UAAP bans former Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin for life

MANILA – Exactly two months after the tragic drowning incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) dropped the hammer on former Ateneo De Manila head coach Tab Baldwin, as he is now "perpetually banned" from the league.

The UAAP said in a statement on Friday that the American-Kiwi mentor, who led the Blue Eagles to a three-peat from 2017-2019, can no longer join the team in any capacity in any sport.

"Thomas Anthony Baldwin is perpetually banned from all UAAP competitions and related activities, in any coaching, administrative, advisory, or official capacity, and he is also prohibited from entering any UAAP competition venue. This sanction is final and shall not be appealable," the statement said.

On the other hand, team manager Epok Quimpo, assistant coaches Dean Castaño, Sandro Soriano, Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Hernan Domingo, Caesar Elumba, and Grant Dearns, and physical therapist John Rueca are all given indefinite suspensions "until further determination by the UAAP Board."

"During this period, they shall likewise not be permitted to enter UAAP competition venues in an official capacity. This sanction may be appealed to the UAAP Board in accordance with its applicable rules and procedures," the UAAP further said.

Despite the sanctions slapped on Baldwin and the rest of the personnel present in the ill-fated training camp that led to the drowning and passing of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, the UAAP cleared Ateneo to join the upcoming 89th season.

"In its administrative review, the board noted the findings of the investigative government agencies, which did not make any recommendation to hold liable the student-athletes present at the incident. With this, the Board also recognizes that the Ateneo men’s basketball student-athletes are themselves victims of this tragedy.

"In light of these findings, the Ateneo men’s basketball team shall remain eligible to compete in UAAP Season 89, taking into consideration the expressed desire of these student-athletes to honor the memories of their fallen teammates through competition," the league explained.

The UAAP, however, revealed that it set a "precondition" for the Blue Eagles to participate, which was "to undertake a comprehensive reassessment of the organizational structure and management of its men’s basketball team in relation to the University’s entire athletics program to strengthen student-athlete protection, welfare, accountability, and institutional oversight."

Former National Collegiate Athletic Association and Metropolitan Basketball Association champion coach Louie Alas temporarily took over Ateneo's reins as interim coach, while former Blue Eagle Nico Salva was named the interim team manager.

With Ateneo cleared to join, the UAAP will remain an eight-school league come Season 89 starting on Sept. 12.

In response, the embattled university, in a separate statement, is calling on its community "to stand together as One Ateneo in supporting our Blue Eagles across all varsity teams as they continue their journey of healing, growth, resilience, excellence, and formation." (PNA)