Most of us are forgiving people.
When someone admits to making a mistake, offers no excuses and promises not to do something like that again, most of us believe in second chances.
Especially if the poor decision was an isolated incident, not a pattern.
That’s why most Tribe fans–and players–will accept Kazuhito Tadano’s explanation and apology for his role in a gay porno video three years ago.
He said he was in college.
He said he needed money.
He said it happened only once, and he sincerely regrets it.
The Indians say his version of the truth matches their background check. They insist he’s a decent kid who did something that cost him dearly.
And it did. Like about $1 million and a chance to pitch professionally in Japan, where he was expected to be a first-round pick out of college. He indeed paid a severe price. In Japan, he brought shame to himself and his family. His agent said no Japanese team would take him because of the stigma of being in the film.
The 23-year-old right-hander is relieved to be with the Indians, halfway across the world in a place where he can start fresh. Rather than turning himself into a victim–which so many people do–he’s grateful for what happened to him since signing with the Tribe last spring for $67,500.
Good guy, good player, so let’s move on. If he hurt anyone, it was himself.
