Pittsburgh Pirates: Jung Ho Kang Sentenced for DUI in South Korea
By Joe Piazza
Almost exactly three months ago, Pittsburgh Pirates SS/3B Jung Ho Kang was arrested in South Korea for DUI. On Thursday, he received his sentence.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
According to a report by Jee-Ho Yoo of Yonhap News, Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Jung Ho Kang has been sentenced to eight months in prison. Kang fled the scene of a DUI accident on Dec. 2, 2016, with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .084. In Korea, the legal BAC limit is .05.
At a glance, that eight-month prison sentence would presumably cost the Pirates an entire season of Kang’s contract. However, the sentence is suspended for two years, thus allowing Kang to play out the remaining guaranteed years of his deal with the Pirates.
With the court ruling determined, Kang is now cleared to apply for his work visa. Pirates team president Frank Coonelly has issued the following statement:
"“Now that Jung Ho’s legal case in Korea has concluded, we will continue to work with him and his representatives in an effort to secure his work visa so that he may resume his career as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates,. We look forward to meeting with Jung Ho as soon as he is able to travel to the United States and having a serious discussion with him on this issue and how he has and will change those behaviors that led to the very serious punishment that has been levied against him in Korea.”"
As Coonelly pointed out, Kang will be unable to join his teammates until he secures that work visa. Despite the seriousness of having three separate DUI arrests, Coonelly has, at least publicly, refrained from condemning the Korean slugger.
"“We will withhold judgment on what club discipline, if any, is appropriate until we have had an opportunity to have that discussion. We will also withhold from further comment until we have an opportunity to meet with Jung Ho.”"
Of course, it is yet to be determined if Major League Baseball will choose to discipline Kang. Last month it was reported that he will participate in a recommended alcohol treatment program. This was not a requirement, however it behooves Kang to be cooperative and compliant with the league. This is likely his best shot at avoiding a suspension.
Next: White Sox to release Lawrie
On the field, Kang has plenty of value. Across two Major League seasons, he has compiled a .273/.355/.483 batting line to go along with 36 home runs, 120 RBI, and 105 runs scored in 837 career plate appearances. He has accumulated 6.2 fWAR and holds a career wRC+ of 131. By that standard, Kang has been 31% better from an offensive standpoint than the average third baseman. Surely, the Pittsburgh Pirates will try to work with MLB to avoid any lengthy suspension for Jung Ho Kang.