College player in Japan bows in remorse

TOKYO • A college football player in Japan has apologized for intentionally injuring the quarterback of an opposing team with a late tackle, an incident that has riveted the country for several weeks.

In a news conference shown live on television across the country on Tuesday, Taisuke Miyagawa bowed deeply and said his coach had told him to do it. But he said he should have been stronger and refused the order.

The coach, Masato Uchida, quit in the wake of the May 6 game.

“I deeply regret that I caused tremendous damage and inconvenience. I’m really sorry,” Miyagawa said.

He then bowed to a 90-degree angle and held it for several seconds — a sign of deep remorse in Japan.

American football is little played in the country, and the violent tackle with intent to injure — against the rules wherever the game is played — has shocked many in a country famous for baseball, sumo, and good manners.

Miyagawa played for Nihon University, and the incident took place against Kwansei Gakuin University — archrivals in Japan’s small college football circle.

Japanese media report that Kwansei Gakuin quarterback Kosei Okuno injured a knee and damaged ligaments near his spine. He is reported to need several more weeks to recover.

Miyagawa said he has “no intention of continuing to play American football in the future.”