Thursday, February 5, 2009
Less than two years after David Beckham mania arrived in the United States, the global icon is pushing for a permanent move to AC Milan.
And I say good for him.
As much hype as Beckham generated for Major League Soccer at a time when the league really needed the publicity, he just isn’t the type of player to take American soccer to the next level.
The initial media frenzy has died down, and, in a country that views soccer as a second-class professional sport, Beckham’s sublime — but understated — skills were never going to be enough to hold the casual sport fan’s interest. People want to see the amazing, the mind boggling.
Beckham still may be the best crosser in the world. His dead-ball skills have never been disputed. But he was never going to be Pelé. Taking on opposing defenses just isn’t his thing, and as time went on it became obvious Beckham was frustrated with the complete lack of talent surrounding him in Los Angeles.
His recent performances with Milan show he still has the ability to perform at the highest level. Who could blame him for wanting to squeeze the most out of an already decorated career?
KU soccer announces 2009 recruiting class
On a day dominated by college football insanity, that other “football” team at Kansas hauled in a decorated recruiting class of its own.
Although the Jayhawks boast nine returning starters from a team that made the NCAA Tournament, the six players coach Mark Francis signed should have a chance to put their stamp on the program in year one. Francis has a history of giving freshman significant minutes if the situation is right for both player and team.
Seniors Jessica Bush, Missy Geha, Jenny Murtaugh all started from the time they set foot on campus as did juniors Monica Dolinsky, Estelle Johnson and Shannon McCabe. The incoming freshman will face an uphill battle, but if history is any indication, playing time could come earlier rather than later.
Tori Baldridge, 5-foot-9 defender (Le Crescenta, Calif.)
Whitney Berry, 5-foot-5 forward/midfielder (Wichita)
Nicole Chrisopulos, 5-foot-3 midfielder (Rowlett, Texas)
Amy Grow, 5-foot-8 forward (Edmond, Okla.)
Logan Reed, 5-foot-10 goalkeeper (Dallas, Texas)
Shelby Williamson, 5-foot-6 midfielder/defender (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
Thursday Youtube Sesh
As a longtime Jim Rome hater — I just don’t deal with soccer bashers rationally — it came as huge surprise that I had never seen Rome’s epic run in with NFL quarterback Jim Everett.
A little background information is needed to really understand what happened. Rome had made a habit of not using Everett’s first name, instead calling him Chris Evert in a reference to the female tennis player. Rome was mocking what Rome perceived as Everett’s unwillingness to take a hit, and apparently Everett didn’t appreciate it in the least.
When Everett appeared on Rome’s ESPN2 show, “Talk2,” in 1994, Rome — in his usual charming fashion — continued to call his guest Chris to his face despite repeated warnings, leading to a physical confrontation on the set of the show.
Plug “Jim Rome, Jim Everett” into Youtube, and enjoy one of sports radio and television’s most pompous talking heads getting what was coming to him.
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