A closer for the New York Yankees has been given a 30-game suspension after being involved in a domestic dispute. According to sources, Aroldis Chapman has accepted the suspension and has no plans of appealing it the decision of the Major League Baseball.
News about Chapman's suspension was first reported by the New York Times. Ever since its report, the MLB has already confirmed giving the 28-year-old pitcher the suspension for having been involved in a domestic dispute with his girlfriend in an incident back in October.
According to NY Daily News, Chapman was under investigation by the MLB under their new domestic violence policy. The police report showed that the pitcher had allegedly choked his girlfriend and had fired eight gunshots in his garage.
Yahoo Sports reported that, while Chapman did not have any plans of appealing his suspension, it won't be kicking in until the start of the regular season. This means that Chapman will still be able to play throughout spring training. Moreover, Chapman's suspension will last until May, just in time for the Yankees' game against the Kansas City Royals scheduled for May 9th. While serving his suspension, the player is said to lose around $1.7 million.
On a statement released by Chapman, the pitcher insisted that he did not hurt his girlfriend like what the earlier reports and official police report indicated. However, Chapman shares that he has accepted the MLB's suspension to limit distractions. The player shares that he looks forward to "being part of the Yankees' quest for a 28th World Series title." But "out of respect" for his teammates and family, he shares that he will have no further comment.
Another statement was released by Baseball commissioner, Rob Manfred, explaining why a 30-game suspension was given to Chapman. According to Manfred, a "comprehensive investigation of the incident" will be conducted by his staff considering the feds have publicized their documents. The commissioner, however, is happy that Chapman had "taken responsibility for his conduct" and had agreed to render the suspension.
Last season, Chapman scored 1.63 ERA over 66 1/3 innings against the Cincinnati Reds. Despite reports of the domestic dispute broke, the Yankees was able to trade for an All-Star closer in December.
With the length of the suspension, Chapman will become a free-agent when the 2016 season ends.
