Reinsdorf says Guillen had his blessing to leave

CHICAGO (AP)—Ozzie Guillen left the White Sox four months ago, and they’re still talking about him in Chicago.

White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf defended his former manager Monday, saying Guillen had his blessing to leave the team before the season was over. Guillen was released from his contract with two games left last year and became the Marlins manager two days later.

“Ozzie told me he wanted to finish out the year, the Marlins really wanted him in Miami for the conclusion of the season, and I told him that he had no choice but to go given the excitement surrounding the opening of their new stadium and the unveiling of their new uniforms,” Reinsdorf said in a statement. “Ozzie needed to be in Miami at the end of the season for the Marlins.”

Reinsdorf’s statement came after White Sox pitcher Jake Peavy questioned whether Guillen quit on the team during an interview on WSCR-AM 670 on Jan. 14. Guillen then took to his Twitter account Friday and promised to tell the truth about his departure from Chicago.

“At the end of the day, Ozzie didn’t finish the season with us the last few games,” Peavy said. “So I don’t know who quit on who. But it is what it is and we’re all looking forward to 2012.”- http://sports.yahoo.com/