JRU's John Amores goes on a rampage assaulting Benilde bench
An NCAA game between Jose Rizal University (JRU) and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde was put to a stop after Heavy Bomber John Amores attacked the Benilde bench.
The Blazers held a big lead over JRU during their Filoil EcoOil Centre game with a score of 71-51 and 3:22 minutes left in the game.
Amores was seen to have lost his cool, yelling as he was called to the bench. He then started to charge the Benilde bench, running past referees and bouncers.
Despite efforts to pull him away, Amores managed to throw punches at Jimboy Pasturan and Taine Davis. He was also able to shove Migs Ozcon before he was pulled away from the opposing team.
Punches being thrown on the court in this JRU-Benilde match #NCAASeason98 pic.twitter.com/foJGLykX2d
— GMA Sports (@gmasportsph) November 8, 2022
The incident paused the game, with the Blazers ruled as the winners. Amores was reportedly escorted back to the JRU bus.
"The NCAA Management Committee has decided to stop the JRU Heavy Bombers vs. Benilde Blazers game to avoid further escalation of untoward incidents and for the safety of the players, coaches, and audience," the NCAA said in a statement posted to Facebook.
"This is without prejudice to further investigation that may cause sanctions to players and coaching staff of both teams."
However, this wouldn't be the first violent incident Amores has been involved in. On July 26, 2022, the Heavy Bombers player punched UP Fighting Maroons' Mark Belmonte in the mouth, leaving him with a busted lip and lower gum. Amores was ejected from the halted game which was awarded to UP.
Q3: Mark Belmonte is down due to a JRU player punching him. He’s currently bleeding and being attended to by the medical team. 😢😢😢 pic.twitter.com/tXD4VFs9fo
— UP Fight Club | CHAMPIONS ✊🏽 (@upmaroonclub) July 26, 2022
UP has filed a criminal charge against Amores for the incident.
On Nov. 9, the NCAA reportedly banned Amores from games indefinitely. The league also suspended for two games Benilde's Mark Sanco and Chris Flores for engaging in a fist fight and brawl, and JRU's William Sy and Ryan Arenal for committing disrespectful acts.
