Manfred: Chapman's use of firearm 'inappropriate'

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred ruled on the first of three cases under the league's domestic violence policy Tuesday, issuing a 30-game suspension to New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman.

Manfred came down hard on Chapman for his unacceptable use of a firearm, but commended the All-Star reliever for his conduct throughout the investigation, and for taking accountability for his actions.

I asked my staff to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the incident involving Aroldis Chapman on October 30, 2015. Much of the information regarding the incident has been made public through documents released by law enforcement. Mr. Chapman submitted to an in-person interview with counsel present.

After reviewing the staff report, I found Mr. Chapman's acknowledged conduct to be inappropriate under the negotiated Policy, particularly his use of a firearm and the impact of that behavior on his partner.

I am gratified that Mr. Chapman has taken responsibility for his conduct, that he has agreed not to appeal the 30-game suspension, and that he has agreed to comply with the confidential directives of the Joint Policy Board established under the parties' Policy to ensure that a similar incident does not occur in the future.

Chapman, who opted not to appeal the decision, will spend the rest of spring training in camp, and will begin serving his suspension on Opening Day.

The 28-year-old fired eight gunshots in his garage and allegedly choked his girlfriend last October at his Miami home. Broward County prosecutors decided in January not to file charges.