MLS, Laying down for Beckham.

I must admit, during Manchester United's brilliant run during the mid to late 90's and early 21st century, I and probably any observer of English football admired what David Beckham did on the field. In those days (Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Peter Schmeichel), I was a huge Man U fan. I used to marvel at the accuracy that Beckham "sprayed" the ball to all parts of the pitch, finding his strikers dead on from 50 yards. His set pieces were also amazing. anything within 35 yards was a sure bet to contest the opposing goal keeper. Such was the brilliance of Beckham.

But of course, football being the business that it is, Beckham quickly became the new poster child for Man U/English football. He was "annointed" the saviour of the national team, who was sent to this earth to take the English national team to its former international glory. And yes, he did have many fine displays in national team colors, but the success just didn't materialize.
Meanwhile on the other side of the world and almost parallel to Beckham's rise, Major League Soccer (MLS) was formed. After the resounding success of staging the '94 World Cup a few years earlier, the USA soccer Association, decided to ride soccer's popularity and form a professional league. To prevent a failure like the "North American Soccer League" MLS decided to be in control of all the individual players and contracts and then "assign" them to a team. This was to avoid, the "rich" teams from having too much talent and to encourage more even competition.

Well the league is now about 14 years old and enjoying relative success. The big mistake they made is thinking that one man, who undoubtedly was past his prime, could change the "status" of the league. INSANITY! Ok if the team alone took that risk, but an entire league? His actual football salary was $5 million a year. So why was it advertised as a $250 million contract? Well the league sweetened the deal with guaranteed endorsements, poisitions within the league once his playing days were over and of course the LA lifestyle. Beckham gleefuly accepted and was eager to raise the standard of football in America, right? Wrong! It was about the money. Beckham never did it for the love of football. In his mind, his international career was over and he had his slew of business interests to take care of and why not America?

Needless to say, his team sucked. Plagued by inconsistency and mis-management his team failed to capture the expected glory. And Beckham himself was average. It all changed when he "sniffed" another oppurtunity to represent England, and better yet even play in the next World Cup. In the "best interest" of the player MLS and LA Galaxy allowed him to go on loan, for 3 months. As if none of us know where this was heading. Beckham just knows how to give those "inspirational" performances, where he seemily recaptures his former glory just long enough to make believers out of us again and then the steam runs out.

To MLS, you got punked! I for one do not feel sorry for you. You have screwed over too many great players, paying them 35k a year, even though they represent the league with loyalty, and in some cases carry the MLS banner into the World Cup. So many transfers (of non-American players of course) to Europe that were denied for the "sake" of the league (See, Shalrie Joseph and Avery John). Yet when "cash cow" Beckham betrays his "loyalty" to American soccer, what do you do? Lay down.

To be honest, the league will be better off with out him. The league has been improving and will continutally grow at a consitent and steady pace. It will soon be a "real" option for young players around the world. In the mean time, its about time MLS as an entity, stop "owning" the players rights. The league is mature enough for teams to control it themselves.

As for Beckham's future? It remains to be seen. As always, football is more than just a sport, IT'S A WAY OF LIFE!

Cheers,
Deon