Yankees’ Hal Steinbrenner: Aroldis Chapman ‘innocent until proven otherwise’

Chapman’s girlfriend told police at the time that during the argument Chapman “pushed her against the wall” and “choked” her.

Chapman, 27, was not arrested because police reportedly determined there were inconsistencies in accounts about what had happened and they did not see any marks around Barnea’s neck.

Aroldis Chapman will not face criminal charges stemming from the domestic dispute incident at his Miami area home back in October, the Broward State Attorney’s Office announced. Barnea and Chapman have a child together and are engaged, according to the Sun Sentinel.

Previously, Joe Girardi has pledged his support for Chapman, but he’s also said it’s his role to “be a teacher” in a situation like this.

One of the interesting notes… investigators say Chapman admitted to injuring his hand (didn’t say which hand) when he punched a vehicle window following an argument with his GF that night.

“In this country where allegations are brought against a person, that person is completely innocent until proven otherwise”, Steinbrenner told reporters, including one from USA Today, at the quarterly owners meetings in Coral Gables, Fla.

Police said there was not sufficient evidence to charge Chapman, and the pitcher’s lawyer, denied the reported allegations.

Major League Baseball will now launch its own review to determine whether Chapman will be suspended under the terms of its new domestic violence policy, though the ruling by law enforcement seemingly bodes well for the flame-throwing closer’s chances of avoiding a lengthy ban.

The Yankees’ risk turned out to be a winning move, after the ongoing legal issue surrounding All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman was settled Thursday.

Other witnesses said they saw no physical altercation between Chapman and Barnea.

The Yankees sent four minor leaguers to the Reds last month for Chapman, and now have arguably the best bullpen in baseball history.