Miami Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen created a whirlwind of controversy this week after some comments he made to Time magazine. According to the reporter who interviewed him, Ozzie spoke highly of Fidel Castro’s regime and had respect for his political longevity. That sent many Cuban-Americans into an uproar and ultimately led to Guillen getting suspended for five games.
Ozzie (who was born in Venezuela) was quick to defend himself though. At a recent press conference, he claimed the reporter misinterpreted his words and emphasized that he was not a Castro supporter.
“I was saying I cannot believe somebody who hurt so many people over the years is still alive,” Guillen told reporters.
Either way, protests erupted in the Cuban-heavy Miami community leading MLB commissioner Bud Selig to take swift action.
“As I have often said, baseball is a social institution with important social responsibilities,” Selig told the press. “All of our 30 clubs play significant roles within their local communities, and I expect those who represent Major League Baseball to act with the kind of respect and sensitivity that the game’s many cultures deserve.”
By Michael Lopez
