Pittsburgh Pirates’ Jung Ho Kang Under Investigation for Sexual Assault
By Nick Fustor
Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Jung Ho Kang is currently being investigated by Chicago Police after allegedly sexually assaulting a woman last month.
Jung Ho Kang is currently under investigation by the Chicago Police Department after an alleged sexual assault that occurred when the Pirates were in town last month, as reported by Stacy St. Clair and David Heinzmann of the Chicago Tribune (h/t Bleacher Report).
The Chicago Tribune reported that the Pirates are aware of the investigation, and the team president Frank Coonelly issued a statement.
#Pirates president's statement on Jung Ho Kang. pic.twitter.com/MckVWLpqHS
— Stephen J. Nesbitt (@stephenjnesbitt) July 5, 2016
Kang has yet to be charged with a crime, and he is still on the active roster – but he was removed from the team’s lineup on Monday and Tuesday’s games against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Major League Baseball issued a statement as well, via St. Clair and Heinzmann.
"“Our understanding is that police in Chicago are investigating this very serious matter. Major League Baseball will monitor the progress of this investigation closely and will respond fully as additional facts emerge.”"
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According to the police, Kang invited a 23-year-old woman to his Magnificent Mile hotel room after talking on the dating app Bumble – a location-based dating app that only allows women to initiate conversations – on June 17.
Chicago Police spokesman Anthony Gugliemi said the woman arrived at Kang’s room around 10 p.m. and Kang gave her an alcoholic drink. The woman said she blacked out 15 to 20 minutes later, then drifted in and out of consciousness as Kang sexually assaulted her.
She then reportedly did not fully wake up until she was in a taxi on her way home. On June 19, the woman went to Northwestern Memorial Hospital to have a rape kit done. The assault was reported 10 days later, sources told the Tribune.
Kang is still with the team and was in the clubhouse before the game. #Pirates having team meeting this afternoon.
— RobBiertempfel (@RobBiertempfel) July 5, 2016
While Kang is still with the team, action will likely be taken soon regarding his status.
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Kang is in the second year of a 4-year, $11 million contract that he signed in 2015.