Major League Baseball is trotting out a new personal conduct policy — and they’ve wasted no time trying to out due the NFL.
According to the New York Times — New York Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman has been suspended 30-games by MLB for his involvement in an October 30 incident with his girlfriend.
The suspension came after negotiations between Major League Baseball executives and lawyers for Chapman and the players’ union arrived at a number that was amenable to both sides, according to a baseball official who was briefed on the negotiations. As a result, Chapman will not appeal the ruling, although he had recently stated that he intended to do so.
Commissioner Rob Manfred had wanted to make a firm statement through the new policy, which was unveiled last August and constructed in conjunction with the union. But he also wanted a punishment that would hold up rather than be reduced or even overturned, as happened in recent domestic violence cases in the N.F.L. over which Commissioner Roger Goodell presided.
Chapman reportedly fired shots into a wall inside his garage, after he and his lady got into an argument. The closer wasn’t charged — but MLB’s domestic violence policy allows the commissioner to impose discipline regardless of whether a player is charged or convicted of a crime.
Chapman will be eligible to return to the Yankees roster on May 9, against the Royals — but most importantly — Aroldis will also forfeit $1.7 million of his 2016 salary.
