UAAP imposes lifetime ban on coach Tab Baldwin, permits Ateneo basketball in Season 89

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) announced a perpetual, unappealable ban on former Ateneo de Manila head coach Tab Baldwin, prohibiting him from any role or entry to UAAP venues. The sanction follows the June 8 drowning of Ateneo players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team‑building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, for which Baldwin and several staff members also face reckless imprudence charges.

Despite the bans, the UAAP cleared the Ateneo men’s basketball team to compete in the upcoming Season 89, citing the athletes as victims of the tragedy. The league required the university to conduct a comprehensive reassessment of its basketball program’s organizational structure and student‑athlete protection measures before participation.

Assistant coaches, team manager and other staff involved in the incident received indefinite suspensions, though their sanctions may be appealed.