- Angel Cabrera returns to the Masters after being released from prison in 2023
- He was imprisoned after being found guilty of assault, theft and intimidation
- The return of Cabrera to the tournament aroused considerable controversy
The president of Augusta National presented a blunt defense of the decision to invite Angel Cabrera – imprisoned for 30 months after condemnations of domestic violence – to master.
On Thursday, the Argentinian in disgrace, 55, will go to the famous lesson two years after being released from prison.
The former champions obtain a life invitation to the Masters and Cabrera triumphed here in 2009, but his invitation triggered the indignation among many, including groups for defense of women’s rights.
“We certainly disturb domestic violence of any type,” said Fred Ridley, asked about the response on the eve of the tournament. “Regarding Angel, he served the sentence prescribed by the courts and he was a former champion – he was therefore invited.”
Ridley’s response echoes that of Cabrera himself, who was found guilty of offenses against two women, including assault and theft.
“I won the masters, why not (play the masters)?” He said previously.
The return of the masters of Angel Cabrera was controversial after his condemnations of domestic violence
Augusta National President Fred Ridley defended the invitation to the 2009 masters champion
Cabrera says he “ regrets what happened “and says he received” another opportunity ”
“Obviously, I regret things that have happened and that you learn from them, but at the same time, these are in the past and we have to wait impatiently what is happening.”
Among other offenses, Cabrera admitted having launched a mobile phone at the head of an ex and injuring the scalp.
In 2021, he was arrested in Rio de Janeiro who left Argentina without authorization after the start of a trial during which he was accused of illegal aggression, theft and intimidation. During the extradition to Argentina, he was sentenced and sentenced to two years. In 2022, he was found guilty of an assault against a second woman and sentenced to an additional two years and four months before her release in August 2023.
It will appear at the Masters for the first time since 2019.
“Obviously, I regret things that have happened and that you learn from them, but at the same time, it is in the past and we must look forward to what is happening,” he added. “Life gave me another opportunity, I was able to take advantage of it and I want to do the right things in this second opportunity.
