NCCA slaps JRU’s John Amores indefinite suspension for throwing punches

The NCCA last Wednesday, November 9, announced the indefinite suspension of JRU Heavy Bombers forward John Amores after punching no less than four CSB players at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. Also, 10 other Heavy Bombers and three Blazers were also handed at least one-game suspensions for their roles in the brawl

Aside from throwing punches, Amores’ other violations were: intentionally bumping and pointing a finger at the referees; making provocative gestures meant to ignite the brawl; charging towards the CSB bench; and disrespecting court officials and a league Management Committee (Mancom) representative.

Aside from Amores, 10 other JRU Heavy Bombers and three Blazers players were also handed at least one-game suspensions for their roles in the brawl that forced the NCAA to call off the contest with 3:22 left in the regulation in favor of CSB, 71-51.

JRU’s Ryan Jay Arenal and CSB’s Chris Flores and Mark Sangco, on the other hand, got two-game suspension. Sangco who apparently threw the first punch in an apparent self-defense after Amores charged the Blazers’ bench all the way from the other end of the court.

Meanwhile, JRU’s William Sy got the second-stiffest penalty at three games for entering the court during the brawl and “committing disrespectful acts before Mancom representatives while pacifying the participants.”

IN a press statement, the NCCA said that “Violence has no place in the NCAA. The Mancom condemns and will not tolerate any acts of violence that will endanger our athletes, participants, officials supporters and the public. The safety of everyone is our primordial concern”.

JRU’s standing in the collegiate league stands at 6-7 and in the brink of a Final Four contention. Louie Gonzale, JRU head coach may now only field no more than six to seven players in the Heavy Bombers’ next game on Friday, November 11, at 3 pm against San Sebastian.Whether or not JRU will forfeit that contest remains to be seen.

The Blazers sit at 10-3 in second place behind title three-peat seeking Letran (11-3) and are looking to snap a 22-year Final Four drought.