Chapman says Latin players are being targeted for money

Aroldis Chapman says that he and his fellow countrymen are targets when they come to America.

Most Latin players who come to the United States to play professional baseball aren't familiar with the norms and laws. Chapman says because of that, tied in with how much money they make, Latin players are easy targets.

"Unfortunately, that is the way it is," Chapman told Billy Witz of The New York Times. "We make a lot of money, everyone wants a piece of it, and we end up looking bad."

Chapman is making reference to his MLB-issued 30-game suspension after he was accused of hitting his girlfriend. The New York Yankees' fireballer remains adamant, though, that he did nothing wrong.

"When I had the problem, everyone thinks I did something wrong," Chapman said.

"In social media, people are saying I hit my girlfriend," the pitcher added.

Chapman said he's aware that he might be getting taken advantage of, and that he and his countrymen need to be weary of who is on their side, and who can be trusted.

They stand together, he added, making it clear that despite on-the-field rivalries, Latin baseball players have each other's backs.

"We are not from this country and people want to harm us," he said. "It's easier to hurt someone who is not from here than someone who is. People think we don't know what the laws are and they try to hurt you.

"Many people want money. We have to take care of ourselves."

MLB responded to The Times regarding Chapman's comments, saying it vehemently disagrees that Latin players are at a disadvantage because of the language barrier.

The league added that all players receive professional training in English and Spanish, and with regards to the new joint agreement on domestic violence, MLB won't take a passive stance.

"All personnel are held accountable for their conduct irrespective of where they were born," the statement said.