I recall Nelsen saying prior to Defoes signing how he was relatively injury free..so based on his medical records it must not have been actually been that bad. It all a calculated risk.... MightyDM is right without this signing we were struggling to be taken seriously by players of any class let alone serious players in the MLS. Winners don't go to loser clubs..they had to make a tangible statement...simple as that. This Defoe deal was been whispered to players before the official announcement and did secure signings.