NEWS AND NOTES: CBA MESS AND MORE
The CBA mess:
For those that have been following the wheeling and dealing of the collective bargaining agreement things got a little bit more interesting over the weekend. Players voiced their frustrations and MLS quickly responded. Yesterday, the players union executive Bob Foose replied to the MLS’s claims.
It is hard to believe what anyone is saying at the moment, but here are my two cents on the matter. MLS is successful and that fact has been recognized globally. I give credit to the people in charge of the league for doing an outstanding job. I also think the decision makers are smart enough and care enough about the league to do the right thing.
If this was any other sport I would back the league whole heartedly. But it isn’t, this is MLS, this is soccer in America. This isn’t about making an extra million, like those cry baby NBA or NFL players, this is about making a living and job security.
Although I think MLS is getting things right and has the right intentions, it sounds to me, in my humble opinion, that MLS is about cross a line between doing what is best for the players and disrespecting the players. In the end, everyone wants to see the league succeed. MLS can’t forget they are dealing with people, not commodities.
Gil to Kansas:
The Kansas City Wizards won the rights to U17 national team standout Luis Gil. The 17 year old midfielder was allocated to the Wizards via a lottery earlier today. Word on the street is that the young midfielder will end up on the West Coast by the end of the day. I wonder who or what the Galaxy or Chivas are going to trade for Gil’s rights. [Update: RSL and Seattle look like his desired destinations, but Kansas is trying to keep him]
I like seeing young players stay close to home. Gil is a Southern California native and I think it will help his development if he has a solid support system around him.
Argentina to play a friendly in the US:
The Argentinian national team is set to play a friendly in the US after the World Cup. I probably won’t be a full national side, but Argentina is always fun to watch. One of the best live matches I’ve ever attended was Argentina v. USA at Giants Stadium in 2008. The atmosphere was electric.
Possible dates for the match include: Aug. 11, Sept. 3-7, Oct. 8-12 and Nov. 17.
Mancini desperate to get Tevez back:
Manchester City coach Mancini has basically stated that he wants Tevez back from compassion leave immediately. Tevez returned to Argentina because his second daughter was born prematurely. Tevez’s wife is out of the hospital but his daughter is still in intensive care. Tevez believes he will be back for City’s clash against Chelsea this weekend.
Sounds like a douche bag move to me by Mancini. Maybe its because I have a daughter. But if my child was in intensive care I would hope the people closest to me would be supportive. Tevez has given everything to City but it sounds like Mancini is more concerned about his job than Tevez.