Regarding the Feb. 23 article "New Marines infielder Navarro arrested after bullet found in bag," it is disconcerting that he would make such a careless mistake in bringing a live bullet to Japan from his home in the Dominican Republic.

But what I find more disturbing is that this is the second time in six years that such an incident has occurred. Another Dominican player, veteran pitcher Maximo Nelson, committed a similar transgression when reporting for spring training in 2010.

Nelson received a three-month suspension. Perhaps Navarro deserves a similar punishment. And by doing so, Nippon Professional Baseball could state unequivocally that further violations of the Sword and Firearm Control Law by its players will not be tolerated.

Patrick Hattman

HUNTINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA

The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.