Chavez Pitches Softball, Denies Kidney Failure

Venezuelan prez slams 'morbid and inhumane' speculation
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 30, 2011 1:12 AM CDT
Chavez Pitches Softball, Denies Kidney Failure
Hugo Chavez throws a softball after giving a live address on state TV at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela yesterday.   (AP Photo/Miraflores Press Office, Marcelo Garcia)

After reports surfaced that Hugo Chavez had suffered kidney failure earlier this week, the Venezuelan president summoned reporters to the presidential palace in Caracas. They found Chavez wearing a red tracksuit, jogging, and throwing a baseball around with members of his cabinet, the Guardian reports. "I'm fine. Those who don't love me and wish me ill, well, bad luck," he said, slamming the "morbid and inhumane" speculation about his health.

Chavez, who recently returned from a round of chemotherapy in Cuba, said he is recovering well and will be in good shape for next year's election. "I had cancer. It was in a ball, contained," he said, throwing the baseball in the air. He refused to disclose exactly what kind of cancer he has been fighting. "What is it you want?" he asked. "Do you want me to get out my tumor, to show you what kind of cancer it is? Well, I won't." (More Hugo Chavez stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X