PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates held a Jung Ho Kang bobblehead promotional giveaway Thursday, as scheduled.
Acknowledging that some fans might be uncomfortable accepting a Kang bobblehead given the allegations levied against him, the Pirates allowed fans to decline the giveaway bobblehead and receive a voucher that can be redeemed for another promotional item.
Pittsburgh's third baseman is a "person of interest" in an ongoing investigation by Chicago police regarding a sexual assault allegation. He has not been charged with a crime. He has not been suspended by the team or received any punishment from the league.
The Pirates released the following statement on the decision:
"We have been careful not to prejudge the matter, in one direction or another. Consistent with this approach, we have made no alteration to the scheduled giveaway. While we have been careful not to prejudge in one direction or another, for those fans coming to today's game who feel otherwise can receive an alternate promotional item upon request.  
"Our fans will judge the organization by its actions. Our stand in opposition to violence against women has been clear and strong throughout the years."
"As we said at the outset, we take the allegation very seriously. We also respect both the legal process in Chicago and the Commissioner's jurisdiction in such matters. There have been no charges filed against Jung Ho. Under the joint MLB-MLBPA policy, the Commissioner's Office is closely monitoring the investigation. At this point, the Commissioner's Office has made no change to Jung Ho's roster status."