I'm only twenty-four years old, but I made a mistake behind the wheel after drinking, and a year and a half disappeared

Dec 14, 2024

LG 이상영. Sports Chosun DB

A left-handed prospect who had a lot of expectations for his team. But a year and half disappeared after one mistake.

LG Twins left-hander Lee Sang-young had a contact accident in September. There was an accident of hitting a car that was ahead on a road in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, and he returned to his accommodation after giving the victim his contact information, saying he would handle the accident. A pitcher from the same team was also in the vehicle.

However, the victim, who received the contact information, suspected drunk driving and reported it to the police. The police who were dispatched to the scene confirmed that Lee Sang-young's blood alcohol level was at the level of license cancellation.

A police investigation has since begun. After recognizing the fact on the same day, the LG club feels responsible for the management of the team. The players are currently reported to the KBO Clean Baseball Center," he said, issuing an apology.

It happened in mid-September, but Lee Sang-young's KBO disciplinary action was confirmed only on Dec. 12. It was ambiguous to hold a disciplinary committee without the police investigation due to the presence of a passenger. It was misunderstood that `Lee Sang-young's disciplinary action proceeds particularly slowly.'

Sportschosun DB

The KBO already has clear sanctions regulations for drunk driving accidents. It applies without exception. In the case of suspension of a license, 70 games of suspension, one year of disqualification for revocation of a license, five years of disqualification for two drunk driving, and permanent disqualification for three or more times are applied. Because there are clear guidelines, players will also be determined by the severity of their disposition, whether they will play in 70 games, be disqualified from abandonment, or be disqualified permanently.

Therefore, the KBO imposed a one-year disqualification on Lee Sang-young, who revoked his license in accordance with the regulations. In addition, KBO prohibits the club from taking double disciplinary action. Although additional indirect disciplinary action is possible due to the club's voluntary withdrawal or release, the LG club announced that it would accept KBO's disciplinary action without additional action.

Lee Sang-young has already been unable to play since mid-September when he was caught driving under the influence. His last appearance was on September 11 in the Futures League. On top of that, since he was disqualified for a year from the time the disciplinary action was confirmed, he actually blew the entire 2025 season. You should continue your exercise only with personal training.

Sportschosun DB

Lee Sang-young, a 24-year-old born in 2000 from Busan High School, is a special prospect that the club has been expecting a lot. He received the fifth overall pick in the second round of the first round in the 2019 rookie draft, adding to the advantage of being a left-hander. Although he is not yet a complete player, he has even solved his military service in Sangmu and now it is time to settle down in the first team.

However, a momentary mistake virtually wasted a year and a half. an already irreversible situation. The only way is to spend a humbling time of self-reflection while safely digesting the disciplinary action.

youll@sportschosun.com