By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
Repeated troublemaker Jung Soo-keun of the Lotte Giants is learning the hard way what a fourth strike means for his baseball career.
After his fourth involvement in a drunken conflict at a bar in Busan on Monday, Jung is out as a member of the Giants.
Only one month since the 32-year-old rejoined the team after the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) lifted his suspension in June, Jung was found engaging in disorderly conduct at a bar. He was reportedly drunk, half naked and swearing at a bar worker, but was not arrested.
A high-ranking Lotte official made the decision to remove Jung from the team, just months after the franchise had successfully lobbied the league to allow him to return after he was suspended for a similar incident.
While Jung insisted he was innocent, the Giants aren't waiting to find out all the details, saying they've heard enough to make a decision.
Giants President Park Jin-woong said the team is left with feelings of betrayal after fighting for his return.
"The KBO finding truth or punishment is secondary. The biggest problem is he harmed the image of Lotte Group," Park said.
"A player also has his right to privacy, we can't control all of their life. But we got his strong word before we tried to bring him back.
"And the incident came from the same issue: alcohol. I am really sorry to our fans and my team. I am ashamed for them, too.''
Even if Jung had not been involved in an incident, the team could still have been upset with Jung for drinking heavily the night before a game, as the team struggles to hold down the fourth and final playoff spot.
"As Jung already had issues with the same problem, it can be exaggerated. And that's why he should be more cautious," Park said.
The waiver deadline was July 24, so Jung will continue to earn his salary for the rest of the season. But he will no longer be a member of the team.
Another team would be free to pick him up, however, if he is not suspended.
"I am very sorry to the Giants fans and team," Jung said in the media interview.
"To be honest I don't understand why the Giants made that decision, but I appreciate that they gave me the chance to play again.
"I am going to decide my next step in three or four days. Among the choices, retirement is an option."
The KBO will hold a disciplinary meeting, but the date has not yet been determined.