IS a return to the PBA imminent for controversial guard John Amores?
The 26-year-old Amores posted on his Facebook account on Tuesday about joining Titan Ultra in practice for the very first time.
“Unang araw ng ensayo kasama ang Titan Ultra Giant Risers,” the Jose Rizal University product said.
READ Amores eligible to reclaim pro license, hopes for PBA comeback
Informed about it, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial asked if the Games and Amusements Board has reinstated his playing license which had been previously revoked following his involvement in a shooting incident in Laguna two years ago.
“May GAB (license) na ba siya?” asked Marcial.
In a previous interview with SPIN.ph. GAB chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera confirmed Amores has been cleared administratively and the final reinstatement of his license is contingent on a formal contract offer from a PBA franchise — specifically Titan Ultra (formerly Northport), which owns his signing rights.
“He just needs to provide proof of a standing offer from a PBA team, then we can release his license. He has been cleared for reinstatement following his acquittal in the cases, but with specific conditions,” Rivera explained.
“He has to attend a continuing education seminar and, every six months, he needs to consult with his psychiatrist for anger management. There are safeguards in place.”
In a text message, Titan Ultra head coach Rensy Bajar affirmed the presence of Amores in the team’s practice, but didn’t mention anything about the GAB issue.
“Andito siya ngayon nagta-tryout,” Bajar said.
Titan Ultra inherited the rights on Amores following its buyout of the Northport franchise, which tabbed the 6-foot-2 player as the 51st pick in the Season 48 draft.
But it was during his sophomore season with the Batang Pier when Amores and his brother got involved in a shooting incident following a pick-up game in Laguna.
The PBA later suspended him, after which GAB revoked his playing license.
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