Former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen feels disrespectedTodd Welteron July 13, 2022 at 11:10 pm

Former Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen is beloved in Chicago despite leaving the team a decade ago.

Guillen managed the Chicago White Sox to the 2005 World Series title. His leadership helped snap an 88-year championship drought on the Southside. He was also a fan favorite shortstop for the White Sox from 1985-1997.

As a player, he was the American League Rookie of the Year and a three-time All-Star during his 12-year tenure with the Sox.

Unfortunately, Ozzie left the team in 2011 on not the greatest terms. After a brief controversial managerial stint with the Miami Marlins, Guillen has not managed a Major League team since.

Guillen is enjoying a second act in life as the Chicago White Sox pre/postgame analyst for NBC Sports Chicago. Like every White Sox fan, Guillen is not enjoying what he is seeing on the field lately. He has not been afraid to voice his opinion and he took a shot at his mentor Tony La Russa.

Former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen has a Twitter exchange with a reporter.

Jon Heyman, New York Post baseball columnist and baseball insider for MLB Network and Audacy Sports, felt that maybe Guillen is angling to replace La Russa.

Will be interesting to see if it’s possible to get someone’s job by insulting them on a postgame show https://t.co/VvXe9YFRsh

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 12, 2022

That set off a Twitter war.

You’re claiming when you said he’s Rick Renteria w/credentials that was a compliment? That’s u being negatuve, not me. I also know you interviewed in SD after saying u didn’t want to manage. It is true I’ve been negative on u after observing u up close in Miami — just my opinion.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 13, 2022

Guillen challenged Heyman to a charity boxing match to settle their differences.

Jon you hate me and always bad mouth me. Let’s settle it. Let’s raise money Jon me and you the ring. Whatever money we raise goes to charity. I am not perfect, but tired you hiding behind you a writer.

— Ozzie Guillen (@OzzieGuillen) July 13, 2022

Guillen also went on the local sports talk radio station, 670 the Score, and not only laid down the boxing challenge again but also gave his side of the story.

.@OzzieGuillen fired back @JonHeyman, who suggested Guillen is out to steal White Sox manager Tony La Russa’s job.

Listen to Guillen’s full interview here with @dan_bernstein @LaurenceWHolmes @leilarahimi: https://t.co/NAemJvg9YG pic.twitter.com/o62oHi8b0D

— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) July 13, 2022

Guillen made it clear in the interview he is not gunning for La Russa’s job. He also stated he has nothing but respect and love for La Russa.

Guillen made clear it is part of his job as an analyst to give his opinion. No one is more opinionated than Ozzie. For the record, Heyman has declined to put the gloves on.

I will not box you as you challenged but will agree to give $500 to the charity of your choice if you do the same for mine. And we can call a truce then if you like.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 13, 2022

Heyman is just the latest example of this need to protect La Russa from any detractors. There are sports writers and media personalities that feel the need to defend the Hall of Fame manager.

The Tony La Russa detractors are awfully quiet right now. #WhiteSox 8, Royals 0 in the first inning.

— Mark Potash (@MarkPotash) May 8, 2021

I get some media members who have developed a relationship with Tony. The man has been in baseball a long time. He has forgotten more about the game than some will learn in a lifetime.

That does mean roses should always be thrown at his feet. It also means he does not need other people to fight his battles for him.

He will feel insulted if you dare question any decision he makes (even if he is wrong). Otherwise, Tony tends to shrug off the criticism.

That is why it is such a head-scratcher for some people to have this need to defend La Russa, especially now.

You are what your record says you are and right now the Chicago White Sox are one of the most disappointing teams in baseball. All the accolades Tony has does not matter right now so long as the Sox are losing.

I could see people rushing to his defense if the White Sox were winning but still out of first place and there was a calling for La Russa to be fired.

Instead, the White Sox is failing and one of the reasons is the manager. Right now La Russa is not showing he is the Hall of Fame three-time World Series winning manager.

It is very hard to defend the job he is doing since he is not doing his job well. There is nothing wrong with Ozzie Guillen doing his job well and calling La Russa out for it.

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