Yankees Closer Aroldis Chapman Denies Hurting Anyone

New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman spoke out Tuesday against the domestic violence allegations facing him.

According to Andrew Marchand of ESPN.com, the Yankees closer also addressed how the media has depicted him.

“‘I haven’t hurt anybody,’ Chapman said through translator Marlon Abreu,” Marchand wrote.“‘Just, in general, I’ve never hurt anybody ever in my life,’ Chapman said.”“As far as the media coverage that has portrayed him in a negative light, Chapman was asked if he had felt it was unfair.”“‘Just a little bit,’ Chapman said. ‘That is not my character or the person I am.'”

On Oct. 30, Chapman allegedly choked his girlfriend and fired eight gunshots at his Florida home. There were no charges filed.

Commissioner Rob Manfred said a possible suspension for Chapman could be handed down in the near future. Chapman said he would appeal any suspension. The left-hander also said he doesn’t know anything about the timing of the suspension.

A possible suspension would not include any spring training games, according to sources.

Related Story: Possible Chapman Suspension Won't Include Spring Training

Chapman’s comments come just one day after he was excused from Monday’s team workout to take care of “what he described as a family matter,” according to Marchand.

The Yankees acquired the 27-year-old fireballer in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds on Dec. 28.

On Dec. 7, the Reds had reportedly reached a deal to trade Chapman to the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, the news of Chapman’s domestic violence allegations put the move on hold.

If Chapman does get suspended, it will certainly be a big blow to the Bronx Bombers’ bullpen.

The debut of the Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller and Chapman trio may get pushed back if Manfred decides to discipline the four-time All-Star.

Yankees fans will have to be patient and wait to see if the commissioner decides to suspend the hard-throwing southpaw. But, for now, Chapman is saying all the right things.