UAAP hands down unappealable lifetime ban on Tab Baldwin

The UAAP banned former Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin from ever holding any position in the league or entering any competition venue, even as the board allowed the participation of the Blue Eagles basketball team for the Season 89 tournament “to honor the memories of their fallen teammates.”

Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili drowned in a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8, and the UAAP came up with its decision, which it informed the media in a statement, after Ateneo also did an internal investigation.

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Baldwin’s sanction is “unappealable.” He is also facing reckless imprudence resulting in double homicide charges from the NBI, which also conducted its own investigation in the matter.

Team manager Epok Quimpo, assistant coaches Dean Caesar Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Romero Soriano, Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Hernan Ameer Domingo, Caesar Vincent Javellana Elumba and Grant Dearns, and physical therapist John Eric Rueca were also suspended from all league competitions and activities. Their sanction, though, can be appealed.

“The UAAP’s approach in imposing these sanctions is both protective and restorative,” the league statement said. “It is intended to ensure accountability, strengthen safeguards for the welfare and best interests of all student-athletes, address the harm caused by this incident, and reinforce the lessons learned to foster a safer and more responsible environment across the league.”

The team has reportedly expressed desire to play, and this is what the UAAP board granted the squad.

Ateneo, though, will have to provide the board a “comprehensive reassessment of the organizational structure and management of its men’s basketball team in relation to the University’s entire athletics program in order to strengthen student-athlete protection.”