I have to hand it to Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.  He either has cahones the size of bowling balls or he truly doesn't realize what a lightning rod he has become.  It seems that every time Ozzie makes comments that are even semi-controversial, he gets shredded by an anxious media who would just love to get rid of him.

In response to a question about the Cuban Sandwich's lack of mastery of the English language, Ozzie went off on an ill advised rant about how Asian players have more privileges than the Latino players.  I can't help but think that some of this was from Ozzie's own experience as a teenager coming to America to play minor league baseball, but that whole situation has changed in recent years with MLB understanding that keeping players away from drugs and trouble enhances it's own image.

I don't mind people taking issue with Ozzie's comments as they were a bit short sighted.  The White Sox and MLB have already issued statements saying that Ozzie's opinion is just that and does not necessarily reflect reality.  Fair enough.  Several others (including me) have pointed out that the Asians come here as established players while the Dominicans, Venezuelans, and most of the Latins are teenagers who require seasoning in the minors. 

That said, Ozzie was asked a question and answered it in a manner he felt truthful.  This does not, as some have suggested, make Ozzie a racist. This does not make Ozzie anything other than a man who was asked a question and answered it as honestly and unfiltered as he could. Period.  And the story should stop there.

But you and I know in this era of mass media, blogs et. al., it doesn't.  What ticks me off are the people who use Ozzie's words not as a topic of healthy debate but of personal attack.

The most irresponsible one that I  have read was Jonathan Mathis (Hmm, Jonny Mathis, how clever.  Damn skippy to meet you, name's Francis Albert Sinatra.)  Mr. Mathis writes for a site called Bleacher Report.com.  In his blog yesterday, Mr. Mathis decided not to have a discussion, but to use it for a poison pen attack on Ozzie Guillen:  Sayeth Jonny Mathis:

Can someone explain who the hell Ozzie Guillen is?

He’s a profligate imbecile bound to explode, simply because he has no morals or acceptable character, with an awful history ripping athletes, umpires, and management when the Chicago White Sox derail and badly stumble.

Um, forget your meds yesterday morning, dude?  I mean, seriously, take a look at what you wrote.  At minimum, it's wrongly inaccurate. Ozzie is far from being an imbecile. And, when has Ozzie ever exhibited a lack of morals or character?  Ever hear a story about him stepping out on his wife? Of course not, because he is devoted to his wife and family.  Sure, he has strong opinions about players, umpires and team personnel moves, but it's his refreshing honesty that sets him apart from everyone else in the world who prattles on in coachspeak.  But wait, there's more:

If the White Sox were ever to advance further and end the dreaded ineptitude, the overly nice general manager, Ken Williams, must wave farewell to the no-good, worthless idiot, a douche bag unable to maintain self-control and an unblemished attitude. 

Stop right there, my friend.  Your words are words of anger and hatred, not of constructive discussion. If the White Sox are to advance further?  How much further can you advance than  a world championship?   "Wave goodbye to a no-good, worthless idiot, a douche bag unable to maintain self-control?"  Son, those must be some powerful meds you forget to take.  Really powerful meds.

What is life like on your planet, Jonny?  Do people just talk in mere riddles?  Is there some kind of Orwellian device that prohibits people from stating a truthful opinion?  Are you from one of those countries where free speech is looked upon as an act of treason and subject to imprisonment?

I understand you disagree with Ozzie Gullen, but calling him a "douchebag" just makes you look like one.  Your anger in this piece is overwhelming to the point of distracting the reader from digesting  some of your valid points, of which there are actually a couple.

The no-good worthless idiot has taken a team that was 9½ games out on June 9th and piloted them to first place in less than six weeks.  Even the overly nice General Manager is thrilled and would be run out of town if he "waved farewell to the no-good worthless idiot", even if the "no-good worthless idiot" sometimes says things he probably would be better off not saying. 

Jonny, if I ever read that you claim to be a White Sox fan, I will hunt you down and burn all of your White Sox gear on your front lawn in full view of your family and neighbors.  Take your meds, feel better and then write another blog on how personal attacks like yours ruin the pleasure of reading for all of us.  

Until then, I can only assume you are Jay Marrioti's nephew or perhaps even Jay himself.