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| Tab Baldwin is no longer Ateneo's head coach, one week after the drowning incident in Dipaculao, Aurora. Dennis Acosta (file photo) |
QUEZON CITY—One of the most successful eras in Ateneo De Manila's men's basketball history came to an end on Monday after Tab Baldwin officially tendered his resignation as head coach.
Fr. Bobby Yap, SJ, the university's president, confirmed the development on Monday, exactly a week after a drowning incident in Dipaculao, Aurora that led to the passing of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
"We thank him for the years of service to the Blue Eagles, but as we enter a period of deep institutional review, a change in leadership is necessary to ensure the full integrity of our sports programs and safety protocols governing them. We must look inward, examine our systems, and rebuild the structures of athletic programs so that our fields and playing courts remain places where dreams are nurtured, not broken," Yap said in a press conference inside the Ateneo campus in Quezon City.
He also announced the resignation of team manager Epok Quimpo, as both he and Baldwin have been on the receiving end of criticism from basketball fans over the tragedy that occurred during the squad's team-building activity.
Yap also apologized to the families of the fallen players, whose tragic passing, according to him, shattered the community.
"When a young man dies, we mourn both the loss of life and the shattering of dreams. We mourn the potential that won't come true," Yap continued, "To the families of Rene and Divine, we see you. We acknowledge the unbearable pain of your mourning. We know that the grief you carry right now is compounded, and the anger is entirely natural, justified, and deeply human. On behalf of Ateneo De Manila University, I'm here to say simply and directly, we are truly deeply sorry."
However, Yap clarified that the Baterbonias were quickly informed of the incident, contrary to Rovelyn Baterbonia's claim that they were not given a quick notice.
"There was somebody from Ateneo who spoke to her on the very night it happened," Yap said, although he did not delve further into the conversation.
He also said that the university has yet to decide on whether to skip the upcoming UAAP season starting Sept. 12.
"Regarding the UAAP, wala pa kaming desisyon," Yap further said.
In a statement on Sunday, the league said that it is currently waiting for the results of the investigations by Ateneo, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Philippine National Police before it can take action.
"Rest assured that the UAAP will enforce sanctions in cases where there are breaches of established protocols, laws, and regulations, provided these sanctions are established through due process and in accordance with governance and disciplinary procedures," the UAAP said.
One speculation being floated is the possibility that the entire Blue Eagles varsity program would be given a one-season suspension due to the incident, much like the cases of the Adamson Soaring Falcons and De La Salle Green Archers in the past.
