leagues of the Philippines?"
"Yes, indefinite suspension playing in the NCAA. That's a very good point Mr. Speaker," Pumaren replied.
Amores plays for Jose Rizal University (JRU), which is a member of the NCAA. By public perception, the "rival" association of the NCAA is the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
"So in other words," Barzaga said, "If the player involved would apply for any team in the UAAP, assuming that he is a really very good player, he can qualify to play notwithstanding what he has done?"
Pumaren answered: “Yes, technically, Mr. Speaker. Yes, that's why we're also calling the SBP to make their assessment of what transpired.”
The SBP stands for the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas, which governs all basketball leagues in the Philippines, be it collegiate, amateur, or professional.
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“I recommend that the organizers and management in any sports community in the Philippines...review its policies and regulations to avoid these unfortunate events. Let us encourage these leagues to hire and select better security management committees to avoid further damage in the future. Huwag na natin antayin pa na mangyari ito sa ibang liga (Let's not wait for this to happen in other leagues)," Pumaren said.
Last Nov. 9, a fuming Amores charged the bench of the opposing team, the College of St. Benilde, and punched two players. He did while JRU was down by 20 points in the fourth and final quarter.