Yankees support decision of Chapman's 30-game ban

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman knew the risks that came with acquiring Aroldis Chapman, and after Tuesday's news, the organization is living with the consequences.

The four-time All-Star accepted a 30-game suspension without appeal for violating the MLB's domestic violence policy. Neither Chapman, nor the Yankees, took issue with the ruling from commissioner Rob Manfred.

"The Yankees support the decision made by the Commissioner," the team said in a brief statement. "We are pleased that Aroldis has accepted this discipline.”

Cashman opted to trade for Chapman in December despite knowing the closer would likely be handed a suspension for an October incident in which he fired eight gunshots in his garage and allegedly choked his wife.

Chapman is the first player penalized under the league's new domestic violence policy. He will lose 30 days pay - $1,856,557 of his $11,325,000 salary - but remains eligible to participate fully in spring training.

"The decision to accept a suspension, as opposed to appealing one, was made after careful consideration," Chapman said. "I made this decision in an effort to minimize the distractions that an appeal would cause the Yankees, my new teammates and most importantly, my family.

Manfred reportedly sought a 40-game suspension before issuing a lesser penalty due to Chapman's decision not to appeal the ruling. The commissioner commended the closer for accepting the punishment for his actions.

"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," Manfred said. "I am gratified that Mr. Chapman has taken responsibility for his conduct, that he has agreed not to appeal the 30-game suspension."

Prior to the ruling, Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez, who served a one-year suspension in 2014 for performance-enhancing drugs, said Chapman's teammates are standing behind him.

"We need him," Rodriguez told reporters. "He's a big part of our team and I think the key in New York is you have to focus on the game, focus on your teammates, and I think he has a lot of support in that clubhouse."

The ruling was the first of three Manfred is expected to make in the coming months. The status of Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig and Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes remain undecided.