Cubs Apologize For Controversial Song Choice After Aroldis Chapman Outing

The Cubs said they fired the DJ who chose the song that played after Aroldis Chapman finished pitching in the ninth inning Sunday

When the Chicago Cubs traded for Aroldis Chapman in July, the organization made it abundantly clear that they understood the controversy surrounding the closer after domestic violence allegations that occurred during the 2015 offseason.

On Sunday, those issues resurfaced because of a poorly-chosen song by the DJ working the PA system at Wrigley Field.

After Chapman finished pitching in the ninth inning of Sunday’s loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, the song “Smack My B--- Up,” penned and performed by The Prodigy, blared over the loudspeakers at the Friendly Confines.

Fans on social media immediately recognized the song and criticized the team for playing it. According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago, the team responded quickly and decisively.

“We apologize for the irresponsible music selection during our game last night,” Cubs President Crane Kenney told Rogers. “The selection of this track showed a lack of judgment and sensitivity to an important issue. We have terminated our relationship with the employee responsible for making the selection and will be implementing stronger controls to review and approve music before public broadcast during our games.”

Chapman was accused of choking his girlfriend during a domestic dispute during the 2015 offseason and was also accused of firing off a series of gunshots in his garage during the altercation.

No charges were filed and Chapman was not arrested, but the situation was serious enough for Major League Baseball to suspend the closer for the first 30 games of the regular season.

Chapman was acquired in a trade with the New York Yankees prior to the MLB trade deadline earlier this month, and the team made it clear that they had discussed their expectations with the closer about his behavior.

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