By Skye Tulio
Assistant Sports Editor
You would think Miami Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen would learn to stop talking and just focus on baseball. There’s only one thing to say in his latest situation: Oh, Ozzie.
Guillen has yet again put his foot in his mouth, publicly expressing his opinions of former Cuban communist dictator Fidel Castro and earning himself a five-game suspension at the hands of the Marlins organization.
The lede of an online article published last Friday in Time, Guillen is quoted as saying he “loves Fidel Castro.” Later in the article, Guillen requested a do-over, clarifying “love” wasn’t the right word. Instead he added in “respect.” This clarification only made matters worse for the Venezuelan manager.
“I respect Fidel Castro,” Guillen said. “You know why? A lot of people have wanted to kill Fidel Castro for the last 60 years, but that motherfu—er is still here.”
Naturally, the controversial comments created an uproar in Miami. The newly constructed Marlins Park is located in the heart of Little Havana.
The city’s Cuban-American community was less than pleased and not afraid to show it. Cuban exile groups have organized protests and threatened to boycott the Marlins. Some even stormed the doors of Marlins Park, threatening to break the glass windows in the stadium’s West Plaza.
While I don’t exactly know where Guillen was going with his comments, I certainly don’t think they were appropriate. He had to have known what he was saying was wrong, especially because he’s made similar comments in the past.
In a 2008 interview conducted by Men’s Journal, Guillen was asked to name the toughest man he knows. Guillen replied, “Fidel Castro. He’s a bulls—t dictator and everybody’s against him, and he still survives, has power. Still has a country behind him. Everywhere he goes they roll out the red carpet. I don’t admire his philosophy. I admire him.”
Although this didn’t get as much attention as his recent comments, it still doesn’t help his case especially now. You admire a heartless dictator who has caused pain to so many for more than 50 years? There’s absolutely a better role model he could have chosen.
In his April 10 press conference at Marlins Park, Guillen apologized for his comments, saying he was wrong and he didn’t mean to offend anyone, especially not the Marlins’ Cuban fan base. While he didn’t blame the Time journalist who interviewed him, Guillen said the language barrier contributed to his comments. He said he thought something in Spanish and said something different in English.
Thinking one thing and saying another — It happens to the best of us, but I agree with Guillen when he said he should stick to baseball and not comment on politics. He seemed to be sincere in his press conference and it was a good first step toward redemption. In regard to the five-game suspension, it definitely could have been worse, but it’s deserved.
I do, however, disagree with Miami political officials who are essentially calling for Guillen’s head and that he be fired from his position as manager.
Hopefully, Guillen has learned his lesson and will focus on the success of his team instead of expressing his thoughts on dictators.
tuliosa10@bonaventure.edu
