Ex-Kiwoom coach Lee Yong-gyu gets 2-year ban for drunk driving crash

Former Kiwoom Heroes player-coach Lee Yong-gyu has been handed a two-year disqualification by the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) following a drunk driving accident. The KBO's disciplinary committee determined that Lee's actions violated the league's code of conduct, leading to a one-year ban for damaging the sport's reputation.

An additional year was added to his suspension due to the aggravating circumstances of the incident. The KBO cited Lee's role as a coach, expected to set an example for younger players, and the fact that his drunk driving caused injuries to others as reasons for the heavier penalty. The disqualification takes effect on June 26.

The accident occurred on June 12 around 6:25 AM as Lee was returning home. While driving, he collided with a car attempting a U-turn and a parked police patrol car. The drivers of both vehicles sustained injuries. A sobriety test at the scene revealed Lee's blood alcohol content exceeded the legal limit for license revocation. He was subsequently booked by the Guri Police Station on charges of drunk driving and other offenses under the Road Traffic Act. Following the incident, Lee immediately announced his retirement.