By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
After weeks of silence, Jose Rizal University (JRU) player John Amores finally aired his side regarding his on-court rampage in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
The veteran swingman made an appearance during the Playitright TV sports program hosted by Quinito “The Dean” Henson and Dyan Castillejo and poured all of his emotions into the interview.
According to Amores, it was an unfortunate incident that stemmed from a series of family problems including his daughter whom he didn’t see for a long period of time until now.
“Siguro po yung sa family ko. Yung pinaka problema nung family ko. Halo-halo na lang din po e. Tapos yung sa baby ko nga po, di ko nga po siguro kasi nakakasama. Kasi nung sinilang po siya, ako din po yung nakakasama niya, ako din po yung nagaalaga. Di lang din po ako nasanay na hindi siya kasama,” said Amores.
Despite all the explaining he did during the program, Amores still made it known that it was his fault and asked for an apology to everyone he hurt and was surprised by his on-court behavior.
Amores already faced physical injury complaints before his altercation with Benilde when he punched UP recruit Mark Gil Belmonte in a preseason game several months ago.
The JRU varsity program then came up with their final decision and expelled him from the basketball team after a thorough investigation.
“Contingent with this action: (i) all privileges accruing to Mr. Amores as a student-athlete have been canceled; and (ii) based on the Student Manual of the University, he has been further meted out the penalty of suspension from his classes and has been required to undergo community service,” the school explained during GMA 7’s 24 Oras report.
On the brighter side, Amores went to the Benilde campus and asked for a personal apology to the whole Blazers basketball team for what he’s done.
Amores is still facing an indefinite ban penalty from the NCAA and is prohibited from entering any scheduled game.
“Sana mabago ko na yung sarili ko, mapakita ko sainyo na kung sino yung tao na to na parang kailangan kong baguhin yung sarili ko. Pakita ko sa inyo na mas kaya ko maging better, mas maging maayos yung sarili ko,” added Amores.
