ANGEL CABRERA may not celebrate his first US win in eleven years for too long, once the ex-convict sees the almighty row brewing over his controversial Masters return.
Cabrera – who spent more than two years in an Argentine prison for “sexually, psychologically and physically abusing” his wife, girlfriend, and another woman, will make his first appearance at Augusta this week since 2019.
Angel Cabrera will return to The Masters this week for the first time since 2019AFP
ReutersCabrera spent more than two years in an Argentine prison[/caption]
And women’s rights groups are up in arms over his return, claiming the green jackets are effectively saying that if men “excel at hitting a ball, we excuse those same men hitting women”.
Cabrera, 55, the 2013 Masters winner, was released from a prison he later described as “a living hell” in August 2023.
And after being originally refused a visa to enter the USA, he was allowed in to compete in Champions Tour events – and at the Masters, as an ex-champion.
He warmed up by banking over £250,000 for a two shot victory at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational in Florida on Sunday, his first win in the States since July 2014.
That sent emotions running even higher, with Jamie Klingler – co-founder of the Reclaim These Streets pressure group – leading the onslaught.
She commented: “It seems as long as male athletes can excel at hitting a ball, we excuse those same men hitting women. Because the trophies they win are valued more than his victim’s life.”
And Women Against Rape spokeswoman Lisa Longstaff added: “You have to ask how could he get into the US with a criminal conviction? That would prove once again that abusers are welcome.
“It’s good that a court convicted him but the public should boycott Angel Cabrera and businesses that promote him.
GettyCabrera won the Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational in Florida on Sunday[/caption]
“Boycotting is a winning strategy. It’s repugnant to promote men who sexually abuse their power over women.”
Cabrera almost won a second Masters title in 2013, when he lost out to Adam Scott in a play-off.
He also won the US Open in 2007, and as a double Major champion he is seen as a future candidate for the golf’s World Hall of Fame.
The golfing world was shocked when it was announced in January 2021 that he had been arrested in Brazil by Interpol, after fleeing his native Argentina to avoid standing trial on the abuse charges, as well as offences of theft and intimidation.
He remained in a Brazilian prison until his extradition order to Argentina was completed, and in July 2021 he was convicted and sentenced to two years in jail.
While he was serving that sentence, further charges were brought against him and he was handed a further 28 month sentence.
But he was allowed to serve them concurrently, and was released just under two years ago.
AFPCabrera was released from prison in August 2023[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
