MIAMI (AP) ― Miami Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen was suspended for five games Tuesday because of his comments about Fidel Castro, and he again apologized and said he’ll do whatever he can to repair relations with Cuban-Americans angered by the remarks.
The suspension by the team takes effect immediately. It was announced shortly before Guillen held a news conference to explain what he said.
The 48-year-old Venezuelan told Time magazine he loves Castro and respects the retired Cuban leader for staying in power so long. In response, at least two local officials said Guillen should lose his job.
At the news conference, Guillen said his comments were misinterpreted by the reporter, and he doesn’t love or admire the dictator.
“I was saying I cannot believe somebody who hurt so many people over the years is still alive,” Guillen told the news conference.
But Guillen took responsibility for the uproar, and said it left him sad and embarrassed. He also said he accepted the team’s punishment.
koreaherald@heraldcorp.com
