Ozzie Guillen, Manager for Miami Marlins, Retracts 'I Love Fidel Castro' Statement
Ozzie Guillen, current manager of the Miami Marlins baseball team, has apologized for recent comments in which he stated that he "loves Fidel Castro."
During a recent interview, Guillen, who started as a shortstop for the White Sox, commented that he had a great appreciation for Fidel Castro.
"I love Fidel Castro," Guillen told Time magazine. "I respect Fidel Castro. You know why? A lot of people have wanted to kill Fidel Castro for the last 60 years, but that [expletive] is still here," he later added.
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The comments drew criticism to the Miami Marlins, whose home base is largely surrounded by a Cuban population. In attempt to soothe the situation, the Marlins spoke out first, affirming their support for the community.
"We are aware of the (Time) article. 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," the team said in statement.
Later, even Guillen, who has previously never been one to retract statements, offered an apology, stating that he was unable to sleep after the comments that he had made.
"I want to apologize for the things (I said) that hurt somebody's feelings," Guillen told reporters. "I want them to know I'm against everything … the way [Castro has] treated people the last 60 years. I've read a lot about him."
Two days before the Time interview was released, Guillen had also commented on his drunken habits.
"I go to the hotel bar, get drunk, sleep. I don't do anything else," Guillen told CBSSports.com. "I get drunk because I'm happy we win or I get drunk because I'm very sad and disturbed because we lose."
The former player, who has been a manager for MLB since 2003, also stated that his routine had been the same for much of his adult life.
"Same routine, it never changes. It's been the same routine for 25, 28 years. It doesn't change. I don't like to go out," he stated, regarding his preference for drinking.
