Comments on: Fire Away

By: Marlon

Marlon — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:27:13 +0000

Someone get the word out in the hood that footballers make more money. Then we’re set.

By: Brooks

Brooks — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:23:58 +0000

That’s true GS, but there’s two factors working against that:

1) As you said, European soccer doesn’t get enough exposure here for kids to see how heavenly the life of a footballer can be.

2) Will American kids really want to move overseas to have that life when they can play a different sport have it (or something close to it) here, closer to home and family? Sure, some will, but I don’t know how many families will want to send their 12 year old to another continent because Sir Alex thinks they can be the next Zidane.

Of course, maybe I’m underestimating the desire for fame a fortune, no matter where it may come.

By: GS

GS — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:45:51 +0000

With all of this talk about salaries how can you not point out the fact that European football players get paid BANK? Obviously MLS doesn’t pay their players as much but if european soccer gets more exposure in the US kids will see that’s where the real money is. Not to mention, let’s be honest, european soccer players get mad booty. Much more than the roid raging football behemoths and ridiculously huge basketball players. Shit, even Peter Crouch gets hot ass and that dude is a ridiculously awkward 6′7″ british goon.

If the issue is money and fame then kids obviously don’t have a clue what the life of european football players is all about.

By: BMatthews

BMatthews — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:56:17 +0000

The other option for the Giants haven’t had a bad team in 20 years was “The Eagles haven’t had a good team ever”.

By: Brooks Peck

Brooks Peck — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:45:34 +0000

Oh sweet Jesus, you’re a Giants fan, too? You and Carter. Can’t wait till the Eagles trounce them.

By: BMatthews

BMatthews — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:33:56 +0000

The money still does exist in NFL, MLB and the NBA. But I think that Soccer is still in its infancy in the US and we will see consistent improvement. That being said, I do have a reputation as a serious homer (the NYGiants haven’t had a bad team in 20 years!)

By: Brooks Peck

Brooks Peck — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:21:48 +0000

Elle: I think Bradley likes the defensive coverage that Hejduk and Eddie Lewis can provide with their walkers. Try getting a free kick past one of those things, let alone two!

CW: That’s a sad point to make (on both counts). I’m not sure if I’m confident we will ever be a world power in football, but I do think we can close the gap a bit more between us and the top flight.

BMatt: That might be an optimistic view. I think our top athletes will continue to stick with American football, basketball, baseball, etc as long as that’s where the money is. If MLS ever starts paying players on par with those other leagues, then we might see more gifted kids choose the beautiful game.

By: BMatthews

BMatthews — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:09:13 +0000

CW that is FALSE! I think you’ll sooner see an American team win the World Cup than you’ll see England or Scotland win one. Too many of our top athletes were getting siphoned off the pitch into playing football or basketball or baseball or track, but now as more Americans are discovering the beautiful game at such a young age, its inevitable that the US makes the jump to elite status.

By: CW

CW — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:50:03 +0000

The US will forever be mediocre. South america and europe will always be home to the world’s most quality football…and hookers (so I’m told).

By: BMatthews

BMatthews — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:55:20 +0000

That is most definitely happening. I think Frankie could be playing from his hospital bed.