He did not mince his words.
Ateneo Blue Eagles coach Tab Baldwin, who usually focuses on the results of the game, had some things to say on Wednesday amid the controversies UAAP referees have been facing as of late.
Recently, Adamson Soaring Falcons coach Nash Racela cried foul on what he believed was unfair officiating during their game versus the Blue Eagles last Sunday.
In what was a crucial match in the joust for the last Final Four slot, Ateneo squeaked past Adamson, 62-58.
Racela posited that the referees called in favor of the Blue Eagles, citing the discrepancy in free throws in the fourth quarter. He also claimed that the UAAP probably wants Ateneo in the Final Four. Racela has since apologized for his comments, which the UAAP accepted.
The defending champions, meanwhile, maintained their advantage in the Final Four race after eliminating the UE Red Warriors on Wednesday, but with Baldwin giving a scathing assessment of his team's performance.
UE also criticized the suspension meted out against Precious Momowei after receiving his second unsportsmanlike foul during their game versus the De La Salle Green Archers.
Amid all of the issues hounding UAAP referees, Baldwin decided to speak up and defend the officials after their win over UE.
"I think there was a lot of nonsense in the media and being spoken from other people in the UAAP coming into this game, and I think it certainly affected and distracted the referees,” Baldwin said in the postgame press conference, as shared by Ateneo’s official student publication, The Guidon.
Baldwin also expressed his true feelings in response to recent remarks made by individuals within the "UAAP family."
“I’m embarrassed for some of the people in our family of this UAAP exerting the kind of pressure they did on the referees and on the commissioner’s office. I think it’s shameful,” said Baldwin.
“I think you all know exactly what I mean. I think we need to put it behind us and move forward as quickly as possible and get back to doing what is right for the game of basketball,” he added.
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But the Ateneo tactician was not done.
“When anybody does anything to the detriment of this sport, they are immediately my number one enemy,” said Baldwin. “This game has given every single one of us in the sport way, way more than we have given back to it.”
The UAAP has yet to release a statement on Baldwin's comments, as of writing.
(PM)