Shinnosuke Abe resigns as Yomiuri Giants manager over assault arrest
Shinnosuke Abe has resigned as manager of Japanese baseball team the Yomiuri Giants after being arrested for the alleged assault of his teenage daughter in Tokyo.
The 47-year-old was detained by police on Monday following a domestic incident before being subsequently released.
He formally announced his departure from the storied franchise during a news conference on Tuesday.
“I apologise for causing trouble because of my family matters,” Abe stated.
ChatGPT prompts police intervention
The Yomiuri newspaper, which owns the team, reported that the former player allegedly grabbed his 18-year-old daughter by the collar and threw her to the floor.
This altercation reportedly occurred as he attempted to break up a fight between her and her younger sister.
Seeking advice on the situation, the teenager turned to the artificial intelligence application ChatGPT, which recommended contacting a child guidance centre.
Officials at the centre subsequently notified local authorities, leading to officers arriving at the family home hours later.
Daughter confirms family reconciliation
In a public statement released on Tuesday, the unnamed teenager expressed surprise at the rapid escalation of events.
“I broke down in tears seeing my father apprehended,” she said.
She confirmed that she sustained no injuries during the scuffle and urged the public not to worry, noting that she and her father have already reconciled.
The baseball icon has reportedly admitted to the allegations, explaining that he lost his temper while watching the siblings fight.
A decorated career overshadowed
Prior to this managerial stint, the Tokyo native enjoyed a highly decorated playing career in the Central League.
He led the division in both batting average and runs batted in during the 2012 season.
The prolific hitter reached the milestone of 2,000 career hits in 2017 before retiring from active play in 2019.
After taking over as team manager ahead of the 2024 campaign, his sudden departure leaves a significant void at the club.
The Giants have confirmed that offensive chief coach Hideki Hashigami will immediately step in as acting manager.