As the National Football League was coming under fire for their handling of alleged domestic violence incidents players were involved in, Major League Baseball took a proactive approach in overhauling their policies.
While there weren’t any disputes that immediately followed, three players are now being investigated by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred.
The first was Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes, who was arrested on Oct. 31 in Hawaii on charges of domestic violence.
Yasiel Puig was next to be investigated for his role in a fight with a bouncer outside a Miami bar. Puig is alleged to have gotten physical with his sister, which incited the scuffle.
Most recently, Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman has found himself in hot water with the league. Chapman was part of an alleged domestic violence incident at his home on Oct. 30.
Monday night’s report of the dispute has at minimum delayed the Reds trade with the Dodgers for the electric left-hander. As for Puig, his investigation is ongoing, via Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times:
Source: MLB's domestic-violence investigation of Yasiel Puig is still ongoing.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) December 7, 2015
According to ESPN’s Mark Saxon, the investigation should conclude once Puig’s sister is interviewed:
Source: MLB investigation into Puig domestic violence should be wrapped up in the next day or so. Just waiting to interview his sister.
— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) December 8, 2015
Of the three reported incidents, Reyes was the lone player arrested. Manfred nonetheless has complete authority to determine the length of punishment for players for “just cause.”
Additionally, he can suspend a player with pay while legal proceedings are taking place. Speaking after Dave Roberts’ introductory press conference last week, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said he expected Puig’s matter to be wrapped up in the near future.
Friedman added he’d yet to speak directly with Puig, but would likely do so once the investigation concluded.
