Prosecutors have launched a raid on the residence of Jang Jeong-seok, the former manager of the Kia Tigers, who is suspected of demanding back pay during negotiations with players.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office’s Major Crimes Investigation Division (Deputy Chief Prosecutor Lee Il-kyu) sent prosecutors and investigators to two or three locations, including the residence of Jang Jeong-seok, who is suspected of embezzlement, on the morning of March 30.
Jang Jeong-seok is suspected of asking for money in exchange for a higher contract fee while discussing an extension with Park Dong-won, who was about to become a free agent last year. Park Dong-won, who signed a four-year contract with LG for a total of 6.5 billion won ($6.5 million), 카지노사이트넷 reported the recording to the KIA owner’s office, which in turn informed the Korea Baseball Players Association.
After learning of Jang’s alleged request for money
KIA reported it to the KBO’s Clean Baseball Center and held its own disciplinary committee, which voted to dismiss Jang for impairing his dignity.
The club decided that it was unacceptable to ask for money during negotiations with players for any reason, regardless of the facts, and referred Jang to the disciplinary committee for final dismissal.
“We would like to bow our heads and apologize to the fans of the KIA Tigers, as well as all fans who love professional baseball, for Jang Jeong-seok’s dignity-compromising behavior that has recently surfaced,” KIA said in an apology statement after voting to dismiss Jang. “Kia’s would also like to apologize to all members of the league for the pressure it has put on the entire KBO League, which is about to start.
“We immediately identified the facts and determined that the demand for money was not justified for any reason, so we held a disciplinary committee and immediately dismissed Jang Jeong-seok,” the organization said. “Kia’s feel a heavy responsibility for this incident and will continue to work hard to educate all club employees and players on compliance so that it does not happen again,” the organization promised.
“We apologize to all the fans who love professional baseball and support the KIA Tigers for the deeply disturbing incident,” KIA said.
The KBO reviewed the statement of explanation and related materials submitted by KIA, and after review and discussion with the investigation committee, the KBO requested the prosecutor’s office to investigate. Meanwhile, 안전놀이터 the prosecution is reportedly planning to call Jang Jeong-seok as a suspect as soon as the seized items are analyzed to determine if any money was actually exchanged.