Doosan Bears classified Lee Young-ha, the ‘ace of 17 wins’, as an uncontracted pending player. After completing all ongoing school violence trials, it was decided to proceed with negotiations.
Doosan Bears announced in a press release on the 26th that “We have completed contracts with 50 out of 51 candidates for annual salary renewals for the 2023 season.” Key players include pitchers Kwak Bin and Jeong Cheol-won, who made their debuts with salaries of 100 million won for the first time thanks to their performance last year, infielder Kang Seung-ho with 200 million won, and pitcher Hong Kun-hee with 300 million won. 메이저놀이터
Doosan did not negotiate an annual salary with one out of 51 contract renewal candidates. Lee Young-ha, who once made a name for himself as a 17-win ace, was unable to sign a contract for the 2023 season as he has been in a legal battle since September of last year regarding allegations of school violence in the past.
In February 2021, Lee Young-ha was caught up in the #MeToo incident of school violence after a revelation was posted on an online community that he and Kim Dae-hyun (LG) had been subjected to school violence during high school.
The #MeToo incident of school violence between the two players, which had been quiet for a while, recently re-ignited when the victim reported them to the Center for Sports Ethics. Afterwards, a decision was made to refer him to trial along with the police investigation, and Lee Young-ha appeared at the Seoul Western District Court three times as a defendant, starting with the first trial in September last year, the second trial in December, and the third trial this month. Lee Young-ha could not climb the mound for the first team after the SSG match on August 13 last year.
Lee Young-ha’s trial entered a prolonged phase. The trial is getting longer as the prosecution adopts additional witnesses. In the third trial on the 20th, two additional witnesses were requested, and the fourth trial was held on March 3. Victims and witnesses testify about the damage suffered by Lee Young-ha, and Lee Young-ha continues to deny the facts of the prosecution.
Of course, there is a principle of presumption of innocence, but it is burdensome to prepare for the season when both the Doosan club and Lee Young-ha are on trial. In addition, the 4th trial was set for March 3, and joining the Australian spring camp was also canceled. Lee Young-ha plans to train in Icheon for the time being and prepare for the season and trials at the same time.
Lee Young-ha’s legal representative expects a sentencing in May or June at the earliest. Lee Young-ha can sign an annual salary contract with the club at any time, and if he builds his body well, he can return to the ground along with the contract. Again, the key is the outcome of the trial. He must be acquitted so he can come up with a concrete return plan.
Doosan coach Lee Seung-yeop came up with a mound for the first half of the 2023 season without Lee Young-ha.