TAB Baldwin politely declined the funds raised by Atenean businessmen who have made efforts to pay the fine imposed to him by the PBA.
"I am deeply humbled by the offer of those of you in the Ateneo community, some friends from supportive companies and beyond to shoulder the cost of the fine imposed on me by the PBA," said the Blue Eagles coach and concurrent TNT assistant coach.
The former Gilas Pilipinas head coach was slapped with a P75,000 penalty for issuing comments made in an online interview that the Commissioner's Office deemed "detrimental to the league" two weeks back.
Rather, the American-Kiwi mentor told the donors to funnel the funds to the country's ongoing fight against the global COVID-19 pandemic.
"However, and especially in these times that are so difficult for so many Filipinos, I would prefer that these generous offerings be donated to a much more important cause like Ateneo's ongoing COVID-19 drive for the country's frontliners.
"At this trying time, these funds will be of great benefit to them and be useful in a much more vital manner," he said.
Baldwin found himself in hot water after his frank comments on the Coaches Unfiltered podcast, which saw his Filipino peers and even some politicians speak up on the matter.
He has since apologized for those statements.
After the PBA handed him with the fine, prominent Ateneo alumni started fundraisers and pledged to pay for Baldwin's penalty.
These funds will now be redirected to Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan and Tanging Yaman Foundation, Inc. who are helping medical frontliners and vulnerable communities directly affected by the health crisis.
For his part, Baldwin is ready to face the music and will pay his fine personally, while expressing gratitude to Ateneo's top sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan.
"I have been in the employ of Boss MVP for over five years now and through the course of that time and his contractual support of me. I am more than capable of handling my responsibility as it relates to this PBA fine," he said.
"I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to coach teams supported by Boss MVP and our group, and I look forward to more successes on the court."
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