Abuse

Clare called last night to tell me that MLB was suspending Yankees’ reliever Aroldis Chapman 30 games for an incident last fall.  According to a police report, Chapman put his hands around his girlfriend’s neck before walking into his garage and discharging eight shots into a wall from a firearm.  Nothing beats telling your daughter you think the punishment is wrong.

I don’t condone abuse.  You love your loved ones, you don’t hurt them.  That said, major league baseball should not take on the role of the judicial system.  Chapman was never charged in large part because his girlfriend refused to cooperate with authorities.  Nothing MLB has done protects her.  A way has to be found to prosecute cases like this whether or not the victim agrees.  At the very least, Chapman should be facing some sort of weapons’ charge.

The silver lining here is that Chapman may have to undergo counseling.  That’s good, because fans are going to be all over him once he returns.  Without remorse, Chapman may be tempted to act again, and no suspension will protect the next victim(s).