The PBA reiterated that NorthPort Batang Pier guard John Amores can only return from his conference-long suspension after presenting a clearance from his counselor.
PBA Legal Counsel Atty. Gregorio Narvasa II clarified this following criticism of the league’s decision to issue Amores a conference-long suspension rather than an indefinite ban.
“He has to undergo counseling; let’s just say that, when the period of suspension has already lapsed, he will not be allowed to play until he gets a clearance from the counselors,” Narvasa said in an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel’s The Scorecard.
“It is really not a slap on the wrist because he is suspended for the rest of the conference, so the PBA supports its teams, coaches, players, and staffs as much as we can, of course, within reasonable bounds,” he added.
The PBA official added that the league’s intention is not to ostracize players like Amores when they violate PBA rules and standards, but rather to guide them through corrective measures.
“You have to understand our players come from diverse backgrounds, and sometimes a bit of support, caring, and understanding from the PBA family will get them through their difficulties,” he said.
“The PBA helps them overcome these issues for them to be better citizens,” Narvasa added. “The PBA, of course, will be most happy if, through its compassion and concern, the players who were once rouge or rough will become the people’s inspiration, hardcourt heroes, and model citizens.”
Narvasa also stated that the league trusts its players to make the most of the opportunities given to them, believing that, with the care and guidance the PBA provides, they will not squander those chances.
“They must learn from their mistakes, and they should prove that they are worthy to remain in the PBA,” he said. “If they continue to not heed this support given to them by the PBA, then we have no choice but to separate them from the PBA.”
The former Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers star was suspended by the PBA after being involved in a shooting incident following a basketball game in Lumban, Laguna, last month.
This isn’t the first time Amores has been involved in a “basketbrawl.” In July 2022, during a pre-season game, he punched University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons’ Mark Belmonte while still playing for the Heavy Bombers. Later that year, in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, Amores charged the College of St. Benilde Blazers’ bench and punched several players.
The post PBA reiterates Amores needs counselor’s clearance for reinstatement first appeared on Fastbreak.
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