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 More Red Sox NewsRed Sox LinksA beer ad seen in Japan featuring Daisuke Matsuzaka is creating controversy in the States. In the United States, beer cannot be consumed in TV ads and Major League Baseball does not allow its players to endorse alcohol domestically. Those rules do not apply to international markets, however. ?The ad is consistent with what?s acceptable in the Japanese marketplace,? said a spokesperson yesterday from Major League Baseball International, which mandated that the ad include a ?Drink responsibly? message at the end. ?We did approve it with him drinking the beer outside of his uniform. It?s a type of commercial that is really commonplace in Japan. It is not really that farfetched.? The MLB International spokesperson, who wished to remain anonymous, said Matsuzaka?s endorsement deal with Asahi preceded his signing with the Red Sox. MLB International sanctioned the spots and use of the Red Sox trademark, John Blake, director of media relations, said Thursday. |
