According to Yonhap News, Jung Ho Kang has been dropped from the World Baseball Classic roster for Korea. Korean manager In-Sik Kim gave the following statement during a press conference yesterday regarding Kang’s removal from the roster:
“As we all know, Kang has had some issues, so our coaching staff made this call.”
Earlier in the day, Kim said he was leaning towards removing Kang from the roster, but he met with his coaching staff before making the final decision. They also cited worsening public opinion over Kang, who was charged with a DUI and leaving the scene of an accident back on December 2nd in Seoul. This was his third DUI incident and Seoul police are seeking his indictment.
Kang will also need to appear before a collectively bargained treatment panel according to Adam Berry. The appearance is mandatory, while participation in a treatment program afterwards is not. Berry also notes that while the treatment program isn’t mandatory, the CBA agreement says “The Player’s participation in any Treatment Program shall be considered as a mitigating factor in any discipline imposed by either the Club or the Office of the Commissioner”.
