Victims’ advocate: Aroldis Chapman’s statement ‘disturbing’

Ruth Glenn, executive director of the National Coalition against Domestic Violence, applauded Major League Baseball’s 30-game suspension of Aroldis Chapman, but was disgusted by Chapman’s statement saying he did not harm his girlfriend.

“I find that very disturbing,’’ Glenn told Paste BN Sports. “What is he referring to? The fact he didn’t shoot her? Any time a gun is involved, and there’s a domestic violence report, harm has been done to somebody.

“When a gun is involved, that is intimidation. I find it upsetting that Mr. Chapman is not taking any responsibility for really bad behavior.

“Some harm must have been done, or else MLB wouldn’t have come to the decision in which they did.’’

Commissioner Rob Manfred announced Chapman’s suspension Tuesday, and the New York Yankees closer agreed not to appeal. In his statement, Chapman said:  “I want to be clear I did not in any way harm my girlfriend that evening. However, I should have exercised better judgment with respect to certain actions, and for that, I am sorry.

“The decision to accept a suspension, as opposed to appealing one, was made after careful consideration.’’

Chapman, 27, was accused of choking his girlfriend, Cristina Barnea, during an Oct. 30 argument at his Davie, Fla. home. Chapman then smashed a window of a car in the home's garage, grabbed a handgun and fired nine rounds inside the garage.

Citing conflicting stories and lack of cooperation from Barnea and other witnesses, Davie police said there was insufficient evidence to charge Chapman with a crime.

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