Tab Baldwin’s silence after players’ deaths an Ateneo decision
FILE – Ateneo Blue Eagles’ coach Tab Baldwin during a game in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Ateneo said it is barring Tab Baldwin from making any comments on the tragic incident that led to the deaths of men’s basketball team players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
In another statement released Thursday and signed by school president Roberto Yap, Ateneo clarified that it had “requested “ Baldwin “refrain from making public statements to allow the official processes to proceed and the facts to be established before any public discussion of the matter.”
READ: Ateneo commits all support to families of deceased players; Baldwin still mum
“We believed it was neither appropriate nor helpful to ask Coach Baldwin to engage in public commentary while the community was mourning and while the circumstances surrounding the incident were still being examined,” Ateneo said.
“His silence should therefore not be misconstrued as indifference or a lack of concern. Rather, it reflects the University’s decision to place care, healing, and due process ahead of public discussion.”
Calls for Baldwin to at least show up continue to grow as he has yet to break his silence since Monday’s tragedy.
READ: UAAP: Tab Baldwin signs extension as Ateneo coach
Earlier, a separate statement from the school said that Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo “have gone on leave” as it launched a fact-finding inquiry on the matter.
While Baldwin remains silent, the school also said it has guided him to “focus his attention on the emotional and psychological welfare of the players, coaches, and staff affected by the incident, while also attending to his own well-being as someone grieving alongside the rest of the community.”
Baldwin, however, was not present when the team visited Baterbonia’s wake at Arlington in Quezon City. Baterbonia’s mother also said on Wednesday that she has yet to hear from Baldwin.
