The National Baseball Commission reported the suspension from participating in the competitive baseball system for a period of five and three years, respectively, of the manager of the Sancti Spíritus team, Eriel Sánchez, and the technical commissioner Miguel Rojas, involved in a serious indiscipline last Saturday.

Below, we publish the note in full.

NATIONAL BASEBALL COMMISSION APPROVES SANCTIONS FOR SERIOUS INDISCIPLINE

Following the analyses carried out by its Disciplinary Commission regarding the incident last Saturday, 27 September, which involved Eriel Sánchez León, manager of the Sancti Spíritus team participating in the 64th National Baseball Series, and the technical commissioner Eusebio Miguel Rojas Rodríguez, we conclude that:

. Both committed an indiscipline classified as Very Serious in Article 17, subsection c, of the Disciplinary Regulations of the Competitive Baseball System («to physically assault another athlete, coach, official, referee, or the public present at a sporting event or after its conclusion»).

. Consequently, it agreed to impose the following disciplinary measures, established in Article 20, subsection l:

– Suspension from participating in the competitive baseball system for a period of five (5) years for Eriel Sánchez León.

– Suspension from participating in the competitive baseball system for a period of three (3) years for Eusebio Miguel Rojas Rodríguez.

In this regard, we consider it pertinent to specify that:

. The incident occurred in Sancti Spíritus, after the game of that team against the Isla de la Juventud team.

. It originated from the management of the Sancti Spíritus team’s complaint regarding dissatisfaction with a play.

. After the match concluded, Sánchez went to the technical table to question, in a disorderly manner, the referred decision, which provoked an exchange of insults with Rojas.

. Despite the instruction from the provincial sports authorities not to have another encounter during that session, Rojas did the opposite.

. He went to meet Sánchez, challenging him, and during the altercation, the latter struck him with a wooden object (not a bat, as has been stated), causing a head wound that required medical attention.

This demonstrates that it was a totally avoidable episode, the result of the irresponsible actions of its protagonists and alien to the essences and values of the Cuban Sports System, which we will continue to defend rigorously, in adherence to what is established in our disciplinary regulations.