John Amores, a player for NorthPort Batang Pier, can no longer play in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) revoked his professional license.
The 25-year-old shooting guard was found guilty of “conduct unbecoming of a professional basketball player.”
This decision follows an investigation into a shooting incident in September in Lumban, Laguna where Amores allegedly fired a gun at a man after a basketball game. Attempted homicide charges were filed against the player and his brother, but both were released on bail.
Prior to GAB’s ruling, the PBA had imposed a one-conference suspension “without pay” on Amores and required him to obtain clearance from counselors before being allowed to play again.
However, in a six-page decision signed by GAB Chairman Francisco Rivera and Commissioners Manuel Plaza III and Angel Bautista, the board declared that Amores is banned from participating in any professional basketball games under its jurisdiction including the PBA.
Amores previously made headlines during NCAA Season 98 for a violent outburst in a game against the College of St. Benilde which led to his expulsion from Jose Rizal University’s basketball program.
In 2022, he was also involved in a scuffle with University of the Philippines player Mark Belmonte during a preseason game.
Despite his controversial history, Amores was selected as the 51st overall pick by the Batang Pier in the 2023 PBA Rookie Draft.#
