Marlins Do the Right Thing With Guillen
Today, the Miami Marlins announced a five-game suspension for their new manager Ozzie Guillen after remarks about Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. Guillen was quoted by “Time” as saying “I love Fidel Castro” in the context that he respects Castro for being able to survive for 60 years while everyone was trying to get him.
For anyone, let alone the Miami Marlins manager to say those things is ludicrous. The Marlins were looking to make a big splash in bringing Guillen in to manage the team. Guillen was someone who would give the thriving Hispanic Miami community a person to admire. It backfired within the 1st five games of his first season. The Marlins have already gone into damage control mode. They condemned Guillen’s remarks and today suspended Guillen for five games. It was the appropriate reaction.
Guillen needs to understand his new fan base. His teams new stadium was built in a place called Little Havana. I repeat LITTLE HAVANA. If there is one name that should never be spoken of in praise in that area it is Fidel Castro. In watching Guillen’s press conference today, you can see the true remorse he has in eyes and his voice. For the first time, Guillen is truly being punished for his transgressions. Hopefully it will help him become a better manager and he will look to help the Latin community in Miami to flourish. There is a lot of potential for him to make this right, especially in a city like Miami.
Can you imagine what would happen if Joe Girardi or Terry Collins came out in an article saying they loved Osama Bin Laden and he was just misunderstood? Guillen should count his blessings he still has a job.
-Bryan Mapes
Three Up, Three Down 