The Commissioner Speaks: June 12

[denime]

The Commissioner Speaks: June 12
On the return of Beckham, big money spent overseas and more

By Don Garber / Commissioner of Major League Soccer

My last post addressed a single topic, officiating. This week's blog responds to reader questions on a variety of topics. I received many questions regarding David Beckham's return to the LA Galaxy next month. Many of you viewed the David Beckham interviews (Part 1: WATCH | Part 2: WATCH) on MLSnet.com and LA Galaxy.com during the last week.
We thought it was important for all of our supporters to hear more from David regarding his plans for the Galaxy in 2009, and we appreciate the feedback from soccer fans around the world.

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[ensco]

I never thought Beckham would come back. I'll be surprised wheen he steps on an MLS pitch again.

[rocker]

new becks pics

[RobM]

"...I am very pleased that we will be hosting FC Barcelona and Real Madrid in the United States this summer with games against MLS clubs..."
"...Real Madrid will take on D.C. United and Toronto FC...."
So he's very pleased there are games in the US and not that there's one in Canada? Or is it another example of how the league is still regarded as a US league? I can understand that to an extent, given that all but one team are in the US, for now....

Realistically it's probably just a slip but I think that in an official written piece from the league (not a verbal quote) they should be more careful.
I know we have other things to worry about rather than a couple of misplaced words from Garber, but hey it bugs me and I'm a pedantic bastard

On the Beckham situation, really, who cares? He's still a great player but I think most of the shine has been lost now following the stuff thats gone on this year. He's just playing out time (or not as the case may be) and no amount of interviews "reaffirming committment" to LA or the league will convince me otherwise.

[Beach_Red]

"...I am very pleased that we will be hosting FC Barcelona and Real Madrid in the United States this summer with games against MLS clubs..."
"...Real Madrid will take on D.C. United and Toronto FC...."
So he's very pleased there are games in the US and not that there's one in Canada? Or is it another example of how the league is still regarded as a US league? I can understand that to an extent, given that all but one team are in the US, for now....

Realistically it's probably just a slip but I think that in an official written piece from the league (not a verbal quote) they should be more careful.
I know we have other things to worry about rather than a couple of misplaced words from Garber, but hey it bugs me and I'm a pedantic bastard

If it gets us pissed off enough to start our own league, that would be great. Otherwise, yeah, it is a US league.

[RobM]

If it gets us pissed off enough to start our own league, that would be great. Otherwise, yeah, it is a US league.

Fair point. I guess like the baseball and basketball, its a US league with one Canadian team in it. It will be interesting to see if there is any change in terminology after Vancouver join with the possibility of Montreal/Ottawa as well.
Like I said, I'm a pedant. It wouldn't be too difficult to say "North America" or "MLS" though given that in this instance one of the games will be in Canada...

[Beach_Red]

^ Hey, we can't get the Americans who run it to think of the NHL as being partly Canadian....

I agree with you, it wouldn't be too hard to say North American, but it's not the way Americans seem to talk - or think.

[TFC07]

North America = US, Canada AND Mexico. So to say North America(n) wouldn't be correct.

And yeah, I think it is better if Canada started their own league simply because MLS is bush league!

[rocker]

And yeah, I think it is better if Canada started their own league simply because MLS is bush league!

you're assuming the Canadian league wouldn't be bush league

Given the money disparity and lack of good stadiums for soccer, a Canadian League would probably be worse... in quality, fan support, etc.

[Beach_Red]

^ Today, sure. I still think that Canada could support a soccer league on the same scale as the CFL - and they have payrolls twice what the MLS cap allows, some pretty big stadiums and good TV deals.

It could happen....

[RealG-TFC]

North America = US, Canada AND Mexico. So to say North America(n) wouldn't be correct.

And yeah, I think it is better if Canada started their own league simply because MLS is bush league!

Actually, North America = US, Canada, Mexico and Central America.

[Dirk Diggler]

North America = US, Canada AND Mexico. So to say North America(n) wouldn't be correct.

And yeah, I think it is better if Canada started their own league simply because MLS is bush league!

The Canadian League would be even more bush league, I can guarantee you that.

[Esquire]

Actually, North America = US, Canada, Mexico and Central America.

Don't forget The Caribbean!

[nascarguy]

The Canadian League would be even more bush league, I can guarantee you that.

yeah

[Redcoe15]

The Canadian League would be even more bush league, I can guarantee you that.

Especially if the CSA has any involvement in such a league.

[SilverSamurai]

Actually, North America = US, Canada, Mexico and Central America.

Ya, but Central Americans don't admit to it. lol

But I agree with you though.

And I think they don't say North American because it reminds them of the old NASL... and we all know how that ended...

[twistedchinaman]

- Beckham can bite my ass.
- Garber probably just slipped, but yes they have to be very careful.
- Central America and North America/Caribbean are split anyway when it comes to CONCACAF anyway.