New York Yankees’ Aroldis Chapman Suspended for 30 Games

The NY Daily News is reporting that Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred has suspended New York Yankees reliever Aroldis Chapman for thirty games, over allegations of domestic violence.

The suspension stems from a October 30 incident at his home in Miami, Florida, where Chapman allegedly shoved and chocked his girlfriend, before firing a gun inside the garage.

While Florida prosecutors said they would not file criminal charges against Chapman, he can still be punished under the domestic violence policy that was set forth by the MLB and the players union in August 2015.

Commissioner Manfred said:

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.

Chapman has decided not to appeal the suspension

Aroldis Chapman was traded to New York on December 28, 2015 after spending six season with the Cincinnati Reds. Chapman finished 2015 with a 4-4 record, 1.63 ERA, and 33 saves in 65 appearances.