Jung Ho Kang Agrees to Check Into Rehab Program

News: After yet another DUI arrest and being booted from South Korea’s World Baseball Classic squad, Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Jung Ho Kang has agreed to enter a rehabilitation facility.

Jung Ho Kang is a fantastic baseball player. This is close to indisputable at this point, with his combination of solid defense and insane upper-deck power. However, none of this matters if Kang isn’t on the field. At this point, this scenario seems to be entering the realm of possibilities. Kang has been arrested on three DUI charges since 2009, with the most recent one coming in December 2016, and still hasn’t been absolved of all wrongdoing in a sexual assault case in Chicago in early 2016.

However, it appears that Kang is taking the next step towards a possible recovery.

A few days ago, a story came out that the South Korean stud has agreed to enter a rehabilitation facility. The program is voluntary, but no further details about the program are currently known. Facts like the program’s length, start date, and location remain up in the air.

The Pirates’ front office remains supportive of Kang, and seems to acknowledge that what’s going on is bigger than baseball.

“We remain focused on getting him the help he needs personally, as well as helping him prepare to compete this season,” said Pirates spokesman Brian Warecki.

More from Pirates News

• Pittsburgh Pirates: Looking at First Base for the 2023 Season
• Pittsburgh Pirates: Biggest Breakout Candidates for 2023
• Pittsburgh Pirates: Potential Outside of the Box Free Agent Target
• Pittsburgh Pirates Free Agent Target: Starting Pitcher Michael Lorenzen
• Pittsburgh Pirates: Big Season Ahead for Ji-Man Choi

Think what you will about Kang’s behavior over the past half-decade, but I think most people can agree on this: Good for Jung Ho Kang for taking the first step toward recovery.

You all know that old cliche: The first step toward recovery is admitting you have a problem. So it’s refreshing to see the slugger realizing that this childish, selfish behavior needs to stop, and it needs to stop now. There is a difference between doing something stupid and endangering yourself, and doing something stupid which endangers others.

Three DUIs is unacceptable for anyone, let alone someone in the public eye. Kang must restore legality and morality into his life. This is a great start.

It’s still a long road ahead though, and I wish Jung Ho nothing but luck in his recovery.

Related Story: Is the Pirates' 2017 Rotation Better than 2016's?

What do you think of Jung Ho Kang’s decision to enter a rehabilitation facility? Do you think it will help him in the long run? Or do you just want to see him hit baseballs again. Let me know in the comments below!

Go Bucs.