Two De La Salle College of St. Benilde (CSB) Blazers athletes have filed charges against Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers player John Amores following the latter’s rage during their NCAA Season 98 Men’s Basketball Tournament match on Nov. 8.

On Friday, Nov. 11, the two Blazers, Frederick James Pasturan and Taine Mitchell Davis, went to the San Juan City Prosecutor’s Office and filed allegations of physical harm against Amores.

During the second round of the match at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, Amores got into a fight with CSB player Mark Sangco, who rushed and charged the Blazers’ bench, striking Pasturan and Davis despite being restrained by his teammates. Before being thrown from the court, Amores pushed another player, Migs Oczon.

After the incident, the game was called off, and CSB was declared the victors, 71-51. During the charges’ filing, CSB coach Charles Tiu testified against Amores.

“For us, it’s just really an unfortunate incident that we felt really could have been avoided if they were able to keep emotions a little bit in check. We felt it’s a game won for us,” Tiu stated during an interview.

“Tapos na sana and none of this should have happened, and we have guys punched,” he said. “I guess that’s part of life, part of basketball, and I’m just thankful that no other guys got hurt right now.”

The coach stated that the Blazers are ready to move on from the event, but that right action will be taken.

The JRU said on Nov. 9 that it has chosen to suspend Amores indefinitely, on top of a similar ban imposed by the NCAA. As a result of the ban, he will miss the rest of the basketball competition.

Amores was also barred from attending team sessions.

“Jose Rizal University, as one of the oldest members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, has always supported the objectives of the association to promote sportsmanship, camaraderie, and good values among students of the member schools. In line with this mission, the university does not condone violence in any form,” the statement added.

Mayor Francis Zamora of San Juan City likewise condemned the punching incident.

“As Mayor and as a former athlete and basketball player, I strongly condemn the violence that happened, which was contrary to the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie fostered by sporting events such as this. Regardless of the intense emotions from the game and the provocation from others, athletes are expected to maintain proper decorum at all times and show grace under pressure,” Zamora said.