Call to the pen
Fansided

Aroldis Chapman 30-Game Suspension Will Set Precedent for Future MLB Domestic Violence Cases

By Jacob Kornhauser

Feb 23, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) walks back to the clubhouse after he pitched in the bullpen at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) walks back to the clubhouse after he pitched in the bullpen at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Yankees’ incredible threesome on the backend of the bullpen will have to wait for at least 30 games. That’s because projected closer Aroldis Chapman has reportedly been suspended for 30 games in 2016 in connection to a domestic incident that took place over the offseason and allegedly involved Chapman firing shots from a gun.

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This is the first major domestic violence-related suspension handed down by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred since adopting a new hardline policy on the matter. The commissioner said he would be allowed to discipline players involved in domestic violence cases even before their cases were settled in court.

Many assume this hardline approach came in response to a string of poorly handled domestic violence incidents in the NFL, which brought it to the country’s attention on a large scale. Rather than wait for a similar disaster in his league, Manfred changed his policies before major incidents occurred.

Aug 16, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes (7) following his out in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
In a similar situation, Reyes can likely expect a suspension similar to that of Chapman.               Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports /

Recently, there have been incidents that Manfred has had to deal with, though. Jose Reyes, who was also involved in a domestic violence incident over the offseason, is currently on leave with pay while the commissioner’s office decides upon further discipline. The ruling in Chapman’s case may set the stage for a similar ruling for Reyes.

In Reyes’ case, a gun wasn’t involved, but Chapman’s case could still set a precedent for future cases. It appears that players facing charges where the details are legally ambiguous may now face suspensions in the neighborhood of 30 games.

Only time will tell if this hardline stance will actually change anything in a large population of professional baseball players, but the Yankees will certainly be hurt by the suspension. Of course, the more important thing here is protecting spouses from domestic violence, so if this policy accomplishes that, it should be looked at as a big success.

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