Tab Baldwin turns down offers to shoulder his PBA fine

Tab Baldwin has turned down offers to pay the P75,000 fine he received from the Philippine Basketball Association for his comments which were deemed "detrimental to the league."

The Blue Eagles head coach said some Ateneo alumni and businessmen pledged to shoulder the cost, but he is not inclined to accept the gesture in these difficult times.

"I have been in the employ of Boss MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan) for over 5 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.

Baldwin said he is "deeply humbled" by the offers, but he believes the money will be of more benefit those who are in need.

"I would prefer that these generous offerings be donated to a much more important cause like Ateneo's on-going COVID-19 drive for the country's frontliners," Baldwin said.

Aside from the fine, Baldwin was imposed with a three-game suspension in the PBA.

The former Gilas Pilipinas coach drew flak after guesting in a podcast and commenting on the tournament format, officiating of imports, and coaching in the PBA.

The American-Kiwi tactician, who is listed among the coaching staff of TNT Katropa, already apologized to the PBA regarding the comments.  —MGP, GMA News