Quezon City Representative Franz Pumaren, appearing here while he was still the Adamson Falcons coach in the 2018 UAAP, wants to review the rules and regulations of all basketball leagues. (ALBUM)
MANILA, Philippines – Quezon City 3rd District Representative Franz Pumaren is pushing for a review of the rules and regulations of all basketball leagues in the Philippines.
Pumaren made the call in the light of fight by John Amores of Jose Rizal University (JRU) as he ran frantic during their match against De La Salle – College of St. Benilde last Tuesday.
“Given these unfortunate events in college basketball leagues, I believe it is time to review the rules and regulations of every Philippine basketball league. We have to lift the standards, rules and regulations of the matches to avoid these brawls,” Pumaren said in a privileged speech during a plenary session of the House of Commons on Monday.
Pumaren, a former professional basketball player and head coach, recalls Amores’ rampage and a history of scuffles in which the previously besieged player was involved.
Pumaren presented a series of videos to visualize the series of on-field controversies that Amores has been through.
He also asked officials from the National Collaborative Athletic Association (NCAA) and the JRU if there were efforts to call and discipline Amores for his misconduct since the first assault.
“It is alarming that a JRU player has a history or pattern of violence on the field within the past five months from different basketball leagues,” said Pumaren.
He also showed a viral video of JRU players who were said to have danced on the field after Amores’ furious rampage during Tuesday’s game.
“In any case where acts of violence are involved, it is important to understand that the gravity of the situation is a serious matter. From the very beginning, the coaches should stop what their players are doing,” said Pumaren, speaking in both English and Filipino.
Pumaren added: “Why should they act as if they were mocking the CSB players? Instead of their coach trying to stop them, they made them happy, as if what happened before was nothing serious.”
He also called on Amores to “accept his mistake and apologize for what he’s done over the past few months.”
“Yes, we may have heard statements from the parties involved, but this player has yet to take responsibility and apologize to the players he has hurt, affected and even injured.” Pumaren emphasized.
He lamented the negative image of this brawl to the Philippine basketball scene.
It is “not a good example for future generations,” he said.
“We should not let future generations think they can engage in atrocities. There should be no room for violence in any event, especially sports,” he said.
To avoid similar incidents of violence, Pumaren called on the organizers of basketball tournaments to further strengthen their security forces during matches.
“Everyone should go through a meticulous screening process because we are talking about student and crowd safety here,” he pointed out.
After a rampage on the field during the game against CSB, Amores was slapped with a slap. indefinite ban by the NCAA and the JRU.
Amores also faces physical injury complaints by CSB players Taine Davis and Jimboy Pasturan before the San Juan District Attorney’s Office.
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