The controversy surrounding Aroldis Chapman primarily stems from a domestic violence allegation and a gun-related incident that occurred in October 2015.
Details of the Incident
In October 2015, Chapman was involved in a significant off-field incident that drew widespread attention and led to disciplinary action from Major League Baseball.
- Gun Firing: During the incident, Chapman admitted to firing a gun eight times in his garage. He later apologized for this action, acknowledging that he used "bad judgment" with the firearm.
- Domestic Violence Allegation: His 22-year-old girlfriend at the time alleged that he had choked her during the altercation.
- Chapman's Denial: While apologizing for the gun use, Chapman consistently maintained that he never physically harmed his girlfriend.
This incident led to a significant public and professional discussion regarding player conduct and domestic violence policies in sports. Chapman's apology for the gun use but denial of physical harm created a complex narrative around the event.
To summarize the key aspects of the controversy:
| Aspect of Controversy | Description | Chapman's Stance/Response |
|---|---|---|
| Gun Use | Fired a gun eight times in his garage. | Apologized for "the use of the gun"; admitted "bad judgment". |
| Domestic Violence | Girlfriend alleged he choked her. | Maintained he never physically harmed his girlfriend. |
The incident resulted in a suspension for Chapman under MLB's then-new domestic violence policy, highlighting the league's stance on such matters.
