Apologizes for and explains Fidel Castro comments
Ozzie Guillen, Miami Marlins manager, has been suspended for five games because of his remarks regarding Fidel Castro.
The suspension was announced shortly before Ozzie Guillen held a news conference to explain his comments. At the conference Guillen said his comments were misinterpreted by the reporter. “I was saying I cannot believe somebody who hurt so many people over the years is still alive,” Guillen said.
Regardless, Ozzi Guillen took responsibility for the uproar, saying “This is the biggest mistake I’ve made so far in my life,” Guillen said. “When you make a mistake like this, you can’t sleep. … When you’re a sportsman, you shouldn’t be involved with politics.”
“The Marlins acknowledge the seriousness of the comments attributed to Guillen,” read a statement from the team. “The pain and suffering caused by Fidel Castro cannot be minimized, especially in a community filled with victims of the dictatorship.”
The comments made by Ozzie Guillen caused quite a racket in Florida, where many Cuban-Americans reside. Francis Suarez, chairman of the Miami city commission, said Guillen should be fired. Joe Martinez, chairman of the Miami-Dade County board of commissioners, said Guillen should resign.
Guillen’s suspension takes effect immediately and will be without pay. Ozzie Guillen said he is very sad and embarrassed by the incident and he fully accepts the team’s punishment. “I’m very sorry about the problem, what happened,” he said. “I will do everything in my power to make it better. … I know it’s going to be a very bumpy ride.”
