Aroldis Chapman on domestic abuse allegations: ‘That’s not my character’
New York Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman defended himself against the domestic violence allegations against him as he awaits a decision from MLB commissioner Rob Manfred on his case.
“In general, I never hurt anybody ever in my life,” Chapman said Tuesday through a translator, according to the Associated Press. “That’s not my character or the person I am.”
Chapman allegedly choked his girlfriend before firing eight gunshots in his garage in October. Police have closed the investigation into the incident due to insufficient evidence, and Chapman has said he plans to appeal any suspension imposed upon him in accordance with MLB’s new domestic violence policy.
MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports Chapman will be suspended “soon” although there are no charges against him and no cooperating witness in the case.
• Jose Reyes placed on paid leave with domestic violence case pending
On Tuesday, Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes was placed on paid leave by MLB as he awaits the settlement of his own domestic abuse case. Manfred said last week that decisions on each pending domestic violence investigation—including Reyes, Chapman and Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig—should be expected soon.
MLB announced its new domestic violence policy in August, which allows for the commissioner to hand down punishments of players even without criminal charges being filed.
- Erin Flynn
