By CARLO ANOLIN
The problematic son of Jose Rizal University made another scene yesterday. A very ugly one.
Feeling as if he was the aggrieved party, John Amores, the controversial JRU player, went berserk, sparking an intense commotion when he attacked the College of St. Benilde bench and assaulted two of its players late in their game in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament Tuesday, Nov. 8, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
This happened after Amores had short altercation with Mark Sangco with still 3:22 left in the game that saw him rush towards the Blazers bench.
His teammates, bouncers and other league officials, led by Paul Supan of JRU, tried to stop him from charging across the court but to no avail as he managed to get away and threw punches at Jimboy Pasturan and Taine Davis.
After a solid punch to Davis, who was also trying control the situation, Amores also shoved Migs Oczon before being foiled and was sent to the dugout.
Davis was left hurt and down on the floor as the Blazers were eventually declared as winners of the contest 71-51.
The incident, however, will undergo further investigation as possible sanctions on Amores have yet to be announced.
The NCAA Management Committee has decided to halt the match to avoid further escalation and ensure safety of the players and staff.
“This is without prejudice to further investigation that may cause sanctions to players and coaching staff of both teams,” a statement read.
The country’s oldest collegiate league is likely to suffer a black eye from Amores’ abominable action.
Amores was the same player who meted a disqualifying foul for punching UP’s Mark Belmonte in the PG Flex Linoleum-UCBL Pre-Season Tournament last July. Belmonte suffered broken teeth and a busted lip.
The game was likewise halted with UP being declared winner.
