Ex-player Ryutaro Hazuki, from Hiroshima Toyo Carp, convicted of using etomidate, a drug known as “zombie cigarettes”, revealed that six other athletes from the club also acquired the substance. The confession took place during a live broadcast on his social network on the night of the 28th. At the time, Hazuki publicly apologized to his fans for his actions.
In an emotionally charged statement, Hazuki said he was “very sorry for having betrayed and disappointed so many people with my actions.” Ele recognized the negative impact of his behavior. The revelation about the involvement of other players adds a new layer of complexity to the scandal. Isso demands greater attention from the Japanese league.
Detalhes from confession on etomidate
Ryutaro Hazuki, aged 26, was arrested by Polícia of Prefeitura of Hiroshima in January this year. The suspicion was of violating Lei of Produtos Farmacêuticos and Dispositivos Médicos. The formal accusation came for the use of etomidate, a medication classified as controlled. Ele was indicted in February, resulting in the immediate termination of his contract with Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Durante interrogation in recent trial, in Tribunal Distrital of Hiroshima, Hazuki described the method of consumption. Ele heated and vaporized a small amount of the substance at his residence, in the neighborhood of Naka, city of Hiroshima, around December 16 of last year.
Revelação involvement of six other Carp players
Ryutaro Hazuki’s most impactful statement came when he revealed that he was not alone in consuming etomidate. “There were other Carp players around me who were using it,” the former athlete testified before Tribunal. Essa’s statement generated a huge uproar, changing the focus on the extent of the problem within the team. The general manager of Hiroshima Carp, Suzuki, briefly spoke out in light of the revelations. Suzuki stated: “I have nothing to comment”, choosing not to delve into the issue raised by the former player. The club’s stance indicates an internal assessment of the situation, which remains under intense public scrutiny and that of the Japão sports press.
Cronologia from the court case
Ryutaro Hazuki’s investigation and trial uncovered a series of events leading up to his conviction and confessions:
- December 16th last year:Ryutaro Hazuki heats and inhales etomidate in his home in Naka, Hiroshima’s neighborhood.
- This year’s Janeiro:Hazuki is arrested by Polícia of Prefeitura of Hiroshima on suspicion of violating Lei of Produtos Farmacêuticos and Dispositivos Médicos.
- Fevereiro of the following year:Ex-player is indicted; your contract with Hiroshima Toyo Carp is terminated.
- 15th of this month:Julgamento on Hiroshima’s Tribunal Distrital, where Hazuki testifies about drug use and the involvement of other players.
- Noite on the 28th:Hazuki broadcasts live on social media, apologizing and revealing that “six Carp players, including me, purchased” the “zombie cigarettes.”
What is the “zombie cigarette” and its risks
Etomidate, popularly known as “zombie cigarette”, is an ultra-short-acting sedative medication. Embora has legitimate medical use, its handling and consumption without professional supervision are prohibited and dangerous. The substance can induce states of unconsciousness, hallucinations and, in more serious cases, serious respiratory and cardiovascular complications.
The classification of etomidate as a prescription drug implies that its possession, sale and use are strictly regulated. Hazuki’s decision to acquire and consume the drug outside of any legitimate medical context placed him in direct conflict with Japanese law. The impact of the substance on the athlete’s career was immediate and irremediable.