Ozzie GuillenOzzie Guillen has been suspended 5 games for his favorable comments regarding Fidel Castro.

The suspension came ahead of a press conference this morning in which the Miami Marlins manager did his best to explain his controversial remarks about the Cuban dictator.

“I’m sorry that I hurt the community without any intention,” Guillen said in Spanish. “I’m here to say I’m sorry.”

Guillen, who is in his first year managing the Marlins, made a special trip back to Miami from Philadelphia today so he could apologize and explain his comments in a Time magazine article praising Castro.

This morning’s press conference was held at the new ballpark built in the Little Havana section of Miami and was broadcast on video screens outside the new stadium.

In the Time piece, the Venezuelan said he “loves” Castro and respects him for being able to remian in power for over 50 years.

Guillen has since said he regrets the comments and has had sleepless nights.

Some local Miami officials had called for Guillen’s resignation.

Guillen made similar comments in a 2008 article for Men’s Journal magazine.

When asked, “Who’s the toughest man you know,” Guillen again mentioned Fidel Castro.

He said, “He’s a bull … dictator and everybody’s against him and he still survives, has power. … I don’t admire his philosophy, I admire him.”

The Miami Marlins issued a statement regarding Guillen’s suspension.

“The Marlins acknowledge the seriousness of the comments attributed to Guillen,” the team said in a stationment. “The pain and suffering caused by Fidel Castro cannot be minimized, especially in a community filled with victims of the dictatorship.”

More in the video below.

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