TOKYO (AP) — Yakult Swallows slugger Wladimir Balentien has apologized to his fans, several days after pleading not guilty to domestic violence charges in Florida.
As is the custom in Japan, Balentien bowed deeply and then apologized Wednesday to his fans and teammates for the actions that led to his arrest on Jan. 13.
Police say Balentien pulled out screens at his estranged wife’s Miami-area home and climbed through a window. He is accused of grabbing his wife’s arm as she ran upstairs, following her into a bedroom and locking the door.
The Curacao-born Balentien was freed on bail and returned to Japan on Tuesday.
Balentien hit 60 homers last year, breaking Japanese baseball’s single-season record of 55. He previously played in the MLB for the Cincinnati Reds and Seattle Mariners.
