After Jose Reyes became the first player to be suspended under MLB’s new domestic violence policy, Yankees fans were wondering what would happen to Aroldis Chapman. Well they don’t have to wonder anymore.
Today MLB suspended the Yankee pitcher for 30 games for an earlier October incident involving his girlfriend at his home in Miami.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred issued the following statement:
I asked my staff to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the incident involving Aroldis Chapman on October 30, 2015. Much of the information regarding the incident has been made public through documents released by law enforcement. Mr. Chapman submitted to an in-person interview with counsel present. After reviewing the staff report, I found Mr. Chapmans acknowledged conduct on that day to be inappropriate under the negotiated Policy, particularly his use of a firearm and the impact of that behavior on his partner. I am gratified that Mr. Chapman has taken responsibility for his conduct, that he has agreed not to appeal the 30-game suspension, and that he has agreed to comply with the confidential directives of the Joint Policy Board established under the parties Policy to ensure that a similar incident does not occur in the future.”
After stating that he would not appeal the suspension, Chapman issued the following statement:
I want to be clear, I did not in any way harm my girlfriend that evening, the statement said. However, I should have exercised better judgment with respect to certain actions, and for that I am sorry. The decision to accept a suspension, as opposed to appealing one, was made after careful consideration. I made this decision in an effort to minimize the distractions that an appeal would cause the Yankees, my new teammates and most importantly, my family. I have learned from this matter, and I look forward to being part of the Yankees quest for a 28th World Series title. Out of respect for my teammates and my family, I will have no further comment.
The suspension is effective on Opening Day.
