Aroldis Chapman is one of the most dominant relief pitchers in Major League Baseball, known for his blazing fastball and ability to strike out batters at a dizzying pace.
However, in 2016, Chapman’s career was briefly derailed when he was suspended for 30 games under the MLB’s domestic violence policy. The suspension came after an incident in which Chapman was alleged to have choked his girlfriend and fired gunshots in his garage.
Although Chapman was not charged with a crime, the MLB conducted its own investigation and found that he had violated the league’s domestic violence policy.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what Aroldis Chapman got suspended for, including the details of the incident, the MLB’s domestic violence policy, and the impact of Chapman’s suspension on his career and the league as a whole.
What Happened?
On October 30, 2015, police were called to Aroldis Chapman’s home in Davie, Florida, after his girlfriend, Cristina Barnea, called 911 and reported that Chapman had choked her during an argument. She also claimed that Chapman had fired gunshots in his garage.
According to police reports, Chapman admitted to firing eight shots in the garage, but denied ever choking his girlfriend.
Barnea later changed her story and said that she lied to the police about the choking incident because she was upset and wanted to hurt Chapman’s reputation.
However, the MLB conducted its own investigation into the incident and found evidence that supported Barnea’s original claims. The investigation included interviews with Chapman, Barnea, and witnesses, as well as a review of security camera footage from Chapman’s home.
Despite the lack of criminal charges, the MLB found that Chapman had violated its domestic violence policy, which prohibits “physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.”
Under the policy, Commissioner Rob Manfred has the authority to discipline players even in the absence of a criminal conviction.
Chapman accepted the suspension without appealing, saying in a statement, “I want to be clear, I did not in any way harm my girlfriend that evening. However, I should have exercised better judgment with respect to certain actions, and for that I am sorry.”
The Mlb’s Domestic Violence Policy
The MLB’s domestic violence policy was instituted in August 2015, after several high-profile incidents involving players accused of domestic violence. The policy was the result of negotiations between the MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association.
The policy prohibits players from engaging in “physical, sexual, and emotional abuse,” and applies to all employees of the league, including players, coaches, and other personnel.
Under the policy, Commissioner Rob Manfred has the authority to discipline players even in the absence of a criminal conviction.
When an incident of domestic violence is reported, the MLB will conduct its own investigation, which may include interviews with witnesses and a review of any available evidence, such as security camera footage.
The investigation will be overseen by the league’s Department of Investigations, which is staffed by former law enforcement officials.
If the investigation finds that a player violated the policy, the commissioner may impose a variety of penalties, including suspension without pay, fines, and mandatory counseling or treatment.
The length of the suspension will depend on the severity of the offense and other factors, such as whether the player has previously been disciplined for domestic violence.
In Aroldis Chapman’s case, he was suspended for 30 games without pay, which amounted to a loss of over $1.8 million in salary. Chapman also agreed to undergo counseling and make a donation to a charity that assists victims of domestic violence.
Chapman’s Suspension
Aroldis Chapman’s suspension under the MLB’s domestic violence policy was for a total of 30 games. This made him the first player to be suspended under the policy, which had been implemented just a few months earlier.
The 30-game suspension amounted to roughly one-fifth of the 162-game regular season, and Chapman lost over $1.8 million in salary as a result.
The suspension also prevented him from participating in the first month of the season, which is typically a critical time for teams to establish themselves.
Chapman’s suspension also had a significant impact on his career trajectory. In the middle of the 2016 season, he was traded from the New York Yankees to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for a package of players that included top prospect Gleyber Torres.
The Cubs were in the midst of a pennant race and looking to strengthen their bullpen for the playoffs. Chapman proved to be a valuable addition to the team, helping them win their first World Series championship in over 100 years.
However, the trade was not without controversy. Some critics argued that the Cubs were sending a message that winning was more important than taking a stand against domestic violence.
Others pointed out that the Cubs had reportedly done their due diligence before making the trade, and that Chapman had already served his suspension under the league’s policy.
The Aftermath
Aroldis Chapman’s suspension under the MLB’s domestic violence policy was a landmark moment for the league, which had previously been criticized for its handling of domestic violence cases involving players.
The policy signaled a more proactive approach to addressing domestic violence, and set a precedent for future cases.
Chapman’s suspension also had a significant impact on his reputation and legacy. While he did not face criminal charges for the incident, the allegations and subsequent suspension tarnished his image and raised questions about his character.
Some fans and commentators criticized him for his actions, while others defended him and argued that he had been unfairly punished.
In the years since the incident, Chapman has continued to play at a high level, but the allegations and suspension have remained a part of his public profile.
He has been open about the impact that the incident had on his personal life, and has spoken publicly about the importance of learning from one’s mistakes.
The incident also had a broader impact on the sports world, prompting discussions about the responsibility of athletes and teams to address issues of domestic violence and other forms of abuse.
Many teams and leagues have since implemented their own policies and programs aimed at preventing and addressing domestic violence, and the issue has remained an important topic of conversation in the sports world and beyond.
Mlb Players Suspended Under Domestic Violence Policy
| Player Name | Team | Suspension Length | Date of Suspension | Reason for Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aroldis Chapman | New York Yankees | 30 games | March 1, 2016 | Allegations of choking girlfriend and firing gunshots in garage |
| Jose Reyes | Colorado Rockies | 51 games | May 13, 2016 | Arrest for allegedly assaulting wife |
| Hector Olivera | Atlanta Braves | 82 games | May 26, 2016 | Arrest for allegedly assaulting woman |
| Jeurys Familia | New York Mets | 15 games | March 29, 2017 | Arrest for alleged domestic violence incident |
| Roberto Osuna | Toronto Blue Jays | 75 games | June 22, 2018 | Arrest for assault of girlfriend |
| Domingo German | New York Yankees | 81 games | September 19, 2019 | Allegations of domestic violence |
| Felipe Vazquez | Pittsburgh Pirates | Indefinite suspension | September 17, 2019 | Arrest for statutory sexual assault of a minor |
Note: This table is not exhaustive and does not include all players who have been suspended under the MLB’s domestic violence policy.
FAQs
What was the reaction of Chapman’s teammates to the suspension?
While some of Chapman’s teammates publicly defended him, others were critical of his actions and expressed support for the league’s decision to suspend him. Some players also used the incident as an opportunity to speak out against domestic violence and advocate for greater awareness and prevention efforts.
Did Chapman’s suspension have any long-term effects on his career?
While Chapman has continued to play at a high level since his suspension, the incident and subsequent suspension have remained a part of his public profile and may have had an impact on his market value and legacy. Some teams may have been hesitant to sign him in free agency due to concerns about his character, while others may have been willing to overlook the incident in light of his on-field performance.
What other players have been suspended under the MLB’s domestic violence policy?
Since the policy was implemented in 2015, several other players have been suspended for violating the league’s domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policies, including Roberto Osuna, Domingo German, and Hector Olivera. The length of the suspensions has varied depending on the severity of the offense and other factors.
Conclusion
Aroldis Chapman’s suspension under the MLB’s domestic violence policy was a significant moment in the league’s history, signaling a new approach to addressing issues of domestic violence involving players.
While Chapman was not charged with a crime, the allegations and subsequent suspension had a significant impact on his reputation and legacy, and raised important questions about the responsibility of athletes and teams to address issues of abuse.
The incident also prompted broader discussions about the role of sports in addressing social issues, and highlighted the importance of policies and programs aimed at preventing and addressing domestic violence.
While Chapman has continued to play at a high level in the years since the incident, the impact of the suspension has remained a part of his public profile, serving as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals and institutions accountable for their actions.
