Estranged Wife of Tab Baldwin Claims Ateneo Cagers’ Deaths Were “Preventable”
A woman identifying herself as “Efi,” who claims to be the estranged wife of Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin, has accused Ateneo de Manila University of disregarding repeated warnings regarding the safety of student-athletes under his supervision.
In a video shared by Auckland-based lawyer Tudor Clee, who confirmed that he represents Efi, she stated that she has been legally married to Baldwin since 2011. She further claimed that she separated from him in early 2020 due to concerns for her personal safety and the safety of her children.
Efi alleged that she had repeatedly informed Ateneo officials that children were not safe around Baldwin and had urged the university to remove him from the campus. However, she claimed that her concerns were not acted upon, and that she subsequently experienced pressure and attempts to silence her after raising these issues.
Her statements were made following Ateneo’s release of a video message from Baldwin regarding the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. Efi criticized the statement, asserting that the incident could have been anticipated and potentially prevented.
She also addressed the families of the deceased, stating that the tragedy was not only foreseeable but also avoidable. She expressed concern over what she perceived as an early call to move forward following the incident, given the gravity of the loss.
Efi said she decided to speak publicly to clarify that Baldwin does not represent her or their children. She also urged the public and authorities to further examine why he was allegedly permitted to continue working closely with student-athletes despite prior warnings.
Her daughter, Giota Kalogirou, supported the claims by reposting the video online, stating that her mother had previously requested that Baldwin be reassigned to a team composed of adults rather than students, but that her concerns were allegedly dismissed, resulting in personal distress.
The family’s lawyer, Tudor Clee, confirmed their statements and said they stand by their account, adding that the matter has been brought to the attention of relevant authorities.