The Pirates today made alternate promotional materials available in place of Jung Ho Kang bobbleheads, upon request, if fans declined the Kang bobbleheads because of his involvement in an ongoing sexual assault investigation.
Kang has been accused of providing a 23-year-old woman an alcoholic drink and assaulting her at the team hotel in Chicago in June. Chicago police are investigating the alleged incident.
“We have been careful not to prejudge the matter, in one direction or another,” the Pirates said in a statement. “Consistent with this approach, we have made no alteration to the scheduled giveaway. While we have been careful not to prejudge in one direction or another, for those fans coming to today’s game who feel otherwise can receive an alternate promotional item upon request.”
Fans could request a voucher that would entitle them to another item.
“Our fans will judge the organization by its actions,” the team said in the statement. “Our stand in opposition to violence against women has been clear and strong throughout the years.
“As we said at the outset, we take the allegation very seriously. We also respect both the legal process in Chicago and the Commissioner’s jurisdiction in such matters. There have been no charges filed against Jung Ho. Under the joint MLB-MLBPA policy, the Commissioner’s Office is closely monitoring the investigation. At this point, the Commissioner’s Office has made no change to Jung Ho’s roster status.”
First Published: August 11, 2016, 4:45 p.m.