Yankees pitcher gets 30-game suspension for domestic violence incident
New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman agreed to a 30-day suspension without pay handed down Tuesday by Major League Baseball for violating its joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy.
MLB announced that Chapman will not appeal the suspension, which begins on opening day for the Yankees.
Chapman will be allowed to participate in spring training with the team and pitch in preseason games.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred released a statement that read:
“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. Chapman’s 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.”
Chapman previously said he planned to appeal any discipline handed down by Manfred because Chapman was not charged in the conflict in Florida during which he admitted to firing a weapon into the ceiling of his garage.
Chapman was accused of choking and shoving his girlfriend at their Miami-area home Oct. 30.
“I haven’t hurt anybody,” Chapman said last week. “In general, I never hurt anybody. Never in my life.”
Chapman was acquired by the Yankees in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds, who previously agreed to the framework of a deal to ship the closer to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Cuban fireballer turned 28 on Feb. 28. He has been in the big league six years and has 146 saves and 546 strikeouts in 319 innings.
