Four Japanese basketballers who were sent home from the Asian Games for hiring prostitutes while on a night out in Jakarta have been suspended from playing for one year. Yuko Mitsuya, the head of the Japan Basketball Association, bowed in apology before making the announcement at a Wednesday news conference in Tokyo.
Mitsuya, an ex-Olympic volleyball player, said her salary would be cut 10 per cent for three months, and that the salaries of three other JBA officials would be cut by the same amount for two months. They were wearing Japan-emblazoned uniforms when they hooked up with prostitutes after eating and drinking in an entertainment district, Japanese officials said.
The incident came to light after a newspaper published photographs of the players out on the town. After missing out on the medal round, Japan lost to the Philippines and was relegated to a playoff for seventh place against Indonesia. Japan coach Herman Mandole said playing with two-thirds of a regular roster had been difficult but the remaining eight players were staying strong. Home News Light. Australian Associated Press.
The eight remaining players on the Japan squad have continued to compete in the Asian Games.
