Confusion was palpable. After the so-called "suspicious demand for back-money transactions" made by former General Manager Jang Jung-seok last year, Kia, which emphasized reform of its morality, is once again embroiled in a storm. This time, it is the on-site head coach.
KIA announced on the afternoon of the 28th that it had suspended manager Kim Jong-guk. On the 25th, the team received a report that "Kim Jong-guk was investigated by the prosecution on charges of accepting bribes," and called manager Kim to confirm the fact, and suspended him because he judged that he could not perform his duties normally as a manager.
The team is in complete disarray. Responding to a flood of inquiries, the team has repeatedly said, "We are trying to find out details." "We only know that it is a suspicion related to the acceptance of money and valuables. We are also investigating the details," Kia Tigers' general manager Shim Jae-hak said in a telephone interview with Sports Seoul on the day. "The team is also in the process of investigating the case, so it is difficult to predict whether the team will be acquitted or even if the charges will be proven." "We have to wait until the investigation results come out. This issue has emerged two days before the departure of the spring camp, which is a challenge for the team as well," he complained.
Another Kia official said, "As we are in the process of starting an investigation, normal managerial work is impossible. If the investigation is prolonged, it would be difficult for us to focus on preparations for the season as well as camps." However, a source familiar with internal affairs said, "The conclusion does not appear to be made quickly," but added, "It has nothing to do with the independent team executive's alleged delivery of large amounts of money and valuables under the bait of Jang's recent controversial move." Asked if the investigation was related to Jang's case, he replied, "I don't know about that," leaving a question mark.
As Shim said, it could have been a simple suspicion, or the situation could have been revealed. In any case, the club seems to have some understanding of the facts. In order for the club to be suspended solely through the fact that it was investigated as a reference for raising suspicions, it has to deal with a large portion of its responsibilities. A key official of the club declined to comment, saying, "Coach Kim just said he would abide by the club's decision." The fact that Kim did not immediately inform the club of the investigation also raises suspicions.
KIA immediately reported to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) Clean Baseball Center as soon as it confirmed that head coach Kim had been investigated by the prosecution, and decided to write a report on the situation and report it.
Due to this incident, KIA will start its spring camp without a coach. For now, head coach Jin Gap-yong will start preparing for the season on behalf of Kim. This year, Kia introduces a new system including automatic ball-strike determination system (ABS), pitch clock, base expansion, and defensive shift abolition, so it has a lot to take care of at the camp. Jin also has ample experience as a leader, but his thoughts may differ from those of Kim, who has served as a coach for operations and base running for a long time. KIA's season, which started its presidential challenge, has started from a shaky start.
The best-case scenario would be for Kim to return from the charges. However, if the investigation is prolonged or the status of the suspect is changed, the problem will grow bigger. With the spotlight on the media, it may be difficult for the prosecution to conclude easily.
BY: 안전 토토사이트