Amores visits Benilde to apologize

Deposed Jose Rizal player John Amores visited the College of St. Benilde campus to apologize to the Blazers coaching staff and players the other day for sparking the melee that led to his indefinite suspension from NCAA basketball. Amores said he knows it’s difficult to forgive him so soon after what happened on the court but he’s praying that in time, it will come.

Amores, 23, has been stripped of his athletic scholarship by Jose Rizal and suspended nine days from attending classes. Today, he will report to university officials to do community service, a stipulation in his slew of penalties. Amores said he has so far attended the first round of guidance counselling to address mental wellness and will submit to more sessions.

Benilde coach Charles Tiu said Amores reached out to a Blazers player before the visit. “I spoke to John last Thursday for a while and invited him to practice,” said Tiu. “He came over (last Saturday) and apologized. I wanted to keep it within us for now but at the same time, I want to help the kid.”

Amores said he hopes to return to classes after serving his nine-day suspension and pursue his BSBA degree. He declined to elaborate what triggered his emotional and violent outburst during the game against Benilde but admitted struggling with mental issues that cause stress, including not being able to be with his girlfriend Cylina Yayon and their one-year-old daughter Mariah Athynnah. The third of four children, Amores relies on basketball as a future career. His parents live in Pagsanjan, Laguna, helping each other out to sell viands and vegetables for a living. His father used to be a family and truck driver.

Amores said it’s his dream to someday play in the PBA. Although he has been struck out of the Jose Rizal lineup, Amores said he’ll work out and take to the court by himself during his suspension. “Gagawin ko ang pinagagawa sa akin ng JRU,” he said. “Hingi ako ng dispensa sa NCAA Management Committee at sa lahat. Alam ko mahirap kaagad tanggapin ang aking sorry pero sa awa ng Diyos, sisikapin kong magbago. Spend time muna ako sa family, focus sa aral at stay in shape.”

Terrafirma import Lester Prosper advised Amores to find himself then come back stronger if and when he’s allowed to play again. “Be you,” said Prosper. “If you’re a Christian or Catholic or a believer in God, let the Lord guide you. I believe in you, you’ll be back. I’ve seen players bounce back like Calvin (Abueva) and guys in the NBA like Metta World Peace. In the PBA, I see you playing like Jack Corpuz, tough, rugged but not dirty. I do a lot of outreach barangay programs, doing basketball clinics, giving out toys and food to underprivileged kids. Why not join me?” Prosper has been visiting barangays with Dr. Iby Bautista and broadcaster Chino Trinidad wearing his personalized T-shirt with the words “Don’t Be A Gago” and “Don’t Be a Bobo” on the back.