Players’ union to monitor Kang’s DUI case
As Pittsburg Pirates’ Korean infielder Kang Jung-ho will soon face a verdict hearing in Korea over charges of driving under the influence (DUI), the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) said it would “stay engaged” in the case.
The players’ union chief Tony Clark talked with reporters in Florida, Thursday, after meeting with the Pirates’ players. Against the question of whether the union is monitoring Kang’s DUI case in Korea, Clark was quoted by the TribLIVE as saying “It’s a constant level of engagement. International challenges make it a little more difficult to track everything that’s going on.
“He is a member of our association and, as such, he has rights and processes that are part of the conversation and the investigation and the backdrop of whatever all the issues may be. So, we’re going to stay engaged. It is our duty to support guys as they go through challenges, on or off the field, particularly when they are connected to a negotiated protocol or program that is in place,” he said.
Kang was arrested last December after leaving the scene of an accident in southern Seoul. Kang reported to police that his friend, who was only identified by the surname Yoo, was the driver of the vehicle, but Kang turned out to be the one behind the wheel.
The case was Kang’s third DUI arrest, following incidents in 2009 and 2011, both when he was play- ing for the Nexen Heroes in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). Under a “three strikes” law, his driver’s license will be revoked.
Prosecutors sought a summary order against Kang with a fine of 15 million won ($13,245) without a formal trial, but a local court said the case must be processed through a trial.
The Seoul Central District Court held a hearing for Kang and Yoo Wednesday and Kang admitted his guilt, saying “I deeply regret what I have done. If I can get one last chance, I will become an exemplary player so I can earn respect from everyone.” Kang’s verdict hearing is scheduled for March 3.
Due to his trial schedule, Kang is not available to take part in his team’s spring training, which already started last week in Bradenton, Florida.
When asked whether Kang’s third DUI charge will be a factor in whatever punishment he gets from the MLB team, Clark said, “We’ll have to see. Appreciating an individual’s past along with the circumstances that are in the present, may or may not lend itself to an end-game discussion with respect to discipline or lack thereof.”