Baldwin relieved of duties with TNT

MANILA, Philippines  — TNT KaTropa have relieved Tab Baldwin of his role as the team’s assistant coach/consultant to allow him to concentrate on his duties for Ateneo and Gilas Pilipinas.

This development came a few weeks after Baldwin’s controversial remarks about the PBA, but TNT management clarified the decision was actually made even before the pro league suspended play last March.

“Coach Tab will be focusing on his coaching chores in Ateneo and his role in SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas),” TNT team manager Gabby Cui told The STAR.

“We decided on this transition way before the lockdown. The team is adapting well to the system of coach Bong Ravena and team consultant Mark Dickel. We would like to thank coach Tab and wish him well,” said Cui.

The KaTropa formally informed the PBA Commissioner’s Office last Monday about the parting of ways with Baldwin, who was fined P75,000 and suspended for three games for his “detrimental statements.”

Asked what would happen to the suspension, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said it might be enforced if Baldwin returns to the PBA in the future.

Baldwin earned the ire of the pro league for remarking during a podcast that it was “big mistake” to hold single-import conferences and asserting that there was “rules latitude” favoring the imports.

He had explained his side to Marcial, claiming his statements were “taken out of context,” and apologized to the PBA in a meeting prior to the handing out of the sanctions.