MLB suspends Aroldis Chapman 30 games for alleged domestic violence offense
By Jason Parker
The New York Yankees closer will not be able to appeal the suspension handed down by the league on Tuesday.
Right before the calendar turned to 2016, the New York Yankees thought they got their next great closer when the team traded for Aroldis Chapman, the hard throwing left hander from the Cincinnati Reds. As it turns out, the team will have to look for another option to start the 2016 season.
On Tuesday, MLB suspended Aroldis Chapman 30 games for an alleged domestic violence offense involving his girlfriend at their Florida home:
Yankees reliever Aroldis Chapman has been suspended 30 games, no appeal, for his incident on October 30, 2015. pic.twitter.com/jPOsd0FOk4
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) March 1, 2016
During the October incident, Chapman is alleged to have choked his girlfriend and fired multiple gunshots into the air. No charges were ever filed and Chapman’s lawyers denied the allegations ever took place. Chapman was originally scheduled to be traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but that trade was rescinded once news of the allegations broke.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement after the decision was handed down:
Commissioner Manfred announced that A. Chapman has accepted a 30-game suspension w/o pay, effective Opening Day: pic.twitter.com/SrEaCTfei0
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) March 1, 2016
Chapman holds the major league record for fastest pitch recorded in history (throwing a 105 MPH fastball in 2011) and was the fastest pitcher to reach 500 strikeouts in a career. He has been to four straight All-Star games and 33 saves last season in 65 appearances for Cincinnati.