uaap perpetually bans
|

UAAP ‘perpetually’ bans Tab Baldwin, allows Ateneo to compete in Season 89

MANILA, Philippines – The UAAP dropped the hammer on Tab Baldwin and spared Ateneo de Manila University as it handed down its decision in relation to the deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, paving the way for the Blue Eagles men’s basketball team to see action in the upcoming season.

On Friday, August 7, the league announced that the 68-year-old coach has been “perpetually banned” from the UAAP — a severe punishment that took into account the internal investigation of Ateneo and the probes of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the National Bureau of Investigation.

Baldwin, who led the Blue Eagles to four UAAP championships, including a three-peat from 2017 to 2019, is barred from taking part in league-related activities in “any coaching, administrative, advisory, or official capacity” and is prohibited from “entering any UAAP competition venue.”

“This sanction is final and shall not be appealable,” the UAAP said.

Meanwhile, former team manager Epok Quimpo, assistant coaches Dean Castaño, Sandro Soriano, Jon Jacinto, and Hernan Domingo, strength and conditioning coaches CJ Elumba and Grant Dearns, and physical therapist Jerick Rueca have been suspended from participating in all UAAP competitions and related activities in any capacity until further notice by the league board. 

Furthermore, they are not allowed 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 league said. 

UAAP’s decision came almost exactly two months since Baterbonia, 18, and Adili, 21, died from drowning during a seawater activity that served part of the Blue Eagles’ team building in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8. 

Noting that the concerned government agencies did not recommend holding the student-athletes present during the incident liable, the UAAP recognized that the remaining players were simply “victims” and allowed Ateneo to continue competing.

“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 said. 

As a precondition for Ateneo’s continued participation in the UAAP, the league has required the school to execute 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, welfare, accountability, and institutional oversight.” 

“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,” the league said. 

Hosted by Far Eastern University, Season 89 will kick off on September 12. – Rappler.com

Similar Posts

  • Heartbreak for England as Late Argentina Surge Secures World Cup Final Spot

    In a dramatic turn of events, England’s World Cup dreams were shattered on Wednesday night. A stunning late comeback by Argentina secured a 2-1 victory, sending the South American giants to the final. The match, filled with tension and tactical battles, will be remembered for its agonizing final minutes. The victory means Argentina will face […]

  • |

    Ireland withdraws support for Infantino as FIFA pressure mounts

    The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has withdrawn its previous support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, adding to growing pressure on the football governing body’s leadership. The FAI confirmed the decision after a board meeting and said it had formally written to FIFA to explain why it was rescinding a letter of support issued earlier this year. The association cited concerns over governance, transparency and the lack of meaningful consultation. The decision comes amid a widening dispute over FIFA’s leadership and a controversial proposal involving the commercial rights of the World Cup. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have criticised Infantino’s handling of the issue, accusing FIFA of a serious breakdown in trust. Ireland’s move represents another setback for Infantino as he seeks another term in office at the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027. New Zealand has also withdrawn its backing, while several European associations have publicly opposed Infantino’s leadership. Northern Ireland’s football association, meanwhile, has backed UEFA’s position and said it would continue engaging on issues related to football governance. The contrasting positions on the island underline the wider divisions emerging within international football. Despite the growing opposition, Infantino retains support from several influential football bodies, including the African confederation and a number of Arab football associations. The FIFA presidency therefore remains a closely contested political battle rather than a settled outcome. With more national associations reassessing their positions, the dispute is expected to remain a major issue ahead of the 2027 FIFA election. Ireland’s decision further highlights the mounting calls for greater transparency, consultation and accountability in the governance of world football.

  • | | |

    Pakistani Squash player Sana Bahadur wins Australi…

      Pakistan’s squash player Sana Bahadur has achieved a notable victory by winning a squash tournament held in Melbourne, Australia. Her impressive performance in the competition has added another achievement to Pakistan’s growing presence in international squash. The tournament featured players competing for the title in a highly competitive environment. Sana Bahadur progressed through the event with strong performances and eventually secured her place in the final, where she faced Australia’s Rachael Greena. The final match provided an exciting contest between the Pakistani player and her Australian opponent, with Sana demonstrating confidence, determination and excellent control throughout the game. In the final played in Melbourne, Sana Bahadur defeated Rachael Greena by a score of 3–1 to claim the championship title. The victory reflected Sana’s ability to perform under pressure and maintain her composure during an important international match. Despite facing a home player, Sana remained focused and produced a strong performance that enabled her to take control of the contest. Winning an international tournament in Australia is a significant accomplishment for Sana Bahadur and represents an encouraging development for Pakistani squash. Pakistan has historically produced some of the world’s finest squash players, and the country has a long and distinguished tradition in the sport. Players such as Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan established Pakistan as a major force in international squash, inspiring generations of young athletes to take up the sport. Sana’s victory can therefore be viewed as part of the continuing efforts of Pakistani squash players to compete successfully on international platforms. Success in overseas tournaments is particularly important for emerging players because it provides valuable experience against competitors from different countries and helps them improve their rankings and confidence. The Melbourne tournament also offered a valuable opportunity for players to gain international exposure and compete for prize money. The total prize purse for the event was $3,000. Although the financial reward was relatively modest compared with major international squash competitions, winning the title remains an important achievement for Sana because of the competitive experience and recognition associated with the victory. For Pakistan, achievements such as Sana Bahadur’s success are important in encouraging young athletes and highlighting the country’s potential in squash. International victories can also motivate aspiring players to pursue professional careers in the sport and demonstrate that Pakistani athletes can compete successfully against international opponents. Sana Bahadur’s triumph in Melbourne is therefore more than just a tournament victory. It is a testament to her hard work, preparation and determination. By defeating Australia’s Rachael Greena 3–1 in the final, she successfully brought the championship title to Pakistan. The achievement is expected to provide Sana with greater confidence as she continues her squash career. It also offers a positive moment for Pakistani squash fans, who continue to look forward to seeing new players emerge and represent the country on international courts. With her Melbourne victory, Sana Bahadur has made a strong statement about her potential and added another encouraging chapter to Pakistan’s squash story.

  • |

    Pakistani climbers reopen historic Hindu Kush pass after 27 years

    CHITRAL: A team of Pakistani mountaineers has successfully crossed the historic Phargam An Pass in the Hindu Kush mountain range for the first time in 27 years, marking a major achievement for the country’s mountaineering community. The expedition successfully reached the 5,100-metre-high Phargam An Pass, completing a challenging journey through one of the most remote and difficult mountain routes in northern Pakistan. The expedition also made history as female climbers reached the summit for the first time, highlighting the growing participation of women in Pakistan’s adventure and mountaineering sector. The mission was organised in Upper Chitral with the support of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority. During the expedition, the team also discovered the memorial of Austrian mountaineer George Kronberger, who lost his life in the area in 1975. Despite facing dangerous glaciers, steep snow-covered slopes, rocky terrain and the constant threat of avalanches, the team completed the expedition safely. Expedition guide Zamrud Khan said the route to Phargam An Pass has changed significantly over the years due to the effects of climate change, making the journey more challenging than in the past. Three sisters from Chitral—Mehrosh Akhtar, Ismail Roz and Madhu Shala Akhtar—took part in the historic expedition, setting a new milestone for women in Pakistani mountaineering. Other members of the expedition included Kamran Khan, Samar Khan, Nauman Khan, Noorul Rahman, Zohaib Khan, Umar Khattab Sherani, Sohniya Babar, Amina Shabbir and Madiha Syed. The successful expedition is being seen as an important milestone for adventure tourism and mountaineering in Pakistan, while showcasing the country’s growing potential as a destination for high-altitude exploration.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *