CTBC Brothers Terminate Contract with Pitcher Hsu Chi-Lin Over Hidden DUI Incident

The CTBC Brothers of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) announced today the immediate termination of pitcher Hsu Chi-Lin’s contract. The decision follows the public disclosure of a court ruling revealing that the 26-year-old had been involved in a single-vehicle drunk driving accident last September, which he failed to report to the organization.

According to the Pingtung District Court, Hsu was involved in a car accident in Jiuru Township on the morning of September 15, 2023, after consuming alcohol the previous night. His vehicle struck a utility pole and overturned, resulting in injuries. Police testing at the hospital confirmed that his blood alcohol level exceeded legal limits. Hsu was subsequently sentenced to five months in prison, convertible to a daily fine of NT$1,000.

Drafted by the Brothers in the second round of the 2022 draft, Hsu was left off the team's contract retention list at the end of last year due to personal financial and disciplinary issues. Despite this, the club continued to honor his existing contract as no other teams had expressed interest. Hsu had participated in CPBL minor league games earlier this season.

The CTBC Brothers issued a statement emphasizing that drunk driving poses a severe threat to public safety and that the concealment of such a serious offense constitutes a major breach of contract. Under CPBL regulations and the player’s contract, the club has terminated his employment and intends to pursue legal action for damages resulting from his misconduct.