Ozzie Guillen was suspended five games by the Miami Marlins in advance of a news conference this morning where he explained his explosive comments about Fidel Castro, words that have set off protests in the middle of the community where the Marlins have built their new stadium and among fans the team hope to woo.

"I'm sorry that I hurt the community without any intention," Guillen said in Spanish. "I'm here to say I'm sorry."

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Guillen, the first-year manager of the Marlins, made a special trip back to Miami from Philadelphia on an off-day for the team so he could explain comments in a Time magazine article praising Castro.

"He has done a lot of bad things," Guillen said of Castro. "That's why I am surprised he has stayed in power so long."

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Guillen said he felt the meaning of his comments were misconstrued in the translation between Spanish and English. He took and answered questions in both languages for nearly an hour today.

"I don't want to make excuses," he said. "But I meant that I was surprised Fidel Castro stayed in power so long. That's what was missing in the translation. ... I'm not saying the journalist was wrong. I was wrong. I was thinking in Spanish and I said it wrong in English."

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But Guillen's remarks, held at the new ballpark built in the Little Havana section of Miami and broadcast on video screens in the plaza outside the stadium, did little to satisfy anti-Castro protestors at the scene.

The Miami Herald reported via Twitter that "more than 200 protesters" pushed against stadium doors, some chanted, "Liar, liar," and held signs critical of Guillen and advocating a boycott of the team. The Herald said one protestor shouted, "Guillen, you are a communist rat."

Earlier, Guillen did his best to strike a conciliatory tone.

"I'm embarrassed," Guillen said, apologizing repeatedly in both Spanish and English. "I live in Miami. I will do everything in my power to try to help the Cuban community, the Latino community. I want to walk the streets feeling good."

Added the often outspoken and controversial Guillen, "You learn from your mistakes. This was the biggest mistake so far in my life. I'm very guilty ... very embarrassed ... very sad ... very stupid."

Guillen said he will not be paid during his suspension and that he has no complaints about the punishment.

"I'm in no position to complain right now," he said. "Fixing my problems with the community is more important than the suspension or the money."

The Venezuelan Guillen said in the Time article that he "loves" Castro and respects him for being able to say in power for more than 50 years.

"I don't admire Castro," said Guillen, who said he has had sleepless nights since the article came out. He also said today that he does not support Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, a protege of Castro.

"I prefer to die than to vote for Hugh Chavez," Guillen said.

Some local officials in Miami have called for punishment for Guillen, even removing him from his job.

MLB commissioner Bud Selig released a statement supporting the Marlins' decision to suspend Guillen:

"Major League Baseball supports today's decision by the Marlins to suspend Ozzie Guillen. As I have often said, Baseball is a social institution with important social responsibilities. All of our 30 Clubs play significant roles within their local communities, and I expect those who represent Major League Baseball to act with the kind of respect and sensitivity that the game's many cultures deserve. Mr. Guillen's remarks, which were offensive to an important part of the Miami community and others throughout the world, have no place in our game."

Selig undoubtedly is concerned about the long-term impact of Guillen's remarks on the Marlins just days after they opened their new stadium. Several protestors on the scene Tuesday held signs calling for a boycott of the Marlins.

"Just because I made a mistake -- a big one -- don't take it out on the Marlins," said Guillen, who added that he has told the Marlins organization he would be willing to talk with team sponsors and local businesses as well as the Cuban-American community.

Guillen made similar comments in a 2008 article for Men's Journal magazine, comments extensive enough to shed some light on Guillen's feelings on the issue.

When asked, "Who's the toughest man you know," Guillen named 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."