Mark-Viverito Takes Yankees To Task Over Aroldis Chapman, Domestic Violence Claims

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito said Tuesday that the Yankees were wrong to trade for a pitcher who was investigated over a domestic-violence accusation.

Mark-Viverito said the Yankees should reconsider their decision to trade for Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman.

Earlier in the day, the Yankees officially announced that they had acquired the All-Star closer.

Chapman became available after the Reds' deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers fell through during baseball's Winter Meetings three weeks ago when it was learned Florida police investigated an accusation of domestic violence involving the Cuban left-hander.

Major League Baseball is currently investigating and Chapman could face suspension under the league's new domestic violence policy.

Chapman's girlfriend claims he choked her, then fired eight gunshots in his garage last October, WCBS 880's Peter Haskell reported. He has not been charged with a crime.

As CBS2's Hazel Sanchez, Mark-Viverito was not alone in her criticism.

"Personally, I don't like to hear that," one woman said outside Yankee Stadium. "It's not something that's really going to sit well with me."

"I don't think that's a good thing for the Yankees," a man added. "Don't come to the Bronx with that."

Advocates for domestic violence victims said the deal could also cost the team a great deal of respect.

"Assuming that everything that is being alleged is true, that is a profound act of disrespect for one in four women in this country who are victims of domestic violence," Paul Feuerstein said.

Still, there are some fans who support the Yankees' move.

"Things happen. We're human," Elias Serrano said, adding that he would "definitely" give Chapman a chance.

"As long as he brings us another championship, that's all that matters," Serrano said.

For now, the Yankees are defending their decision to acquire Chapman.

"We felt that this was an opportunity for us to add a big arm to our bullpen, even though there are some things that are unresolved," general manager Brian Cashman said. "And we will respect that process as it plays out."

The Yankees acquired Chapman for what the baseball world would consider a bargain price -- four minor leaguers who aren't top prospects.

Major League Baseball is also looking into allegations against former New York Met Jose Reyes, now of the Colorado Rockies. Reyes is being investigated under the domestic violence policy on claims that he assaulted his wife.

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