Former Tall Blacks coach Tab Baldwin resigns after student deaths

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Tab Baldwin apologised to the families of the two students in a video message three days ago.

Photo: Ateneo de Manila University

Former Tall Blacks coach Tab Baldwin has resigned after two athletes he coached at a Manila University drowned while on a training exercise in the Philippines.

Statements by the university said the Ateneo Blue Eagles basketball team were on a conditioning exercise last Monday near the shoreline, but strong waves swept several of them into deeper water. The others were rescued, but Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili lost their lives.

The American-Kiwi was stood down while the university and government agencies investigated the incident in Dipaculao, northeast Philippines.

On Monday, Ateneo de Manila University president Father Roberto Yap confirmed during a press conference they had accepted Baldwin's resignation, effective immediately.

"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," Father Yap said.

"We must look inward, examine our systems and rebuild the structures for athletic programs so that our fields and playing courts remain places where dreams are nurtured, not broken.

Tab Baldwin spent many years coaching in NZ.

Photo: Joseph Johnson/www.photosport.co.nz

"To the men's basketball program, especially our student athletes, the players, coaching, and supporting staff, we also know that you are grieving and in pain compounded by the relentless misinformation... and even dangerous threats directed at you. We will continue to support you through this difficult time and will always be committed to your safety and well-being especially as you also recover from this tragedy."

Baldwin coached the Tall Blacks from 2001 to 2006 and was in charge when they placed fourth at the 2002 world championships. He is in the New Zealand Basketball Hall of Fame.

He formerly coached the Philippines national side, and led the Blue Eagles to four championship wins in the university basketball league.

Three days ago Baldwin apologised to the families of the two students in a video message.

"As a coach, I'm entrusted by you, the parents and the families, with first and foremost their well-being. And in this, I feel I've failed. And I'm sorry. To the depth of my being, I'm sorry."

Father Yap said the university had formed an independent fact-finding panel, who will investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of student-athletes during a team-building activity.

The Philippines' National Bureau of Investigation has set up a taskforce to investigate whether safety protocols were followed.

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