Aroldis Chapman Won't Be Charged in Alleged Domestic Violence Incident

New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman will not face criminal charges in an alleged domestic violence incident with his girlfriend last October. 

According to Rafael Olmeda of the Sun-Sentinel, prosecutors in Broward County, Florida, decided not to file criminal charges against Chapman.

Chapman's lawyer, Paul Molle, told Olmeda they were "pleased" with the decision and thoroughness of the investigation: "We are all pleased that the Davie Police Department and the Office of the State Attorney took the time to fully investigate the matter and have concluded that charges were not warranted."

In December 2015, not long after the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a trade with the Cincinnati Reds to acquire Chapman, Tim Brown and Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports uncovered a police report in which the left-hander was alleged to have "fired eight gunshots in the garage of his Miami-area home" following an "argument with his girlfriend in which she told police he 'choked' her and pushed her against a wall."

Chapman's attorney at the time, Jay Reisinger, told Brown and Passan that on behalf of his client "we vehemently deny the allegations as stated" after saying he reviewed the case. 

After the allegations became public, the Dodgers' trade for Chapman was put on hold. Three weeks later, the Yankees acquired the 27-year-old All-Star for a package that included four minor league prospects. 

Speaking to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com about the trade, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said "there are some serious issues here that are in play," and he understood the risk involved with acquiring Chapman at the time. 

Even though Chapman has avoided charges, he's still subject to a possible suspension by Major League Baseball under the terms of the new domestic violence policy adopted last August. The commissioner's office investigates all allegations, with commissioner Rob Manfred having final say on "appropriate discipline, with no minimum or maximum penalty under the policy."

There has been no official timetable given for a potential MLB suspension or punishment facing Chapman. The Yankees' pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Feb. 18 with the regular-season opener against the Houston Astros on Apr. 4.