Yomiuri Giants Manager Abe Resigns Following Arrest Over Domestic Incident

Tokyo, May 26 (CNA) - Shinnosuke Abe, manager of the Yomiuri Giants in Nippon Professional Baseball, resigned today after being arrested on suspicion of assaulting his 18-year-old daughter. Abe publicly apologized at a press conference, and his resignation was accepted by the team. Accompanied by a lawyer, Abe had a letter from his daughter read aloud, which stated, "There is no truth to claims of punching or kicking."

According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, the team explained that around 6:00 PM last night at his home in Tokyo, Abe attempted to stop his daughters from arguing. When his 18-year-old daughter talked back, he became angry, grabbed her by the collar, and threw her to the ground. The daughter was not injured.

Following advice from ChatGPT, the daughter contacted a child consultation center. The Shibuya Police Station of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department received the report from the center and arrested Abe in the act. He was released this morning. There had been no prior disputes between them.

At the press conference, Abe stated, "I am truly sorry for causing great concern and trouble to the fans, baseball-related personnel, and the company due to my family issues."

Giants owner Toshikazu Yamaguchi said, "The fact of the assault is extremely serious, and we have determined that he cannot continue as manager. I deeply apologize to all fans and baseball personnel for this major scandal occurring just before the interleague games."

According to NHK, Abe appeared in a suit and apologized, saying he had "tarnished the name of the manager of the Giants, a team with a long tradition." He confirmed his resignation after meeting with Yamaguchi.

Regarding his daughter, he said, "She is a third-year high school student, and I hope everyone will watch over her warmly." With tears in his eyes, he added, "I truly believe that resigning in this manner has caused a great deal of trouble."

A lawyer read a letter written by the daughter, who stated, "I wrote this myself. Although my father thought it was unnecessary, I want to clarify things due to speculation on social media and some inaccurate reports."

She clarified, "Regarding the violence, there was no punching or kicking." She also emphasized, "This was the first time I had such a fierce conflict with my father."

Recalling the report, she said, "I consulted ChatGPT and was told I could anonymously seek help from a child consultation center, so I called. I didn't know what to do, but they didn't ask for my specific wishes and called the police directly."

She added, "I was most shocked when the police arrived. I broke down in tears when I saw my father being taken away."

Regarding their home life, she wrote, "My father is usually cheerful, we joke around and eat together; it's a normal family relationship... please rest assured."

Regarding her current state, she said, "I am embarrassed that this became such a big deal. I am physically fine, so please don't worry." She also emphasized, "I have reconciled with my father, so please rest assured," and concluded by asking to "avoid social media attacks, defamation, or public humiliation toward our family, my father, or myself."

Shinnosuke Abe had been managing the Giants since the 2024 season. Following his resignation today, coach Hideki Hashigami will serve as acting manager.