Behind the Buzzer: The off-court battles that rocked these five PBA players

While many professional basketball players inspire fans through talent and success, some stories take darker turns. The following accounts explore the high-profile off-court controversies that have surrounded five PBA players: John Amores, Paul Desiderio, Mac Cardona, Dorian Peña, and Bong Alvarez—each marked by legal trouble, personal battles, and public scrutiny.

John Amores – From Brawl to Gunfire

John Amores first drew nationwide attention during a violent on-court brawl in 2022 while playing for JRU in the NCAA. That incident was already alarming, but things escalated further in June 2024. During a pickup basketball game in Laguna, Amores allegedly pulled out a gun and shot another player in the leg.

He was arrested and charged with attempted homicide and illegal possession of a firearm. The incident prompted swift disciplinary action: the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) revoked his professional license, and the PBA issued an indefinite suspension.

Amores later issued a public apology and expressed remorse, but the damage to his image and professional standing was significant. The case remains under legal proceedings, with his career in limbo.

Paul Desiderio – Domestic Violence Allegations

In 2022, Paul Desiderio faced serious allegations of domestic abuse from his former fiancée, former UP courtside reporter Agatha Uvero. In a detailed social media post, Uvero accused Desiderio of repeated emotional and physical abuse, including incidents while she was pregnant.

Desiderio denied the allegations and maintained his innocence. No criminal charges were filed, but the accusations led to the PBA launching an internal investigation, and Desiderio’s playing career stalled. He eventually announced a step away from basketball to “focus on personal matters.”

The case remains unresolved in the public eye, and Desiderio has largely remained out of the spotlight since.

Mac Cardona – Suicide Attempt, Legal Issues, and Public Altercations

Former star guard Mac Cardona was once among the PBA’s most exciting scorers. But following his decline in professional play, Cardona’s life was marred by personal turmoil. In 2016, he was hospitalized after a reported suicide attempt, allegedly ingesting pills in what police considered a mental health emergency.

This incident was followed by multiple legal troubles. In 2018, Cardona was arrested for physically assaulting his live-in partner. In another separate incident, he was involved in a public scuffle in Mandaluyong.

He later admitted to battling depression and suicidal thoughts. Cardona has since spoken in interviews about seeking treatment and attempting to rebuild his life, although his basketball career never recovered.

Dorian Peña – Drug Charges Following Buy-Bust Arrest

In May 2017, veteran big man Dorian Peña was arrested in a drug buy-bust operation in Mandaluyong City. Police recovered illegal drug paraphernalia and shabu inside the condominium unit where Peña was apprehended.

Peña was initially charged with violation of Section 15 (use of illegal drugs) of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, and authorities also attempted to file charges related to visiting a drug den. Peña denied the allegations, stating he was unaware of the illegal activities and was only visiting the unit for computer repairs.

He posted bail and was released, but the incident marked a dramatic fall for the former champion and Mythical Team member. Peña never returned to the PBA after the arrest.

Bong Alvarez – Drug Controversy in Later Life

Bong Alvarez, once known as “Mr. Excitement” for his high-flying style in the ‘90s, became embroiled in a drug-related controversy years after his basketball career ended.

In 2017, Alvarez was arrested during a police operation inside a barbershop-turned-drug den in Quezon City. He was caught in possession of shabu, along with other suspects, and was charged with drug possession under Republic Act 9165. Authorities also noted that Alvarez had been seen frequenting the area for weeks.

The arrest shocked many, especially those who remembered his peak years with Alaska and Sta. Lucia. Alvarez later claimed he had been trying to get his life back together and expressed a desire to recover and reenter public service. Though no major conviction was reported, the incident tainted his post-basketball reputation.

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