SENATE Committee on Sports Chairman Christopher ‘Bong’ Go expressed dismay over a recent brawl involving Jose Rizal University player John Amores during a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball match against College of St. Benilde.

Go emphasized there is no place for violent behavior in the basketball court.

“We promote sportsmanship. Fan ako ng basketball kaya nalulungkot ako sa nangyayari. Walang lugar sa sports ang court violence,” he stressed.

Go said the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) reminded the NCAA and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to take preventative measures and ensure similar incidents do not happen again.

The senator, who defended the PSC budget for 2023, said authorities may impose sanctions for athletes who violate rules and regulations, especially acts of violence.

According to Go, the PSC is keeping an eye on any new developments regarding the incident and is also considering more possible sanctions against Amores, who has been meted an indefinite suspension by both the NCAA Management Committee and JRU.

“Nakatutok dito ang PSC, lalong-lalo na’t galit ang ating mamamayang Pilipino sa nangyari,” he said.

The incident took place during the final three minutes of the game between JRU and CSB at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City last November 8 and with the Blazers leading, 71-51.

Amores charged into the CSB bench and punched several players in a fit of rage, leaving two of them knocked down on the floor.

Asked what the PSC should do in such cases, Go said Amores should be taught a lesson as he expressed displeasure with the player’s lack of sportsmanship and aggressive behavior on the court.

“Bilang isang basketball player at mamamayang Pilipino, ito ang sagot ko: Dapat bugbugin din ‘yung John Amores na ‘yan… ako naman bilang Committee Chair on Sports, we promote sportsmanship,” Go expressed.

“The PSC is responsible in the promotion of sports and is tasked to coordinate all amateur sports development. The PSC is also empowered to impose penalties, among others, on athletes for violations of rules… The PSC must exercise its supervisory rights over amateur sports on this incident,” he stressed.