(Seattle Post Intelligencer)
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.
"I'm very sorry about the problem, what happened," said Guillen, who is only five games into his tenure with the Marlins. "I will do everything in my power to make it better. ... I know it's going to be a very bumpy ride."
Outside an entrance to the Marlins' new ballpark, about 100 demonstrators wanting Guillen's ouster shouted and chanted during the news conference. The team didn't consider firing Guillen or asking him to resign, Marlins President David Samson said.

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I realize the Commissioner of Baseball did this suspension because the Miami Marlins fans are probably 50 percent Cuban origin, but he fluffed this one. This has nothing to do with sport or baseball.If Ozzie loves Fidel, who the f**k cares? Ozzie must field a team that wins games, and that's all he was hired to do.

Major league sport dictators like the Commissioner need to keep their fines and suspensions off the front page.

I happen to like Ozzie. Even though he never learned to keep his big mouth shut. But that's Ozzie.