Korea’s professional basketball league "was forced to issue a public apology Tuesday after prosecutors arrested basketball legend and Wonju Dongbu Promy head coach Kang Dong-hee the previous night on charges of manipulating games," according to Kim Tong-hyung of the KOREA TIMES. KBL Commissioner and a lawmaker of the governing Saenuri Party Han Sun-kyo promised "a package of reforms to restore the integrity of the competition." This includes "adjusting league rules on drafting rookies and signing free-agent players to reduce teams’ motivation for 'tanking,' or losing on purpose for advantages in picking and signing new players." However, Han also stressed that the postseason "will progress as scheduled, despite suggestions by some teams to suspend it." Han said if the accusations against him are confirmed to be true, Kang "will face a lifetime ban from the league" (KOREA TIMES, 3/12).
KANG DENIES CHARGES: In Seoul, Gwang-lip & Sang-soo reported the Uijeongbu prosecution said that Kang "intentionally threw four Dongbu games" during the '10-11 season in February and March '11 after receiving 47M won ($42,883) from two brokers. Kang has been the country's best point guard since he played for Chung Ang University and then a corporate team run by Kia Motors. After the creation of the professional league, Kang, nicknamed "A Wizard on the Court," had 3,738 points, 938 rebounds and 2,201 assists until his retirement in '04. During the press conference, Han said that "he and other KBL officials still see Kang as the accused, not as a criminal, citing Kang’s strong denial of the charge" (KOREA JOONGANG DAILY, 3/13).
