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The official sports journalist from Santiago de Cuba, Brita García Alberteris, reported a verbal assault by referee Luis Felipe Casañas during a game of the National Baseball Series at the Guillermón Moncada Stadium.
"The referee Luis Felipe Casañas insulted me at the end of the 5th inning of the 3rd game between Las Tunas and Santiago de Cuba," the journalist reported in a Facebook post published on Friday.
Casañas told him that "she was bold, audacious, and knew nothing!!!!", he reported.
García Alberteris stated that "what happened was in front of the Game Commissioner and all those present in the lower boxes of the Guillermón Moncada Stadium."
The journalist recounted that her response was: "Respect that I am a professional and you are supposedly one too!!!"
"I generally don't let myself be provoked by these kinds of situations, but honestly, it was really out of place!!!," he added.
García Alberteris reflected on his journey: “In 2012, I completed my university studies with honors. For the past 11 years, I have been working as a journalist covering the sports sector at Tele Turquino in Santiago de Cuba.”
"Over the years, I have experienced various situations, some happy and others not so much in my professional life; but today, this is truly the last straw," he lamented.
"Come on, if you really can't handle a mild criticism, don't work in the National Baseball Series or get involved in any event with the press! Those who know me understand that this type of situation only further fuels my pursuit of professionalism and personal preparation!" he concluded.
In a later post, following his complaint, García Alberteris explained this Saturday that Casañas apologized to him.
"Luis Felipe Casañas requested a meeting with me and the other referees, his supervisor, and the Game Commissioner to formally apologize. Casañas appeared distressed and remorseful about his behavior. The rest of his colleagues showed respect for the work. They all claim to work with respect and to strengthen Cuban baseball, a Heritage of the Nation," he said.
The verbal aggression from Casañas, a veteran Cuban referee, was triggered by a post where the journalist criticized his performance in the expulsion of Santiago player Jeison Martínez.
Following Casañas' actions in that incident, the journalist commented that the refereeing body "is involved in many situations and the quality they display is not the most suitable."
The journalist reported that Casañas overreacted to "the ballplayer's protest, and they almost came to blows."
"The young man's attitude may have been somewhat beyond expectations, but the ethics of the judges must be higher. The most serious mistake is to affect a team waiting for an analysis when the importance of the moment for the Avispa team is known," he said.
Frequently Asked Questions about Aggressions in Cuban Baseball
What happened between Brita García Alberteris and referee Luis Felipe Casañas?
Journalist Brita García Alberteris was verbally attacked by referee Luis Felipe Casañas during a game of the National Baseball Series at the Guillermón Moncada Stadium. Casañas insulted her after receiving criticism from the journalist regarding his performance in the game.
What was Luis Felipe Casañas' reaction after Brita García's accusation?
Luis Felipe Casañas apologized to Brita García Alberteris during a meeting with her, the other referees, his supervisor, and the Game Commissioner. Casañas expressed regret for his behavior.
How does verbal and physical violence affect the National Baseball Series in Cuba?
Violence in Cuban baseball, both verbal and physical, compromises the integrity and professionalism of the sport. Recent incidents, such as the verbal assault on Brita García and other physical attacks in the league, reflect a lack of disciplinary control and tarnish the reputation of Cuban baseball.
What measures have been taken in response to the incidents of violence in Cuban baseball?
Suspensions and penalties have been imposed on those involved in incidents of violence. For example, Eriel Sánchez was suspended for five years after assaulting a technical commissioner, and there is a call to review the disciplinary regulations to manage these situations consistently.
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