It didn’t take Ozzie Guillen long to stir up some controversy in Miami. The Marlins announced a five-game suspension without pay for their new manager following his recent comments about Fidel Castro. Here are the latest links from the NL East…
- Guillen, who addressed the media this morning, faced “the biggest day of his professional life” today according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (all Twitter links). Heyman suggested Guillen’s job was "at risk” but said the community reaction will ultimately matter most.
- Yahoo's Tim Brown writes that Guillen "possesses no authority on the subject of Fidel Castro."
- There doesn’t appear to be any traction on a possible John Lannan for Marlon Byrd trade, Heyman tweets. The Nationals appear to have discussed Lannan and Byrd with the Cubs.
- The Mets view Mike Pelfrey as an innings eater who stays in games, even if it's not always pretty, Newsday's David Lennon writes. Pelfrey says he's capable of more, but the Mets have low expectations for the right-hander.
Regretting burning your bridges with the Chicago White Sox organization now, Ozzie? Jerry Reinsdorf put up with a lot…other owners may not be as patient.
Esp with boycotts outside the new stadium
Aand here comes the media circus in Miami.
Surprised it didn’t involve Carlos Zambrano.
I love Ozzie Guillen. I respect Ozzie Guillen, he’s been saying insanely stupid stuff for the last decade and still has a job.
If he keeps that up, he won’t have this particular job much longer.
It’s not like Loria didn’t know what he was getting. I figured Ozzie would take a little longer than one week into the season to fully initiate him though.
I think he sees a similarity between himself and Fidel. No matter what he does or says, he still manages to stay around, like Fidel.
Ozzie has no authority on the topic and frankly most people shouldnt listen to him. However when a big part of your fan base in the miami community have either suffered firsthand or have had friends or family members suffer at the hands of Castro, you just cant say something like that. If he had said that about Kony or something the reaction wouldnt have been as bad. He needs to remember where he is and it is a personal subject matter for a fanbase they are trying to recruit.
Ozzie being Ozzie.
Yep, imagine being his PR guy.
You want the job? 😀 I sure as hell couldn’t handle it.
Lol I wonder if this is the stuff he says to reporters what he says behind closed doors.
That doesn’t wash outside of Chicago.
I often think of Ozzie as the new Tommy Lasorda – never met a camera he didn’t like, never miss an opportunity to be the center of attention. People come to games to see him manage. Lasorda would have enough sense not to enrage his fan base, though.
Cut your losses now, Marlins! This is just the first of many embarrassments and distractions from baseball that Guillen will cause as manager. Look at his record with the Chisox–a constant circus which resulted in the team underperforming. Now with Miami, the stakes are even higher. The Marlins need to unite the community not divide it if the Marlins are to be successful.
Agreed. It was a mistake to hire such a volatile and outspoken manager in the first place. First order of business is manage the team…not preach your politics to the media.
Ok Miami’s Cuban Community, Guillen is going out of his way to apologize and he received a five-day suspension without pay. Will you act like adults and accept he made a mistake now, or will you keep acting like children and cry until he’s removed from the playground?
I think this whol thing is ridiculous! He’s entitled to his opinion. If he loves Fidel, he loves Fidel. Jeffrey Loria knew what he was getting when he hired him. Plus, Loria is a pretty impulsive guy himself especially the way he fired Fredi Gonzalez and his staff. So as to whether he loves Fidel or not shouldn’t be the point or if Ozzie curses too much! The bottom line of the matter should be the what kind of job Ozzie G is doing, not who he loves, much less his political views!
Fidel Castro hasn’t been targeted for assassination in many, many years.
Sure he was at one time. What changed? He’s on the CIA payroll and has been since the 1970s. North Korea was as well. See.. they fund an “enemy” and build them up and they act as an “external, existential threat” to which the nation must defend itself against and the whole provides exceptional justification for endless taxation to feed the MIC beast.
If you aren’t on the payroll, you end up like Gaddafi, Noriega, and Saddam.
There’s a LOT of people in here who have obviously never read or studied their own personal freedoms they have via the Bill of Rights. Ozzie may say some stupid stuff from time to time, but he’s protected by it. And so are you when you say stupid stuff. Same thing applies to myself. To think that Major League Baseball is bigger than the Constitution is absurd. The guy shouldn’t be suspended. He should have his head checked, but he shouldn’t be suspended.
No one is saying that what Ozzie said is illegal. It makes the face of the Marlins look bad by professing his love and respect for someone hated by the team’s target audience. It is prefectly within his rights to say this, and it is perfectly within MLB’s rights to suspend him for doing so because that’s what happens when you make your boss look bad. If it wasn’t a week into his first season as manager they wouldn’t be worried about saving face and they might go as far as to fire him.
I don’t think you understand what freedom of speech means. Also, I don’t think you fully comprehend what a ‘right’ is. If something is a ‘right’, then that means you can practice it without repercussion. So when your owner implicitly says “Okay you are free to say whatever you want, that is unless you disagree with me” then that is not a right, it is a privilege. For something to be a freedom, it means you do not have to answer to anyone by practicing your freedom. And considering we all have bosses and a state to be compliant to, none of us have ‘rights’ or ‘freedoms’ we have, in fact, privileges and conditionalities. In the very same manner that ‘brutal’ dictators like Castro seek to oppress people who don’t agree with their views, owners like Loria, also do the same. Castro is no more or less a dictator than anyone that owns a business.
Hey, can’t say the Miami Marlins didn’t see this as a potential to happen. Ozzie Gullien speaking his mind, no matter what comes out of it. I’m still waiting for the Carlos Zambrano implosion to occur with a side of if Hanley Rameriz is going to pout and watch baseballs roll by as he casually walks to it. This team is one bad losing streak away from a meltdown.
Henley better does not do that with Zambrano pitching
I’m sort of baffled as to how they can suspend him for those comments. If you are a coach of a major league baseball team, you cant like Fidel Castro? Not all Cubans hate Fidel Castro, not all Cubans suffered in Castro’s era…Castro launched tremendous education and literacy campaigns over the years, not everything he did was bad. Its the same with Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, some people there like him some don’t. On ESPN they just said that Ozzie by saying ” I love Fidel Castro is like saying I hate Cubans.” WHAT???? I cant even listen to that nonsense…This entire thing is being blown out of proportion. These sports and media people need to do some research on Castro, Cuba and Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, the things coming out of their mouth’s are just absurd.
Then you clearly don’t understand. There are some things you don’t say to certain people in certain parts of the world. For instance, you don’t say you like Castro in Miami.
I agree that I don’t understand, they make it seem as if Castro is Satan or something…I just don’t see how so much outrage can occur over a comment such as I love Castro…Not to mention he stated he loved him due to how long he was able to stay in power.
Good to hear you admit you don’t understand, because it’s obvious. Not to lecture, but here’s some historical reference to better help your comprehension in this matter. Castro took power in Cuba 50 yrs ago and betrayed the Cuban people. He took away freedoms, including free speech and religion and ownership as well as property. That’s the reason many fled the country, those that opposed him in any way were jailed or killed. Many of his supporters always bring up the ‘Universal health care and education theme’, but neglect to mention that he took away civil liberties, things we as Americans take for granted. If Ozzie Guillen were the manager of the Cuban national Baseball team and expressed admiration for Bautista, the deposed dictator of Cuba, Fidel would have him disappear in an instant.
This is what you and many other Americans don’t understand and what strikes at the heart of the Cuban community in Miami. It’s the equivilent of going to Israel and proclaiming your love for Hitler. While the statement is not intended to to be hurtful, it’s an insensitive blunder to say something like that. Calling Castro Satan, would be an insult to Satan, in the minds of the Miami community.
Batista was the dictator that began reigns of terror and dictatorship in Cuba. But because Batista was supported by the US government, no one cares about that. If it wasn’t for Castro, Cuba would today be like Puerto Rico. The education argument is not the only thing that supports Castro but he also instilled a sense of nationalism in Cuba which was lost with Batista. This allowed Cubans to maintain their own sense of identity and in many ways their country. I’m not trying to support Castro here but I feel like he doesn’t get enough credit for what he did do and gets bashed too much for the things that began with the US handpicked dictator Batista who was the one to turn Cuba from democracy to dictatorship.
These are all things you can comfortably argue:
* from a safe distance – both geographically and culturally
* when you know where all your family members are
* when your tummy is full
A “Cuban identity” is also easier maintain under the aforementioned conditions.
As for the “Fulgencio vs Fidel” argument, nobody in “my” Cuban community would have opted for either, but I admit that’s not the case elsewhere.
You mentioned ‘leaders’ hand-picked by the US government. Sadly, that’s pretty much the story of Latin America anyway. “Somozas” anyone?
Castro made a lot of people suffer, oppressed a lot of citizens for dissenting with his views, and jailed (and tortured) many for expressing opinions that did not jive with his regime. I wish I could say that I don’t know anyone whom this happened to, but if I did I’d be lying. If it was your family member or friend could you imagine yourself not feeling bitter about such a thing? Now multiply that story by the number of Cuban families living outside the country (in Miami) and then have a prominent baseball figure throw out an admiring comment about how long Fidel has stayed in power. I am sure you can see now how the outrage is ignited.
My intention here is to try to provide a little more perspective about what the fuss is really about; particularly the issues underlying it. If you still find it hard to conceive of why this is such an explosive issue try imagining that the victims of the deeds I described were your family and friends. I think then you would probably agree that the literacy and health care that Fidel brought could never make up for those abuses.
Look at my response to Slopeboy. To add to that response, if you look at the issue in more depth, then the Cubans should be blaming the USA for Castro…The US put Batista into power who arguably was even more oppressive than Castro. Castro came up with the support of the poor and middle class in Cuba and overthrew Batista despite the United States aiding Batista the whole time.
Green Monster, I don’t take issue with your views. I will just throw a thing or two on the pile for consideration.
* I don’t kid myself that this is as much about caring about the
feelings of Cuban-Americans as it is the effect that such a comment
could have on a population that Bud Selig & co. are counting on
becoming a major source of revenue for the Marlins – and for Baseball.
* On the side of Guillén, relations between Venezuela & Cuba being
as cordial as they are, Guillén’s sentiments should come as no surprise
(I’ve known plenty of venezolanos who really like Castro so we politely
avoided discussing it). I grant him his feelings no matter how murderous
they make me feel but I have to say that it is really short-sighted for
him to air them in the midst of a highly Cuban population.
* As for ESPN, by now I’m sure you realize that if a professional
sports figure so much as burps in public you can count on them to fan
the flames and make it into a big issue. It’s what they DO. If you keep that in perspective nothing they do or say will ever surprise you.
* BTW, most of the cubanos who love Castro are in Cuba…
“BTW, most of the cubanos who love Castro are in Cuba…”
Even someone who never remembers to speak without thinking as that dolt Guillen has to know by now that the huge Cuban population in Miami has a bad liking of Castro for a very good reason. guillen has already proven my point of why he should have never been hired and poisoned his relationship with the community and has not even been on the job for 1 week into the season.
This does not come from out of the blue either.. Was on active duty the Mareil boat lift (summer ’79, USS Engage)) and learned 1st hand the out right hatred of Castro from Cubban population and oppression) and live in Florida for several decades now.
Putting aside Ozzie’s undeniable and very obvious issues, in the end this one is on Loria, Beinfest and the rest of the Marlins brass. If they were not so intent on advancing their gimmick of making everything about the team be latino, and chasing big names, maybe they would have thought twice before tabbing Guillén as the manager.
In addition to this, insisting on everything being latino perpetuates all sorts of ill-conceived stereotypes, i.e.: the idea that when it comes to baseball latinos only care about seeing other Spanish-speaking people play, and so long as everyone (including the manager of the team) is of latino heritage, Cubans will just magically fall in love with the team. That’s like believing that all people from the US, Great Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand instantly adore any star from any of those cultures purely based on the fact that they speak English. So if that really is the Marlins’ reasoning process they are doing a major disservice to the very market they supposedly wish to attract. I hope in the future they learn a little something – not just about Cubans and others of latino heritage, but about human beings. Maybe then they can keep what is important in focus the next time they go shopping for a skipper.
They have targeted ballplayers, exactly like you describe for years and Fly.. Think back to the local heroes that team has had.. Mikey Lowel (Cuban) Hanley Ramirez (D.R.) Miggy Cabrera (VZ), Actually virtually the entire starting 9 of the ’03 WS team was latin and not dicing them, it is what they have targeted and it’s “the lingo” you get anywhere near as far south in Fl as Dade county.
Kind of not wanting to turn this into more than it is, but South Florida has changed an awful lot the last 30+ years. The Fish do target those types, it’s just a plain fact, even broadcast in Spanish and not sure how many teams have duel broadcasts, sure many do, but the Marlins are certainly one and they have a HUGE following with the always funny and knowledgeable Cookie Rojas.
Can it change? sure. Should it change? They say this country is a melting pot, or that was how I was taught in school.. Then that was when Nam was going on also and some of these people educating people now have entirely different thoughts on what is best for people.
I don’t realize how “idiotic” it is either. Please explain it to me so I can explain to you how you are wrong…
I don’t agree with what Guillen said, but it a very sad day in America when you get punished for voicing your opinion
Disagree. People get punished by employers for saying stupid things all the time. Hank Williams Jr got booted from Monday Night Football for comparing Obama to Hitler or whatever exactly he did do. You can voice your opinion whenever you want and there’s nothing legal to prevent you from doing so. But if you make your employer look bad by saying outrageous things, then I completely agree when they either separate themselves from you by firing or fine or some other punishment.
^This. You hit it on the head.
To all the people using the Bill of RIghts to defend Ozzie, why don’t you try that next time your own boss reprimands you for mouthing off at work and see how far it gets you.
Hmm…I get your point but I don’t know that sports and a “regular” job are great comparables. After all, in sports employees can hold out on their boss, make a big fuss to anyone who will listen and demand more money or a better contract – and get it.
Try that in the everyday workaday world and very shortly you’ll be looking for a new job…and be lucky if you do get one! So not many similarities between the world of sports and a standard job. 🙂
That was my whole point… if a person working an everyday job were to embarass his bosses in such a manner as this he’d probably be fired. I understand that athletes/managers are different as far as employment is concerned, but the point remains.
It seems like we agree about the issue at hand 🙂
OK, I will. But if your boss takes state and local funds to pay for his brand new stadium…UH OH!!!
Its not as simple as “private company, private boss = 1st Amendment is restricted.”
Not to mention the one fired for the chink in the armor commentary.
Tell it to Don Imus, Tim Hardaway,Rush Limbaugh et al. Your right to voice your opinion does not mean you have a right to be insensitive or hurtful.
As an adult, you should realize that sometimes you don’t say what’s on your mind or you wait for a more opportune time to say something.
Ozzie needs to do this.
Listen, Fidel Castro is a bad guy, I doubt anyone is gonna stick up for his track record. And Ozzie says dumb things, but he has the right to say dumb ass things that he knows nothing about.
I find the witch hunt to get Ozzie to change his opinion of Castro or to somehow punish him for his comments to be so incredibly distasteful. Even more than Ozzies stupid comments about Castro.
I get it, private company, blah blah blah, but just the idea of censorship in any form should make people very weary and feel uncomfortable. Having a stupid opinion is as American as apple pie, Chevrolet and oh yeah baseball.
Castro is an old man who is about to die, wasting time on this scum just gives credibility to his horrific acts.
Should we now go out and make Russian Hockey players take back positive comments about Vladimir Putin? I mean this guy was a former KGB head and probably has a very serious death tole on his head as well and the winter Olympics are coming soon…
Everyone needs to stop with “it’s a sad day in America…”. He is perfectly free to state his opinion. Did I miss something and Ozze’s been arrested?
His employer has every right to decide that he is not the right fit to represent thier organization, to suspend him, or deal with it however they want within the law.
Not if that employer takes public funds…
Also, “injured party” does not always mean being arrested by the state and thrown in jail. Ozzie can claim several wrongs against him. His deduction in pay from his suspension, the witch hunt the Miami Marlins are putting him through that affects his future earning potential, jobs in MLB and reputation.
There are many forms of censorship, holding a man’s job in question to shut him up is definitely one.
You should feel sad today, ostracizing a man for his views, no matter how heinous is anti-American.
You’re missing the point. NO one is taking away Ozzie’s right to say anything. He can continue to say ANYTHING he likes, he just has to be willing pay the price. It’s the same thing with the Cuban community, they have the right to disagree with what Ozzie says and they can further voice their opinion by not going to the games. I’m sure you don’t expect that a group that’s insulted is going to support your team by showing up for games do you?
If he has to pay a price, then that is not a right. Rights are unconditional. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be ‘rights’. Moreover, if someone has grant you a ‘right’, then it was never a right to begin with. We’re allowed to say stuff as long as it doesn’t disagree with those who control us through wage or force. If anyone has authority amongst another person, then the subordinate doesn’t really have any rights, he’s got privileges. You can only have a right, if you don’t have to answer to anyone, especially by practicing them. So I urge you and everyone else who speaks of ‘rights’ to reassess what they are saying.
Ozzie can claim several wrongs against him. His deduction in pay from
his suspension, the witch hunt the Miami Marlins are putting him through
that affects his future earning potential, jobs in MLB and reputation.
That’s his own fault.
If I walk into my job and start going on about how “I love Hitler” and my customers are offended, costing my company money, my boss is going to fire me. If you hurt your company’s image, you’re going to get fired.
holding a man’s job in question to shut him up is definitely one.
No it isn’t. He is representing the Miami Marlins. He potentially just cost them Millions in Revenue and bad PR. By suspending him, the Marlins are trying to show the community that they’re 100% against what Ozzie said.
There are consequences for everything you do. Freedom of speech isn’t as simple as “say whatever you want without consequence.”
Being employed is a privilege. Ozzie has responsibilies and that includes not saying things that offend his fanbase.
wrong by far
The Marlins got what they asked for, they knew he had a big mouth and this is the baggage that comes with Ozzie. Ozzie is not one who thinks before he speaks, never was and never will be. If the Marlins start winning the fans will come either way. If they win 95 games this year, all these Cubans who made a big deal out of these comments wont even remember what Ozzie said at the end of the year.
I wish the Braves and Marlins would trade managers. I’d take Ozzie over the Frediot any day of the week.