The starting pitcher for the Guaso Indians, Damián Savón, was ejected this Sunday for hitting the referee in the face with his glove.
The video of the assault was shared by the site Por La Goma LLC.
Still, Guantánamo defeated Camagüey 8 to 2.
This is not the first conflict in this Series. In August, the Directorate of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER) in the province of Granma clarified this Tuesday the details of the sanction imposed on pitcher Leandro Martínez, confirming that the measure, notified on February 12, consists of a one-year prohibition from participating in national competitive events and from being contracted.
According to the organization, whose statement was published on Facebook by the official journalist Pavel Otero, the sanction falls under Article 20, subsection I) of the disciplinary regulations, which classifies as a “VERY SERIOUS” offense behaviors such as: taking arbitrary positions or engaging in illegal and unethical manifestations against another team member, and publicly denigrating legal provisions issued by government or sports authorities for personal gain.
It also discusses the act of committing notorious and public offenses that seriously undermine dignity or sportsmanship.
The regulations state that penalties classified as very serious must be served in full, with no possibility of being reduced by half. Therefore, the INDER of Granma emphasized that Martínez has only completed six months of suspension, and that the measure does not entail “two National Series,” but only his absence in Series 64.
In his post, Pavel Otero, one of the faces of the communist regime on national television, expressed that, although the current regulation does not allow for a reduction of very severe sanctions, it would be advisable to review the rules to allow for the reduction of sanctions when the athlete's behavior warrants it and the context permits.
"Even the harshest penalties of the Civil Penal Code can be reduced through due process. The most important thing is to save and reintegrate the individual whenever possible," Otero stated, also pointing out inconsistencies in the application of sanctions
"We have had players involved in physical assaults during matches with suspensions of only two or three games, and Leandro Martínez is penalized with a year without physically assaulting anyone," stated the sports commentator.
Frequently Asked Questions about Aggression in the National Baseball Series in Cuba
What incident occurred in the National Baseball Series that involved Damián Savón?
The pitcher Damián Savón was expelled for hitting an umpire in the face with his glove during a game. This incident has sparked controversy and criticism regarding behavior in Cuban baseball.
How does INDER manage sanctions in Cuban baseball?
The INDER applies sanctions according to a disciplinary regulation that classifies certain behaviors as "very serious." Very serious sanctions must be served in full, with no possibility of reduction, as in the case of pitcher Leandro Martínez, who was sanctioned for one year without participating in national events.
What opinion has the implementation of the disciplinary regulations in Cuban baseball generated?
The application of sanctions has been criticized for its lack of coherence. Journalist Pavel Otero pointed out that there are inconsistencies in how sanctions are applied, suggesting that the regulations could be reviewed to allow for reductions in sanctions based on the athlete's behavior and context.
What is the public stance of Cuban athletes regarding the sanctions and conditions of baseball on the island?
Some athletes have publicly expressed their dissatisfaction with the conditions and sanctions in Cuban sports. The boxing champion Erislandy Álvarez denounced the delivery of cars in poor condition by INDER as an incentive, reflecting the precariousness and institutional neglect that athletes endure, even those who have achieved significant accomplishments.
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