Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman will not face charges for domestic dispute
No charges have been filed against New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman, who was accused of firing shots in his Florida home during a domestic dispute with his girlfriend in October, according to the Orlando Sun-Sentinel.
"We are all pleased that the Davie Police Department and the Office of the State Attorney took the time to fully investigate the matter and have concluded that charges were not warranted," Chapman's lawyer Paul Molle told the Sun-Sentinel.
The Yankees acquired the left-handed pitcher in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds last month in exchange for minor league prospects, just one month after the alleged domestic violence incident halted a trade that would send him to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• JAFFE: Yankees get Chapman, but questions remain about closer's future
According to a police report, Chapman allegedly choked his girlfriend, pushed her against a wall and fired eight gunshots in his garage during an argument at his home in Florida. No arrests were made at the time of the incident.
Chapman is also under investigation by Major League Baseball and could still be penalized by the league. In August, MLB introduced a domestic violence policy that leaves potential punishments up to the discretion of commissioner Rob Manfred, regardless of whether criminal action has been taken against the offending player.
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner defended the trade at the MLB Owner's meeting saying Chapman is “innocent until proven otherwise.” Manager Joe Girardi has already tabbed Chapman as the team's closer, which moves star relievers Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller to a set-up man role.
- Christopher Chavez
