Published January 12, 2004 - Lansing State Journal

Officials say Ryu has not yet started community service

By Jordan Bastian
For the Lansing State Journal

A former Lansing Lugnut pitcher’s run-in with a protected bird while a member of another minor league team could land him in jail despite his plea agreement.

Jae Kuk Ryu has about two weeks left to complete 100 hours of court-ordered community service for killing an osprey in Florida this past spring while a member of the Class A Daytona Cubs.

Ryu was charged with a second-degree misdemeanor in April by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission after the death of an osprey at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Ryu reached a plea agreement to pay a fine, serve six months probation, issue a formal apology and perform community service.

He has paid more than $600 in court fees and has until Jan. 25 to complete his community service. If he doesn’t complete it, he could face up to 60 days in jail.

"We have no proof that he has done any" community service, said Shirley Spargur, a program manager at Maximus Inc., the county provider of probation services.

Ryu’s attorney, Charles David Hood, did not return several messages.

Once a month, Ryu, who is in his native South Korea, is required to report by mail to Maximus.

To the company’s knowledge, though, he has not indicated that he has started his community service or has submitted any proposals.

"If this is not done on time," Spargur said, "the judge will have to make a determination of whether to set a hearing or put a warrant out for his arrest."

The Chicago Cubs, the parent club of the Lugnuts, are working on getting Ryu back into the United States to complete his sentence.

"We just have to get the visa situation straightened out," said Oneri Fleita, the Cubs’ director of player development. "As soon as we can get him back in the country, those hours should be completed."

Ryu was demoted to the Lugnuts the same day he was charged. He was 6-1 for the Lugnuts, made the Midwest League all-star team and was promoted Class AA West Tennessee on June 30.