No love for Amores

The recent incident involving Jose Rizal varsity basketball player John Amores has sparked a clamor for a serious investigation into what led to the brawl, how it could’ve been avoided, the issue of escalation and a review of league protocols related to security, conduct of officials when confronted by a crisis and treatment of violators.

Rep. Franz Pumaren, a former national player and a celebrated coach, recently delivered a privilege speech calling for a congressional investigation on the rules and regulations of basketball leagues with the goal of drawing up measures to avert a repeat of the Amores case. PSC chairman Noli Eala formed a fact-finding committee to get to the bottom of it and determine culpability. It isn’t just Amores facing the brunt of the uproar but also officials who were remiss in preventing the rampage.

As if to absolve itself of any accountability, the NCAA slapped an indefinite suspension on Amores and also meted out suspensions of varying degrees on those who were assaulted for engaging in fisticuffs, those who disrespected pacifying officials and those who participated in fueling the melee. The NCAA has not issued a statement about its shortcomings with regard to security, lack of control in the face of violence on the court and the inability to keep the crowd from inciting aggressive behavior of players.

What is disappointing is the NCAA’s posture on the violators, particularly Amores. The NCAA is supposed to be managed by officials with a high sense of values linked to every member school’s lofty standards of education. Yet not a single NCAA official has even inquired about Amores’ mental state, how he can be helped and guided. Amores is 23, a student athlete with dreams of someday playing in the PBA or an overseas league. Obviously, he has mental issues. The NCAA’s indefinite ban closes a major door leading to Amores’ future and leaves an ugly stain on his resume. This could ruin Amores’ life for good.

Of course, Amores deserves censure and must pay for his actions. He’s a repeat offender and his history should’ve triggered an alarm for the NCAA to carefully monitor his behavior on and off the court. The fact is he must face the consequences of what he did. Cases of physical assault have been filed against him and that’s expected.  He must own up but at the same time, show remorse. Amores should be advised to issue a statement of apology to those he harmed, to his school and to the league. Amores needs counselling for anger management but who will come to his rescue? Right now, there is no sympathy for Amores, no love for the young man whose name has betrayed him.

Perhaps, the investigations called by Rep. Pumaren and PSC could also look into helping student athletes who are in need of counselling. Metta Sandiford-Artest, who used to be known as Ron Artest and Metta World Peace, had a history of violent behavior in the NBA but turned his life around with guidance from a psychologist. Artest is reformed and today, owns a company that assists athletes with tax preparation and has a film division. Every man’s life is worth saving. Amores is no exception.