JOHN Amores found himself back in the PBA after being signed by Titan Ultra for the remainder of Season 50.
The surprise return of the controversial guard comes two days before the season-ending Governors’ Cup officially comes off the wraps at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
READ Amores starts from scratch as he vies in Titan Ultra tryouts
Amores, 27, was accompanied by his representative Danny Espiritu as he signed his first league contract after being suspended by the league more than a year ago for his involvement in a shooting incident in Laguna.
Team manager Jessica Arsolon welcomed Amores to the organization that took over the NorthPort franchise – the same team where the Jose Rizal University stalwart was under contract with when the league suspended him and the Games and Amusements Board revoked his license as he faced criminal charges.
On Thursday though, Amores, who reached a settlement on charges filed in court over the shooting incident, received clearance from GAB to resume his playing career.
The government regulatory body later notified the PBA hierarchy about its decision to issue Amores a new license, prompting the league to clear the player and allow his inclusion in the Giant Risers’ official roster for the conference.
Amores' potential comeback could come as early as Friday's opening tip when Titan Ultra battles Terrafirma in the curtain raiser of the doubleheader.
The 6-foot-2 Amores began attending Titan Ultra practices during the off-season as he tried out for a roster spot with the team.
He did this, according to Espiritu, after complying with all the requirements set by the GAB before being reinstated.
The conditions include doing community service, charity work, along with attending psychological and psychiatric consultations.
Amores, who was suspended by the PBA without pay, had likewise been absolved of criminal charges after reaching settlement with the family he and his brother had offended.
The 2024 shooting incident came two years after Amores also got involved in a punching spree during an NCAA game between College of St. Benilde and Jose Rizal University.
The controversy led to his permanent ban in the NCAA.
New lease on life
After apologizing and mending his ways, Amores applied in the Season 48 draft and was selected in the fifth round (51st overall) by NorthPort.
Following a solid rookie season with the Batang Pier, Amores was signed to a two-year contract extension by management before eventually finding himself involved in that Laguna shooting incident.
Titan Ultra retained his playing rights shortly after buying the Northport franchise.
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