Bell had told Miami’s WQAM 560 radio host Dan Sileo on Monday that “it’s hard to respect a guy that doesn’t tell you the truth or doesn’t tell you face-to-face.” On Tuesday morning, he tried to take it back, saying his live comments were taken out of context.

Bell’s excuses have become tiresome. He has blamed trainers, coaches, scouts and catchers for his struggles. He even blamed Showtime for a negative portrayal of him on The Franchise. His teammates say he’s a phony.

Ozzie’s honesty

To call Guillen untruthful is like calling Lady Gaga modest.

“Have fun, win games and be honest — that’s the way I’ve been my whole life,” Guillen said on his show. “Of 35 players, the one I fight for the most was [Bell]. Fans call me ‘idiot’ for keeping him so long as closer. He lose his job; he did it to himself. We gave him a lot of opportunities to come out of it.

“I think Heath Bell gonna bounce back. But I losing respect for him because of comments he make. He put me on the spot with my players. My biggest concern is what I do for my players. I worry about them, I care about them. My job is to get the best out of them. Obviously, this year I didn’t do it.”

Nor did they get the best out of themselves, which is why they have approached Guillen to convey their support.

Guillen is taking heat for this bomb of a season, but he deserves another shot with a recalibrated roster. Don’t expect the Marlins, with a projected payroll of $80 million, to be significantly better.

But Bell will be gone, even if Loria has to eat the $18 million left on his contract. Bell’s presence has turned toxic, and the Marlins must clean up the mess.