Hiroshima informs Kozono and 4 other players that they are not eligible for action due to zombie cigarette issue

Hiroshima, a professional baseball team shaken by the ``zombie cigarette'' issue this season, made a decision on the 1st. Infielder Kaito Kozono (26), infielder Masaya Yano (27), outfielder Shunsuke Tamura (23), and infielder Seita Maekawa (23) have been notified of their inactive status. A photo of Kozono, Yano, and Tamura with an arrested zombie cigarette dealer was published in a weekly magazine, and Yano and Maekawa were referred to the prosecutor's office in September on suspicion of violating the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act.

Four players hope to continue playing. Kozono was the Central League's leading hitter last season, and Yano was selected for the Golden Glove Award two years ago, so Hiroshima, without its main players, faces major challenges not only in player management and guidance, but also in terms of organization.

■How to regain the “trust” of fans

Hiroshima, shaken by the "zombie cigarette" issue, made a decision on the 1st. Kozono, Yano, Tamura, and Maekawa are notified that they are no longer on active duty. "I was told that I couldn't trust them. I guess I can't help it," Kozono said.

The incident began in January when a then-current athlete was arrested on suspicion of using "zombie cigarettes." Since then, the team has continued an internal investigation, but has been unable to find any evidence that other players had used zombie cigarettes.

Still, Suzu explains why she made the decision...