Yesterday, Miami Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen was suspended for five games for his comments he made about former Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, which included Guillen saying “I love Fidel Castro” in an interview he did for Time Magazine.
This is much different than anything Guillen has said before. In Chicago, he was often in trouble for bad-mouthing umpires, management of other teams, or beat writers. Now, he’s gone to a whole new level.
He begged and begged for his apology to be accepted, especially in the Latin areas of Miami and southern Florida. “Calle Ocho,” a neighborhood close to the Marlins’ new ballpark, consists of mostly Latin-Americans, including many Cubans. This was the fanbase ownership was trying to tap into when they chose the location and personnel for the franchise. Now that Guillen has made these comments, however, all that effort may go to waste. I would expect boycotting of games and even go as far as fearing for the safety of Ozzie Guillen because this is a very, very serious thing he said. Family members of some of the residents in the area were jailed, mistreated, or even killed by Fidel Castro’s government, and now Guillen is praising him? This is absolutely unacceptable. He should have been fired on the spot for this.
The comments Guillen made hit so many nerves in the Latin community, which may ruin Guillen’s already so-so reputation, but also the efforts the Marlins have put into making Miami, and “Calle Ocho,” a perfect fit.
35 comments
Stickguy
4/11/2012-8:55am at 8:55 am (UTC -4)
I actually think people are going way overboard on this. He also should not have been suspended, that was purely to appease the press and activists.
certainly was a stupid thing to say, but that’s the price for being a “controversial” guy that says shocking things. Tough to live up to your rep without sticking your foot in your mouth.
and after reading what has been printed, the choice of words was certainly poor, but it really does seem that they are taken out of context.
trs86
4/11/2012-9:16am at 9:16 am (UTC -4)
Doesn’t sound out of context at all. Just sounds ignorant.
kingman 26
4/11/2012-9:24am at 9:24 am (UTC -4)
It was a dumb thing to say and a very questionable opinion.
But isn’t it very Castro-like to suspend him for it?
Seems kind of un-American to me.
srt
4/11/2012-9:33am at 9:33 am (UTC -4)
Agree it was a dumb thing to say. MLB managers might not like it but they have to be careful with anything they’re saying publicly. And IMO, they should all stay away from politics, religion and probably any sure-to-be controversial topic that any rep in MLB will be quoted on.
I have no problem with the suspension seeming as it was done by his employer, the Marlins – and not by MLB.
I’d like to know how this even came up in conversation between Ozzie and whoever. In one 5 minute time period he managed to effectively piss off the very same people his employers are trying to attract to the ball park. I can’t blame the Marlins for taking action. However, I agree with you that it was only done to appease the masses. We all know Loria would probably sell out his grandmother if it would benefit him……
truthhurts
4/12/2012-12:10am at 12:10 am (UTC -4)
I agree this IS America you can’t allow another country’s politic to these shores… that’s true of Israeli Palestinian Eastern European Irish or what ever actually many people benefited from the dictatorship before Castro and the ones who didn’t stayed and now live under Castro’s dictatorship
Prismo
4/11/2012-9:11am at 9:11 am (UTC -4)
I agree Mr.Author. The Castro comments alone don’t resonate much with me, or many of my fellow non-Cuban Americans…
But I don’t think it’s far fetched to use the same verbiage, replacing Castro with Hitler and pretending Terry Collins said it.
I’d want him off my team in a f—ing heartbeat.
Poor choice of words? “I don’t admire his philosophy, I admire him.” That’s not a poor choice of words, it’s a man speaking honestly. He admires the man who killed many family members of fans who root for the team he coaches. He actually said that. He should be gone. “Ozzie being Ozzie” gets him nothing in my book.
kingman 26
4/11/2012-9:36am at 9:36 am (UTC -4)
I do agree with your sentiment, but there are dictators all over the world who have brutally murdered and tortured their people who are supported by the US and have been for ages.
This incident is just so ridiculously overblown.
The Chinese government is disgusting, and our government and countless major US corporations openly, actively support their brutality. If Castro was a right-wing dictator and allowed US sweatshops, he be totally supported as his predecessor openly was.
I am not saying Ozzie was right (or that Castro is not a brutal dictator), but singling Ozzie out like this when our country supports brutality when the brutality helps US corporations make cheap shoes and toys is just a lot of bull. It’s major, massive hypocrisy.
gategem
4/11/2012-4:31pm at 4:31 pm (UTC -4)
This is not action by the government but rules stipulated by a private employer and as such they have the right to suspend Ozzie for remarks that surely will cost the Marlins substantial incoming resources. This was simply a business decision and the Marlins are within their rights to do so. I’ve haven’t seen the contract that Ozzie signed but I assume there is a clause that can be interpreted to cover this action.
BTW how can you insult the Chinese when they own a substantial part of the debt and enterprises within this Country.
Stickguy
4/11/2012-4:39pm at 4:39 pm (UTC -4)
absolutely it is up to the employer to do what they want with him. And I wouldn’t blame them for shat canning his butt.
though really, they got exactly what they hired. Not like he changed at all!
when you go for the loose cannon, don’t complain when he blows a hole through the house.
kingman 26
4/11/2012-9:21am at 9:21 am (UTC -4)
Sorry Connor, but I totally disagree. Sure it was a poor choice of words, but this is America, not Cuba.
And it is important to know your history—Castro most certainly is a dictator who has reduced the quality of life for many, many Cubans and who himself does not allow total free speech or freedom of action. I am no supporter of Castro or his policies.
But everyone should remember that before Castro took over on Jan 1, 1959 Cuba was ruled by a revolting, brutal, murderous fascist who ran the island basically as a casino/drug den/whorehouse for depraved US tourists and the American Mafia.
Batista’s pathological depravity–and strong American support of it–was the main reason Castro received the support he did and was able to take control.
And many of the people who are the most anti-Castro in southern Florida pine for the days of Batista and his type of rule.
The anti-Castro folks in general are not exactly northern European democracy lovers or Occupy Wall Street folks.
And with all due respect Prismo, comparing Castro with Hitler is absolutely ridiculous and totally historically inaccurate. Castro’s bad, but he’s not close to Hitler in any manner.
Prismo
4/11/2012-9:36am at 9:36 am (UTC -4)
Totally disagree. I’ll leave it at that, don’t want a flame war.
kingman 26
4/11/2012-9:39am at 9:39 am (UTC -4)
As I said above, I think it’s just crazy hypocrisy.
All of these angry people should also be protesting Walmart and Nike’s support of governments and dictators who are worse than Castro.
It’s just a ratings-driven media storm of hypocrisy.
And again, if Castro was a rightist and treated his people in the identical manner, but with Nike sweatshops and factories making toys for Walmart in Havana, he’d be receiving billions in US aid and weapons.
Prismo
4/11/2012-9:45am at 9:45 am (UTC -4)
I do agree with that (perhaps a bit of poetic license on your part at the end). It doesn’t make it okay though.
kingman 26
4/11/2012-9:50am at 9:50 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, I do agree that it most definitely is not right. And if Terry Collins said he loved Hitler, yeah, I would have a problem with that.
I guess all I am saying is that while I know enough history to be well aware of what Castro has done, he is far from the worst ruler in the world, and far from the most brutal.
The main reason he is so hated is because he has opposed US policies and US corporations, not because of his actions. 53 years of nonstop media and government demonizing of him has made him much more than he is.
His neighbor dictators all over Latin America have been much, much worse in the last 53 years, but have been friends to the US.
But of course saying what Ozzie did was really poor judgment, and saying it as manager of a team in Miami is among the dumbest things any human has done in recent memory!
kingman 26
4/11/2012-9:56am at 9:56 am (UTC -4)
Ultimately all I am saying is that I wish there was this much outcry against ALL brutal dictators, not just ones like Castro.
srt
4/11/2012-10:05am at 10:05 am (UTC -4)
Remember Marge Schott?
She was fined and banned from Reds operations for a year, for her infamous comment saying that Hitler was good for Germany and her inflammatory, racial comments concerning black players and employees.
Politics just has no place in MLB.
srt
4/11/2012-10:09am at 10:09 am (UTC -4)
Well my memory apparently isn’t all that good b/c after reading up on her just now, she was banned again for about 2 more years for making some of the same comments.
Stupid is as stupid does, I guess.
kingman 26
4/11/2012-10:10am at 10:10 am (UTC -4)
Good point MF4D.
I remember that well.
oleosmirf
4/11/2012-1:13pm at 1:13 pm (UTC -4)
of course you are correct, however, the patrons of the Marlins see Castro the same way we view Hitler and because of that the organization has to fire him.
It might not be fair, but its the right business decision especially for a franchise banking on those Cubans to show up…
srt
4/11/2012-9:37am at 9:37 am (UTC -4)
Depending how far the community goes down there, there’s still a chance Ozzie will be fired.
If that contingent stages demonstrations at the new park for every home game, they might just have to replace him for damage control.
They might like Ozzie – he may have been exactly what they wanted going forward – but if it’s hurting their attendance (and really, not sure how they’re going to tell as the Marlins never really attracted fans to the park), if this doesn’t fade away quickly, I can see Loria throwing Ozzie to the wolves.
mrose
4/11/2012-10:05am at 10:05 am (UTC -4)
I’m a person who supported Imus back in the day from being FIRED and even though I don’t agree with his ideology, also supported Rush when he was attacked.
There is a difference between those situations and this one. They are PAID to be outrageous in some fashion and incite anger and reaction. The people who ultimately were or are boycotting them or calling for boycotts, were fans on the opposite viewpoint, or people who would just never listen to the show. At the end of the day, CBS or other radio stations may have gotten increased ratings for a time, and the sponsors boycotted may or may not have seen a difference and the shows are popular enough that they would add new sponsors.
This, the Marlins knew they hired a hot head, and a baseball Manager should NOT be someone who incites reaction and anger, but that is who they have. If the cubans can not forgive him, which I’m not cuban, and can’t speak for them, then the Marlins have a tough business decision to make. Can those cubans who boycott actually effect their bottom line? They have a new stadium in Little Havana, and i’m sure a large part of their fan base, either on TV or in person, are Cuban or Cuban Americans.
In my opinion, this 5 game suspension is just a cooling down period. If it falls out of the news, then he stays, but if protests persist..bye bye Ozzie.
Again, not saying I agree with the suspension or a potential worse punishment, but… I could understand it as a BUSINESS decision, even though the Marlins should have known better. He’s spoke about Castro before http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/04/10/this-is-not-the-first-time-ozzie-guillen-voiced-his-admiration-for-castro/
Actually, with that said, the Marlins should be forced to keep him on, its as much their fault for this outrage as Ozzies with that shown.
kingman 26
4/11/2012-10:15am at 10:15 am (UTC -4)
Interesting perspective.
srt
4/11/2012-10:32am at 10:32 am (UTC -4)
You raise a good point concerning this situation and that of say someone like Imus. Bottom line is: know your employer.
I’ve been reading much about Freedom of Speech this morning and the Bill of Rights.
I think some Americans are a bit confused on just what that means.
As some of you probably know I work for the Federal Government DOD as a public servant. As such I’m held to a higher standard for that employment than the private sector. The rules since 9/11 have changed the way we all conduct business. Rules and regulations to adhere to the Anit Terrorism threats are long and restrictive. There is no privacy anymore. Heck, anyone can look up my salary if they were so inclined because as a civil servant, it’s a matter of public record.
America is the land of the free. But that freedom doesn’t come cheap. We all pay the price in some form or fashion. Ozzie may have been free to publicly say what’s on his mind (yea America!) but in doing so, that doesn’t absolve him from being accountable for those public comments, especially to his employer. I can tell you if I made those comments and it made it’s way back to my employer it would be grounds for a long investigation into my private life and possible dismissal.
Bottom line is I believe this is less an issue of Freedom of Speech and more an issue of the employer. As a representative of the Marlins, he should have known better.
mrose
4/11/2012-10:36am at 10:36 am (UTC -4)
I did not know you were a DOD employee.. i’ve worked the last few years for govt contractors, so I can understand the scrutiny that would come from making the comments.
I agree though, he has the freedom to make the statements without criminal persecution and he shouldn’t obviously have any violence done to him or anyone involved. But, yes, an employer needs to keep an image and realize what they will let slide, which brings into mind the imus, rush, etc arguments.
Either way, we’ll have a good idea of what the Marlins are thinking by the end of this 5 game susp.
srt
4/11/2012-10:47am at 10:47 am (UTC -4)
Yes, heading into my 34th year with Navy DOD. Fun, fun.
As a gov. contractor you know too how stringent security is now. Or should be…..
Hazmet
4/11/2012-6:41pm at 6:41 pm (UTC -4)
Last year I had a government SME come in and he refused to turn in his cell phone at the security desk to enter the facility. He freaked out and nearly stormed out of the building. I needed new knee pads after the effort it took to cool him down and get him to stay for a major design review. You think he would have known better but you’re right many have no idea the different environment that’s part of the everyday.
Another example, the fire department showed up for a minor incident and they weren’t allowed in the building for like 15 minutes until they got cleared on an emergency basis. And they had to be escorted by security every step.
Lastly, if you’re working at NRL I must crush you – j/k
gategem
4/11/2012-7:51pm at 7:51 pm (UTC -4)
BTW I am fully aware of the security requirements you speak of and have been to facilities where there are armed MPs securing the perimeter.
After I received my post graduate degrees I was offered a position with the Naval Underwater Sound Labs but turned it down for what was a purer R&D environment. Today I am sorry for that move. Salaries for Engineers working for the Government have surpassed private industry and the benefits are staggering. If I had accepted that spot I wouldn’t have to take part time consulting assignments today. There is one thing that working as an Engineer for the Government has in common with pure R&D. In neither case do you have to really work hard for a living.
srt
4/11/2012-10:48am at 10:48 am (UTC -4)
I just realized the title to this post implies MLB suspended Ozzie. That’s not so. MLB did not get involved. It was the Marlins who suspended Ozzie.
IMO, this would be entirely different if MLB suspended him.
mrose
4/11/2012-10:53am at 10:53 am (UTC -4)
I can agree and disagree on that. The MLB is probably guilty like the Marlins too… wanting them to make a splash with a new stadium but also knew of Ozzie’s previous comments about Castro and homosexuals…
but yea, it would have been a bit of an overstep
ConnorUAF
4/11/2012-5:19pm at 5:19 pm (UTC -4)
I realized that when checking it on my phone this afternoon… I’ll fix it.
srt
4/11/2012-8:11pm at 8:11 pm (UTC -4)
No problem. I was just pointing out if MLB had suspended him that would be a different matter than if the Marlins, as his employer, did. IMO……
oleosmirf
4/11/2012-12:39pm at 12:39 pm (UTC -4)
The Marlins have no choice but to fire him. They desperately need the Cubans to come out and support the team and Ozzie blew it.
That would be like if Joe Girardi came out and said he loved Hitler. Could you imagine the uproar here?
NJstuckinTX
4/11/2012-12:54pm at 12:54 pm (UTC -4)
I agree.
Does he have a right to say what he wants to? Sure. But with that right, there also comes the responsibility of dealing with the ramifications of what was said.
Or, they can put a disclaimer on their tickets like they do on some TV shows. (the comments of the manager are not the same as the views of ownership and in no way link us to any thing they may/may not say…)
oleosmirf
4/11/2012-12:57pm at 12:57 pm (UTC -4)
You now have a situation where your fans are boycotting the team because of the manager’s comments and the “suspension” wont be enough.
The Marlins can win 100 games this year and win the WS and some of those fans still wont budge…
wanny
4/11/2012-1:09pm at 1:09 pm (UTC -4)
i agree that it is un-american to suspend someone for speaking his mind. but first amendment protections do not typically extend to private sector employers.