Miami Marlins Manager Ozzie Guillen Apologizes for Saying He ‘Loves’ and ‘Respects’ Fidel Castro
- Posted on April 8, 2012 at 12:24am by
Erica Ritz
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Ozzie Guillen (AP)
(The Blaze/AP) Miami Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen apologized on Saturday for telling a magazine he loves Fidel Castro, a comment that prompted the team to issue a statement denouncing the Cuban dictator.
Guillen told Time magazine he loves Castro and respects him for staying in power so long. When Guillen read his comments on Friday, he said he felt sick because he knew how people would react.
Guillen called the team’s beat writers for a closed-door meeting before his team’s 8-3 win against the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday night and apologized.
“I will apologize if I hurt somebody’s feelings, or I hurt somebody’s thought,” Guillen told the writers. “I want them to know I’m against everything 100 percent — I repeat it again — the way this man (been) treating people for the last 60 years.”
In response to the magazine story, the Marlins released a statement saying, “There is nothing to respect about Fidel Castro.
“He is a brutal dictator who has caused unthinkable pain for more than 50 years. We live in a community filled with victims of this dictatorship, and the people in Cuba continue to suffer today.”
It’s not the first time Guillen, from Venezuela, has made a strong comment about a controversial leader. During his first news conference as Marlins manager in September, he bristled at a suggestion he supports Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
“Don’t tell my wife that, because she hates that man. She hates him to death,” Guillen said. “I supported Chavez? If I was supporting Chavez, do you think I would be manager of the Marlins? I never supported Chavez.”
Guillen said he never has spoken to Chavez, but in fact he appeared on the Venezuelan leader’s national radio show twice in October 2005, when Guillen led the Chicago White Sox to the World Series title. At the time, Guillen said: “Not too many people like the president. I do. My mom will kill me, but it’s an honor to talk to the president.”
Guillen became a U.S. citizen in 2006, and has been more critical of Chavez in recent years.
“It’s not my fault Chavez is the president,” Guillen said. “I didn’t put him there. … We got what we deserved.”
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Comments (72)
georgepatton
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:50amSays one thing ,then just the opposite.
Report Post »Me thinks he’s been hanging around Obama too much!
Agnes
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 12:57pmThey are just two corrupted and phony clowns!
Report Post »Boxersorbriefs
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:38amSo he professes a love and admiration for two thugs. That’s allowed in this country and I admire Oz for having the balls to say so. According to Gallup 54% of the women in this country are are in love with one of human history’s most notorious thugs. Let Oz manage and concentrate on ridding this country of it’s pestilence in DC.
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 2:55pmEvery Democrat loves and respects communist dictators…….. PERIOD.
Report Post »Mil-Dot
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 3:51pmOh boy here we go. Another cowardly low-life apoligizing for saying what he believes in his heart. All in exchange for a continued paycheck. What a POS.
Report Post »vehoae
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 7:50pmDitto, Mil-Dot !!!!!
Report Post »blv
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:24amOzzie is a great coach and loves this country, possibly more than some natural born citizens. I have watched the man coach the White Sox for many years and yes, he was let go by the team but he left with love and respect of every Sox player, the fans, the city of Chicago and the Sox office. None of you have ever made a statement and thought that maybe it would be misconstrued or misinterpreted. No, he doesn’t not speak the language perfectly, some of you don’t write it perfectly either; re-read your statements. Leave the man alone, he loved this country enough to become a citizen and has a job I’m sure some of you envy!
Report Post »lillymckim
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:36amWow! Ozzie!!!
Looks like Ozzie has been hit by another fast ball.. did Ozzie have a lapse in memory! Flunked history 101?
Can we send you home Ozzie? How about a one way ticket?
You too can live in Communist Cuba or Venezuela?
Take your pick Ozzie… millionaire manager or $1.00 a day worker in Cuba?
What an insult to the many Cubans who would love to live in FREEDOM!!
Report Post »Parnell3rd
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 9:38amReally? He loves his Country? He respects and loves dictator’s who murder people. Sounds more like he loves Communism/Socialism to me.
Report Post »sawbuck
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 10:21amIf I read this story correctly BLV..
Report Post »It sounds to me ..That he “loves this country”
Almost as much as our “current” Administration .
bigbob1609a
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 10:30amleave him alone i’d like to leave on an island called cuba, he a commie and should be watched for being an infiltrator
Report Post »teddie888
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 12:26pmozzie said what he said and you can’t walk it back or change it. he admires communists. I will never go to a game that he has anything to do with (i won’t contribute my $ to him in any way shape or form)
Report Post »db321
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 12:31pmWell said Lilly.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 12:53pmNo need to apologize Ozzie… just go home. And I don’t mean to The White House.
Report Post »Taylorlu13
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 4:46pmI used to work in the front office for the sox and he never did anything to gain my respect, quite the opposite. He was arrogant and pompous, his kids were even worse. They called themselves the “Princes of Chicago”. He took the world series trophy to Venezula and it came back all scratched and knicked. From what I learned of him, he was not a stand up guy, just someone that seemed to hide behind his “persona” and used it as an excuse to act howeve he wanted and then blame his temper. No surprise he loves Castro and Chavez.
Report Post »betterthantv
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 8:28amSo quietly he loves these two madmen, but publicly he hates them? Or am I missing something?
Report Post »Shasta
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 1:43pmI think you are missing what we all seem to be missing. That is he may be nuts but it is his business, not ours.
Report Post »decendentof56
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 5:44pmOzzie is a hot-headed latino idiot, and always has been. This, in complete opposition to our esteemed SC justice Sotomayer, who is indeed a very wise latino. Much wiser than any white man could be.
I wonder how many Cubans, who live in Miami and hate Castro, will pour into the new Marlins stadium to watch a team which is led by a moron who loves Castro and Chavez.
You know Marlins management knew of Ozzie’s propensity to mouth-off, and they had to know of his past comments about Chavez. You would have thought they would have had a clause in his contract that if he said anything stupid like this that he’d be gone.
Good luck, Marlins.
Good luck, Marlins.
Report Post »Watchyer6
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 8:23amDon’t forget, Ozzie loves Hugo Chavez, too.
Report Post »keenwhiz
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 7:51amNo apology is needed for speaking the truth. Get to Cuba if you love Castro so much. I would boycott untill he is fired, can’ have jerks like this serving in important positions as being held out as role models.
Report Post »BOYCOTT.
Itsjusttim
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 7:13amThe interesting thing about the “Light” is that it separates the humans who are beasts from the humans who are not beasts. That’s why there will be two men in the field and then one, and two women at the mill and then one. Because if someone is dark inside, then their darkness will be known, and if they are light inside then their light will be known.
Report Post »scuba13
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 10:11amWell i see you haven’t switched your medication yet. You are sounding like an idiot again.
Report Post »grimmy
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 7:01amIf he likes castro so much, he can be sent back to cuba,horizontal,or vertical, his choice….F-N commie pos……
Report Post »Cry_Baby_Obama
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 6:44amso many leftist progressives, Obama believes that foreign experiences , law and economics are better than any American experience. He is so alien to our heritage, history and values that for the masses to re-elect him and the Reid Senate will mean the end of the America
Report Post »Moozmom
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 6:23amPicture it. It’s 1963 and Cuban refugees arrive in your small town. They have nothing and are fearful, having risked their lives running from Castro’s communist regime. They left everything that was materially valuable behind and came here to begin life in freedom. Some were friends of mine and their experiences are haunting. Why does the regime in Washington hate America? These Cubans knew they would be free on this soil.
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 7:03amI can picture that easily. I was deployed from Ft Bragg to the Mariele Boat Lift in May, 1980. Met so many wonderful Cuban families who willingly gave up everything they owned to to escape to freedom. It was not until late in the lift that the criminals came. But, it was an honor to have been involved. Much to Carter’s chagrin these new citizens voted conservative.
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 8:02amThe New Collosus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
I dare you Americans. Tell me.
Feel you not the beginnings of your mighty nation within these small seeds tossed apon your fertile land?
Well, you read words like that and you are persuaded to have a crack at it yourself. Please forgive your humble opiniator from the other side of the planet for his momentary clawing for deathlessness.
Report Post »Onowicit
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 8:37pm@nzkiwi
Report Post »Nice!
“momentary clawing for deathlessness.”
BehindBlueEyes
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 5:58amI think the apology was brought on by an epiphany he had about his job.
Report Post »BreeZee
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 6:19amWhy apologize? If you say somethin you believe, then why apologize? I think BHO is a commie pinko trying to destroy America and all progressives(left and right) are socialist and I will not apologize for telling the truth. Please tell the truth and state your postion on something for it will truely reveal your true character and we can see you for what you are, and in this case a commie Castro lover!. “Judge by the content of their character”. Rush should not have apologized just like Maher didn’t and people need to grow up and quit being offended by what others say. That being said, is there a price for speaking up? you betcha. So “man” up for what you’ve said.
**If you vote for BHO you are to blame**
Report Post »Paul G
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 7:50amYou’re exactly right BREEZEE….For too long, those of us on the right have just sat back and did nothing. We don‘t ’occupy’ anything, BECAUSE WE GOT JOBS!! We have let these leftist libturds spew their BS for too long. Now because of the internet, they’re being called on it. I wonder how long this internet will last?. ……hmmmmmmm my puter is beeping…..? not lol lol
Report Post »Duckhead
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 4:36am“I am sorry if I offended anyone” is not an apology. “I am sorry for my ignorance” or “I am sorry for reaping the benefits of capitalism while sowing the seeds of socialism” would work though.
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 6:33amI have jusr returned from the neighbours place where young people were drinking and and enjoying life.
They all believed in the left view, being young and giving it no thought. They were efffortlessly persuaded (against socialism, muslims, etc.). But they did not really “ have a dog in the race”, no skin in the game.
I envied them. Income, few responsibilties. Just as it should be, I suppose. Nothing of any importance exists outside the living room.
Why, though? What makes you and me different from younger people. Why do they not see the threat of Islamic immigration or the governmental attack on free speech? Why do they not concern themselves with with politics – how their nation is run? It’s not even on their radar.
And then I thought, well life is short. Our opinions, which we express daily here, are ony our opinions. We are flattered with “weigh in below”, or “speak your mind”. Piffle. A cry in the wilderness. Weightless. While I will pick up a weapon and defend your opinions, I could be shot for nothing, for fux sake.
Then I realised that there is one thing that separates me from the young and idealist. One thing that I cherish beyond my own life. One thing that applies weight to my every waking thought. One thing that my young friends don’t have.
Children.
The truth dawned on me as I walk the short distance home.
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 8:12amWell, drunk, you see.
The poem is actually posted in a reply to Momzoom.
Not, I’m certain, that anybody cares greatly.
So:
From this side of the planet to yours, it‘s late and I’m drunk.
Good night and good luck.
May your God walk with you, protect you, and guide the feet of your children.
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 8:22amFor those confuesd; there was another bit that linked everything together but it’s gone.
Typed it; sent it. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter.
Blessings all.
Cood night.
Report Post »Crazy Times
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 3:35amI remember when he was SS for the White Sox., i even have his old baseball cards…..Oz is truely a great guy, but his sarcasm comes out wrong…
..for every sarcastic comments he says, there are 10 other comments he says that are truely great and common scene thinking.
… he’s being sarcastic when he says the things, the problem is he is saying it to Time Mag, who is going to believe him!
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 3:02amWhat I really meant was I was sorry that everyone knew I took it up the butt from Fidel. He was a very gentle lover. He knew my soul. He was the wind beneath my wings. He was my butterfly. The world may condemn me, but my love for Fidel cannot be disputed. Condemn me if you must, but, Fidel was the most sensual lover I have ever known, he really knows a way around a man’s prostate. The gay community may scream and condemn me, but I know, Fidel it the best gay lover I have ever known. Viva la butt love, via Cuba. Viva la Gay Love, via Chavez. You really think he is dying of cancer? It is the butt love that is getting him.
Report Post »rachany
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 3:18amIt wasn’t Fidel. It was Raul, whos has been known for log to be gay. And actually it wasn’t Raul. He just lent Chavez his big black bodyguard. That’s the one that took him to the moon.
Report Post »SHOWMESTATEGUY
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 2:54amPrediction. Ozzie always has one foot or the other in his mouth. Come the All Star break he will be looking for another team to embarrass.
Report Post »whatthecrazy
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 2:25amNo i’m sorry your apology is not accepted.YOU LIE! You would not have said it if it wasn’t true to your mind,which is obviously small compared to your big mouth. BTW this man looks Cuban so if he loves the evil Dictator so much maby he should take his @$$ back on over there.I’ll even spring for the raft………………….Wait i‘m feeling generous i’ll throw in an inner tube in case you have any friends you can take with ya to go worship you some fidel. JERK
Report Post »Ari Ben TZion
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 2:37amOswaldo José A.K.A., “Ozzie” is yet another ignorant Indian from Venezuela.
Report Post »amerbur
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 2:16amYour work means nothing sir. You clearly support communist dictators, what are you doing in America? Why don’t you go live in Cuba or Venazuala – please.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 2:56amWith the Cuban exile community in Miami .. he may just be run right out of town .. perhaps he should take your advise and get out while the gettings good! I would be happy to find him a leaky row boat to go to Cuba in…. I live in Florida myself.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 1:48amHow can you Apologize (retract)… a verbal Statement that your Mind told you to orate… because it is a Belief that you hold in your Mind? This is an issue of Absolutes: You hold this as a Truth; or, you Lie! And, if you Lie… what value is your Apology (retraction)?
That’s it… go down swinging… Dufus!
Report Post »SandyfromChesterfield
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 1:38amHe was only sorry when he got caught.
Report Post »The Giver
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 1:27amSo long Ozzie! How long can a communist last surrounded by the exiled Cubans in South Florida? Bye Bye! I’m sure they will all boycott the games in the NEW stadium. They’ll have to get a refund on season tickets if they can. Many younger Cubans have been indoctrinated in the colleges and are voting with the left. But many more still remember why they lost their country. BYE BYE OZZIE! Go play in Cuba. They might give you a sandwich in return with real cheese on it. If surgeons make $23/month and travel by bike, what more can he expect than a sandwich.
Report Post »oriondma05
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 1:01amHis original comments came from the heart, his retraction came from a teleprompter. Just like Oblamers.
Like Glenn says, lets them speak their mind truthfully so we know who they really are.
Report Post »TumbleBumble
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 12:58amI‘m so glad he’s out of Chicago. I remember when the Sox won the World Series and Guillen was yelling out Viva Venezuela and Viva Chavez. He took the pleasure right out of that celebration then and there.
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 1:26amno way that is crazy what a freaking idiot. I had no idea he did that. awful. I hope he ends up coaching in Cuba.
Report Post »The Giver
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 1:37amHe won’t be with the Florida Marlins long either. The anti-communist Cuban exiles will see to that.
Report Post »JJ Coolay
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 12:57amWhy even put yourself in a pickle with political comments??
Report Post »Shut the hell up and manage your baseball team.
CatB
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 12:45amWhat a moron …
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on April 8, 2012 at 12:34amlesson learned right? don’t talk to time magazine or make idiotic comments that they can run with. having never read the time article I am just wondering how castro came up in the first place.
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