GLENDALE, Ariz. — Major Leaue Baseball announced Wednesday that it will not discipline Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig under its domestic violence policy.
Here is the full text of the league’s announcement:
The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball has concluded its investigation into an alleged incident involving Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig and his sister in a Miami-area nightclub on November 26, 2015. The investigation included interviews of witnesses, including Puig and his sister, as well as a review of video footage from inside the nightclub at the time of the alleged incident.
The Office of the Commissioner’s investigation did not uncover any witness who supported the assault allegation; both Puig and his sister denied that an assault occurred; and the available video evidence did not support the allegation. Thus, barring the receipt of any new information or evidence, no discipline will be imposed on Puig in connection with the alleged incident.
Puig was with his sister at the Blue Martini Lounge in Miami in November when he became involved a physical altercation with a bouncer, according to police. The investigation focused on the substance of a report on the celebrity gossip website TMZ.com claiming that Puig shoved his sister first. No criminal charges were filed.
New York Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman became the first player disciplined under the policy, which was enacted last year. Chapman allegedly choked his girlfriend and fired a gun in the garage of their home, and was suspended 30 games on March 1. After news of the incident leaked in December, the Dodgers decided not to trade for Chapman, who was with the Cincinnati Reds at the time.
Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes is the only other major league player known to be under investigation for a domestic violence incident. Reyes was arrested last November in Hawaii on domestic abuse charges.
Puig hit his first Cactus League home run in Wednesday’s game against the Colorado Rockies. Afterward, he said the case had not been weighing on him since MLB announced its investigation.
“I’m happy with my lawyers and the league’s lawyers. It was out of my hands. I’m glad it’s resolved,” Puig said.
The Dodgers issued a statement: “The Dodgers are pleased with MLB’s findings following their thorough investigation. Yasiel can now put this matter behind him and focus solely on the season ahead.”