2 Benilde players file raps vs Amores

MANILA, Philippines — Two College of St. Benilde basketball players filed charges yesterday against Jose Rizal University (JRU)’s John Amores for attacking them during a National College Athletic Association game at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Tuesday.

Taine Davis and Jimboy Pasturan were accompanied by their lawyer, Aldwin Salumbides, and coach Charles Tiu in filing a complaint of physical injuries before the San Juan prosecutor’s office.

“This is a criminal case. This is not something that should be taken lightly. This is physical injuries. This is not only injuring one, this is a crime,” Salumbides told ABS-CBN in mixed English and Filipino.

“We were hoping that he would reach out, but if he’s not doing that, we’re the ones reaching with the long arm of the law,” he added.

Tiu also submitted an affidavit as a witness to the prosecutor’s office.

Davis took a blow to the chin and Pasturan sustained a black eye when Amores went on a rampage after a fan heckled him during the game on Nov. 8. The incident resulted in Amores’ indefinite suspension from NCAA games.

San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora has condemned the 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,” he said.

“Regardless of the intense emotions form the game and provocation from others, athletes are expected to maintain proper decorum at all times and show grace under pressure,” Zamora added.

‘Habitual offender’

Amores might not be cut out for basketball, according to a member of the House of Representatives’ committee on higher and technical education.

“Inasmuch as physical aggression is what Amores resorts to, then he might be better off in boxing, martial arts or mixed martial arts – if those sports will accept him into their fold,” Manila District 3 Rep. Joel Chua said.

He added that this is provided that officials of these sports accept Amores because they “have rules and sportsmanship principles.”

Chua described Amores as a “habitual offender” since he has been involved in at least “three highly publicized incidents wherein Amores was the reported instigator and perpetrator of violence or physical aggression against other players on court.”

“No parent, relative or friend of any athlete should fear for the safety and security of any basketball player or athlete during competition,” the lawmaker said.

Chua also asked JRU not to coddle Amores should criminal and civil complaints be filed and a warrant of arrest is issued against him.

“What is clear is that there are legal bases to file criminal and civil cases against Amores and JRU for the injuries and other harm he caused to the players of the CSB men’s basketball team,” Chua said.

He maintained there might be some out-of-court settlement that may happen, “but the point has to be made against both Amores and JRU.” – Sheila Crisostomo