Aroldis Chapman sues his former financial manager

November 13, 2020

The star pitcher for the New York Yankees, Aroldis Chapman, sued his former financial manager, alleging that millions of dollars were diverted from his savings to finance the manager's luxury purchases and getaways with an exotic dancer.

Chapman's lawsuit, filed in Florida state court, alleges that an agent from Pro Management Resources used unlimited access to the pitcher's accounts to embezzle money from him for years. The Coral Springs, Florida company served as Chapman's financial manager for nearly a decade and held power of attorney to manage the Cuban's affairs.

The company handled "practically all components" of his finances and in some cases provided Spanish translations for the pitcher, who defected from Cuba in 2009 to play baseball in the Big Show of the United States.

Chapman's current lawyers and accountants are still unraveling how much money was allegedly embezzled, and the approximate estimate is 3 million dollars as of the filing date of October 14.

The lawsuit alleges that unauthorized transactions by Benito Zavala Jr. date back at least four years. From 2016 to 2020, the lawsuit claims, the money manager diverted the pitcher's funds in part through Western Union bank transfers.

Chapman's money was used to finance the purchase of an $836,000 residence, a $91,000 Cadillac Escalade, shopping sprees at Saks Fifth Avenue and airplane tickets, the lawsuit alleges. The house and vehicle are supposedly in the name of the exotic dancer. Credit lines were also taken out in Chapman's name without his permission and were used to pay for Zavala's personal items and expenses, according to the lawsuit. Pro Management Resources did not immediately respond to the lawsuit.
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The lawsuit includes a request that the judge issue a court order to prevent any return of assets allegedly purchased with Chapman's funds. Chapman filed the case in the Broward County Circuit Court in South Florida.

The 32-year-old player, a six-time Major League All-Star, has a house in Davie, Florida. According to MLB.com, his $86 million contract with the New York Yankees was "the biggest deal ever given" to a relief pitcher.