UAAP bans Baldwin for life

MANILA, Philippines — The UAAP has perpetually banned resigned Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin and suspended eight team staff led by manager Epok Quimpo following the tragic death of Blue Eagles Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili on June 8 in Dipaculao, Aurora.

The UAAP Board released the decision yesterday, two months after the drowning that sparked a national probe from multiple government agencies.

The four-time UAAP champion is also prohibited from entering any UAAP competition venue as per the decision that is “final and shall not be appealable.”

Quimpo, for command responsibility as Blue Eagles team manager albeit not present during the incident, led the eight personalities suspended “until further determination by the UAAP Board.”

Also suspended are 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.

The board based its verdict on its internal investigation, Ateneo’s own probe, and the official reports of the PNP-CIDG and the National Bureau of Investigation.

Ateneo as a varsity program was spared from the hammer and will keep its eligibility in Season 89.

The board also did not hand out sanctions on the student-athletes present in Dipaculao, whom it deemed as “victims of the tragedy” as well.

“The UAAP’s approach in imposing these sanctions is both protective and restorative. 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,” said the UAAP.