Tatsuya Imai was suspended by the Saitama Seibu Lions for being caught smoking underage on Tuesday. He will be ineligible to play in any games until the end of May and cannot wear the team uniform in this time.
"We will work to prevent this from happening again by guidance and education," General Manager Haruhiko Suzuki said in a statement. "We will have awareness on all players and staff members including Imai. We plan to take action with enough care."
Imai, 19, has been in ni-gun camp down in Kochi prefecture. The legal smoking age in Japan is 20, leading to a breaking of the law. Last year, he injured his shoulder on the first day of spring training and the team sidelined him for most of the year. Imai appeared in only seven ni-gun games, but still participated in the Fresh All-Stars game (All-star Futures equivalent).
It was reported from an outside source that Imai was seen smoking in public last January in Tokorozawa. The report was confirmed when team officials spoke with Imai on February 5.
This photo emerged to the media showing Imai playing pachinko while smoking.
It was reported from an outside source that Imai was seen smoking in public last January in Tokorozawa. The report was confirmed when team officials spoke with Imai on February 5.
This photo emerged to the media showing Imai playing pachinko while smoking.
The Lions drafted Imai in the first round of the 2016 NPB Draft and earned his rights without any opposition. Imai was the ace for Sakushin Gakuin, the 2016 Summer Koshien champions as it was their first championship in 54 years.
"I am deeply sorry," Imai said in a team-released statement. "I believe I was naive, which brought about this situation. I would like to be strict with myself so I do not repeat this again in the future. I am very sorry."
Previously, Makoto Aiuchi was caught smoking underage and in uniform during his rookie camp year in 2012. He was given a six month suspension due to his previous offense of speeding and driving without a proper license.
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Other note:
-OF Masato Kumashiro and P Yusuke Tamamura were diagnosed with influenza in ni-gun camp. They became the 3rd and 4th players to have influenza, joining battery coach Kosuke Noda and Aito Takeda, who are also in ni-gun camp.
-Kaito Yoza was also diagnosed with the flu, being the 5th person to sit out practice in ni-gun camp. He was the fifth round draft pick of the Lions last fall and is a submarine pitcher.
-Kaito Yoza was also diagnosed with the flu, being the 5th person to sit out practice in ni-gun camp. He was the fifth round draft pick of the Lions last fall and is a submarine pitcher.
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