SAN DIEGO (TNS) – Major League Baseball will not rush to a decision regarding the sexual-assault allegations against Pirates third baseman Jung Ho Kang, Commissioner Rob Manfred said Tuesday.
The league intends to allow law enforcement to gather information before determining whether, or in what fashion, to punish Kang.
“We are aware of the situation and are working with law enforcement,” Manfred told the Baseball Writers Association of America membership prior to the All-Star Game in San Diego. “We will make a decision when we have sufficient facts as to whether application of, for example, the administrative leave provisions in the new policy are applicable.”
Chicago police confirmed last week they were investigating allegations that Kang sexually assaulted a 23-year-old woman in his hotel room during the team’s trip to Chicago in June. The woman alleged Kang gave her an alcoholic drink that caused her to lose consciousness.
No criminal charges have been filed. Chicago police have described Kang as a “potential suspect.”
Kang has played five games for the Pirates since the accusation was publicly reported July 5.
“There is a certain amount of work that has to be done by law enforcement – and can only be done by law enforcement – before we can wade into those waters,” Manfred said.
Last fall, MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association announced a joint agreement that would allow the commissioner’s office to investigate and punish players in cases of domestic violence, sexual assault or child abuse whether or not they are criminally charged.
Jose Reyes, Aroldis Chapman, Hector Olivera and Yasiel Puig have since been investigated by the league under the domestic violence portion of the policy. Three of the four were suspended. Kang represents the first known instance of alleged sexual assault since the policy was implemented.
Manfred credited the MLBPA and union chief Tony Clark for working quickly last year to develop the policy.
“I think it’s a policy that should make this sport proud,” the commissioner said. “I commend Tony and his people for having the leadership and foresight to help us get in front of this issue, to get a policy in place that allows us to issue discipline when discipline is necessary, while protecting the rights of players.”
