Fred Ridley, the president of Augusta National, defended the decision to authorize Ángel Cabrera to return to the Masters despite the 2009 champion serving a prison sentence against women. The reappearance of Cabrera has aroused criticism from human rights activists.
Cabrera technically has the right to play in masters as long as he wishes, as a previous winner. The question of whether Augusta should have honored this condition of entry was widely questioned after the Argentinian spent 30 months in prison. Cabrera was found guilty of aggression, theft and intimidation against old friends in 2021 and 2022.
“It seems that as long as male athletes can excel to hit a bullet, we apologize for these same men who strike women,” said Jamie Klingler, co-founder of the Reclaim Thot Streets campaign group.
Ridley was invited to an answer at his traditional press conference before the tournament, in Augusta National on Wednesday. “We certainly disturb domestic violence of any type,” said Ridley.
“Regarding Ángel, Ángel has served the sentence prescribed by the Argentinian courts, he is the last champion and was therefore invited.”
Ridley had no apparent desire to develop the situation. A year ago, he labeled “one of our great champions” will be able to express the hope that the Golfer could come back to this major. Cabrera, who was present for the masters’ champions dinner on Tuesday evening, was full of remorse in public about his past behavior. The 55 -year -old man won the PGA Champions Tour on Sunday.
“I am very grateful and, obviously, the people of the golf world are very large with me and I just appreciated the way they treated me,” said Cabrera about her reception in Augusta. “Everyone has their own opinion and I respect this.
“Life gave me another opportunity. I have to take advantage of it and I want to do the right things in this second opportunity. There was a scene in my four -year -old life, that I did not do the right things I should have done. Before I’m fine, so I have to continue doing what I know. “
