Perhaps other governments should prohibit contacts wit Trump, given his contacts with money launderers and organized crime figures.
21
I'm sorry, but are you saying that just because he's a soccer player from Mexico, he automatically cannot be involved in the drug trade? That's like saying that a black person cannot be a racist because he is a minority himself. A ridiculous assumption in either case.
Ever hear of Kate Del Castillo, the mexican actress who helped catch El Chapo and was involved in drug trafficking herself? Celebrities or athletes can certainly be or have certainly been drug traffickers. Being famous does not eliminate that possibility.
3
What would happen to me if I talked to him? Can the government actually prevent me from speaking to an individual? What would happen to another soccer star who shook his hand after a game? (For that matter, what happens when the American team plays the Mexican team? No-touch rule?)
The whole thing is faintly ridiculous when our government is riddled with corruption, fraud and self-serving acts that approach treason.
8
Rafael Marquez is a Mexican player, selected as his team leaders by Mexicans and thinking in Mexico. If the first world user of cocaine , the USA , disagree with a citizen of one his drugs providers it need to be decided and judged in a court AND NOT INTEREFERING WITH THE LIFE AND STRATEGY OF THE NATIONAL TEAM OF FREE COUNTRY, MEXICO!
7
Americans, primarily suburban whites, with money to burn and addictions to feed are responsible for the cartels and the misery in Central America. The money these deplorable Americans feed the cartels could do so much to alleviate the misery in Central America, but hey so these addicts and their protectors care?
4
That’s not surprising, in a culture where regular people emulate the lifestyle of drug dealers and kingpins. From big trucks and SUVs with polarized windows. Even in the USA, Mexican National tend to bring that lifestyle, narco-corridos anyone? The Mexican radios blasting this music 24/7 no surprise here, that the drug cartels have impregnated Mexican culture.
3
As I read this story I find myself torn. Less that two years ago the brand "America" was such that I would have had no doubts that Marquez is a crook.
Not anymore = I just do not trust the institutions of America anymore. This may not be fair to Trump, but it shows the long lasting effect our choice of president has on us the citizens.
7
It is a well-established fact the President of the United States has a long history of lucrative working business associations with international organized crime figures...why is he not on the U.S. Blacklist.
10
So far the response by the bloggers here seems to be one of sympathy for this guy, giving new meaning to the phrase "Just Win, Baby!". Incredible. The US does not freeze one's assets without good cause. If Mexico wins the World Cup, they should put a big fat asterisk by their name, with the title "The Best Team Drug Money Could Buy."
2
Imperialism at its best (?)
This excellent soccer player who is NOT an American citizen has his life turned upside down all over the world because of some suspicion of money laundering done outside of the US. But no trial and not even a formal indictment. Just a bureaucratic listing.
If there is strong evidence against him, why doesn’t the DOJ ask for his extradition? He is in Russia, it should be easy.
7
The Tri's captain is Herrera but whatever
Sad to hear as he's such a great player for Mexico amd a personal favorite to see!
1
Incredible. The Americans put a foreigner on a list without due process, and his life is deeply affected. Other countries should start putting Americans on lists and see how they like it.
37
Not surprising at all. Look at the procedures to get put on a no fly list then look at the almost non-existent procedures to get off it. Look at how the civil confiscation procedures target defendants who have not even been tried, much less found guilty.
The US, along with much of the world, is heading towards the 'Sentence first - verdict afterwards.' attitude of the Queen of Hearts.
4
There is substantial due process. Getting on this list uses the same sort of process as an indictment for the crime. If he entered the USA he would be arrested, based on a proper warrant, supported by evidence and issued by a court. Then he would get a lawyer and ask for bail.
26
Getting placed on the US Treasury's OFAC list takes a substantial amount of supporting information for claims of money laundering. It's not based on rumors or politics, but on facts.
23
This article is not the Times in best form – especially from an American outlet known for good reporting on Mexico. This story is missing so much context, it makes it seem like Mexican football routinely makes special allowances for people (allegedly) connected to drug trafficking. Nowhere does the story mention that the REASON that Márquez was called to the squad is because he’s the best Mexican player of all time. He’s one of only three players to have played at 5 World Cups, 4 of them as captain. He was a stalwart for FC Barcelona during the Rijkaard era and the first Mexican player to win a Champions League. For Mexicans, not calling him would have been like cutting Lebron James from Olympic Basketball or benching Tom Brady for the Super Bowl. It’s true he’s getting special treatment, but that’s typically what sports teams do for special players. The Times mischaracterizes. how unique this situation is. Everyone hopes these allegations aren’t true, but in Mexico we believe in innocence until proven guilty. Let him play until there is a final verdict.
46
Not the first time....
Reuters January 7, 2012
“Mexico arrested former international soccer goalkeeper Omar Ortiz on suspicion of working for a gang of kidnappers, fanning concerns about lawlessness plaguing the United States' southern neighbor.
The 35-year-old Ortiz admitted helping to pick out two rich victims for the kidnappers, said Jorge Domene, government security spokesman for the northern state of Nuevo Leon.”
2
I on the other hand thought the times was making the U.S. look like the bad guys, bothering this stalwart soccer player, rather the Times should have told us more about the ruthless murdering drug cartel that the soccer player works for....
3
I think that what he is living is a difficult situation even if the necessary measures are taken so he can play , he is a very good soccer player and i hope that he solves his problems soon.
8
Rafael Márquez has been one of the most important players in the Mexico team. He is an excellent lider and the team really need him for the difficult moments. I hope that his problem with the treasury aparment of the U.S. be solved soon and he can live quiet, without legal problems.
8
Rafa Marquez is a player with a lot of experience in the world. I think that the Mexican team has a good team to compete.
Rafa marquez has peculiar situation for months but allowed him to be named to the team and come to the tournament.
5