This beer ad was aired in Japan featuring Daisuke Matsuzaka is creating controversy in the US. In the United States, beer cannot be consumed in TV ads, and in addition to it Major League Baseball does not allow its players to endorse alcohol domestically. However, this rule is not applicable to international market. In the meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox have also expressed concern about pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka being featured in the commercial, where he was shown drinking beer.
Matsuzaka had earlier signed an advertisement deal with Asahi beer before he joined Red Sox in December. Matsuzaka has been shown wearing a Red Sox uniform and it could raise the question of wearing team’s uniform for an advertisement.
On the other hand, spokes person of MLB international has reportedly stated that the advertisement is consistent with what is acceptable in Japan. Further he quoted that they did approve it with him drinking the beer outside of his uniform.
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