Yomiuri Giants’ Shinnosuke Abe quits after arrest over alleged assault on daughter
The Japanese baseball team’s manager allegedly grabbed the 18-year-old and forced her to the floor at their Tokyo home
Abe, 47, resigned as manager of the team, viewed as Japan’s closest equivalent to the New York Yankees, and apologised for “tarnishing the proud tradition of Giants managers”.
He was taken into custody by the Metropolitan Police Department for allegedly grabbing his 18-year-old daughter and forcing her to the floor at their home in Tokyo’s Shibuya ward, an investigative source said. She was not injured and he was released early on Tuesday.
“I caused tremendous concern and inconvenience to baseball fans, people involved in professional baseball and the organisation because of family-related problems. I sincerely apologise,” a tearful and visibly exhausted Abe told reporters at the Giants’ office.
“We view the act of violence very seriously and have determined that he cannot remain as manager,” Giants owner Toshikazu Yamaguchi said in a statement.
Abe, who has a reputation among Giants fans as a demanding manager who holds players to strict standards, has admitted to the allegation, telling investigators he lost his temper as he tried to mediate a fight between his daughters, according to the source.
Offensive chief coach Hideki Hashigami will serve as acting manager from Tuesday’s interleague game against the SoftBank Hawks at Tokyo Dome, the Giants said.