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Cubs' Acquisition Of Aroldis Chapman Raises Concerns For Team's Moral Compass

The Cubs have made their "biggest statement about their will to win the World Series" by trading for P Aroldis Chapman yesterday, but the "biggest tug of war, however, could be a sliding scale of morality," according to Mark Gonzales of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. The Cubs, who have "boasted about acquiring solid citizens as well as good players," were willing to acquire Chapman despite him being suspended for 30 games earlier this season following a domestic violence allegation. The Cubs were "satisfied after performing background checks that included permission from MLB" for Cubs Chair Tom Ricketts and Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein to talk to Chapman about the incident, his "remorse and fulfilling the Cubs' expectations on and off the field." Epstein said, "We understand there will be lots of different perspectives on this. ... We decided it was appropriate to trade for a player who has accepted his discipline, already has been disciplined by MLB, has expressed his sorrow and regret for the incident." Epstein added Ricketts also spoke to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred about the incident and suspension. He noted that the Cubs have a "mandatory domestic violence prevention program for all employees" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 7/26). Epstein said, "We take the issue of domestic violence very seriously. So it was our responsibility to look into this thoroughly and look at all the facts" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 7/26). CSNCHICAGO.com's Patrick Mooney noted Epstein yesterday "answered questions for more than 33 minutes ... trying to explain the due diligence, moral calculus and win-now mentality" (CSNCHICAGO.com, 7/25)

TAKING SOME OF THE SHINE OFF: In Chicago, Rick Morrissey writes the "cute, adorable, successful Cubs ... just got a lot harder to embrace" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 7/26). Also in Chicago, Mike Imrem writes, "Make no mistake about it: Acquiring Chapman is disturbing." Imrem: "The Cubs aren't lovable losers anymore; the question is whether they can be likable winners after acquiring Aroldis Chapman." He adds, "To remain a Cubs fan, just hold your nose and hope the stench isn't too much worse come autumn" (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 7/26). ESPN.com's Keith Law noted this is a "moral choice, not a baseball one, a move that tells everyone what you stand for as an organization." For the Cubs, who have not won a World Series in 108 years, "winning comes first. ... For better or for worse" (ESPN.com, 7/25). THE RINGER's Michael Baumann wrote under the header, "The Cubs' Trade For Aroldis Chapman Should Make You Uncomfortable" (THERINGER.com, 7/25).

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