Taming Posh Beckham

Frank Deford's "The Rabbit Hunter"

2009-10-07T22:34:00.001-05:00

I recently read Frank Deford's 1982 Sports Illustrated article, "The Rabbit Hunter,"which, at the time, was one of the most intimate (sic) discussions of NCAA basketball coach Bobby Knight.

Whereas my prior inclinations towards and thoughts of Bobby Knight were that he is a nihilistic, bullying, profligate, Napoleon-complex of a man whose credentials are inflated beyond pacification, I left Deford's article maintaining my beliefs, but, if anything, I gained a slight understanding of the roots of his cynicism and immorality.

While Deford is the writer I long to become, this article failed in succinctly presenting his research and anecdotal evidence in that its organization is reminiscent of a failed high school journalism exercise. His piece is divided into six sections, whose titles are less meaningful than his rationale for the organization scheme. As a means to improve the article, to begin with, the piece should have not been separated into sections, but rather presented in a hybrid-chronological order.

If I were to reorganize the piece, I'd present the piece in chronological order with, brief, flash-forwards as a means to portray how his past has shaped his personality.

I don't believe that Deford's greatest shortcoming here is in the organization of the piece, but rather in the way he uses evidence, quotes, and his own personal anecdotes to present a picture of Knight. It's often difficult to discern whose point of view Deford is using and, when you can, its virtually impossible to separate the most logical depiction of Knight from the emotional. While journalism, obviously, is an exercise is presenting facts so that a reader may form his or her own opinion on the matter, journalists often need to present some form of individual analysis; readers grow to trust individual journalists' judgements.

Photo(s): Frank Deford, Bobby Knight

It's a Right, not a Privilege (#10)

2009-10-07T21:51:00.006-05:00

AEK Athens F.C.

Home Jersey

Ismael Blanco - Argentina Forward

Photo(s): AEK Athens Jersey, Ismael Blanco

A 9-year-old could rebuff this story. . .

2009-10-06T22:30:00.005-05:00

As I've already written a post concerning MLS today, I'm reluctant to struggle over another. However, based on some of my comments this morning and an ESPN Soccernet story from yesterday I just read, it seems like humiliated destiny.

MLS Commission Don Garber is going to give a speech at the upcoming "Leaders in Football" conference where he will discuss and recommend that European leagues adopt MLS style financial controls and policies in an attempt to curtail the excessive spending that characterized this past transfer season.

Garber's main recommendation will be a salary cap -- the current MLS salary cap is $2.3 million. However, the MLS has adopted the "designated player" (or David Beckham) clause where a team may choose a single player to pay without salary cap restrictions -- only $415,000 of that players salary counts against the cap.

UEFA will recommend a new policy that will require a club to break even in a fiscal year -- each team is only permitted to spend what they earned from "soccer-related income" (I'm not sure if this includes endorsement deals or not).

I agree with both recommendations, actually, but only in part. It's clear that eccentric spending is poor for the leagues; not only does it send a questionable proclivity to the fan community, but its impact on general league performance is considered negative.

These passages were worth quoting:

"I hope to present some of the experiences we have had in the MLS and in other leagues as perhaps, if not blueprint, a guide as European football starts looking at financial fair play," Garber said. . ."That is the key driver to the stability that exists in our major leagues -- and there is tremendous stability in American sport."

Since 1970: only 10 different teams have won the premier league title, only 9 different teams have won Serie A, only 8 different teams have won La Liga, 11 different teams have won Bundesliga, and 9 different teams have won Ligue 1.

Compared with, in the same period, 19 different MLB champions, 14 different NBA Champions, and 18 different NFL Champions.

I spoke with a fellow Zinedine Zidane fan earlier about this notion and, ultimately, we were both conflicted. Whereas sports fans enjoy the notion of a David and where I'm always partial to egalitarian policies in sports, do worldwide football fans want the end of a 4 (5 if included Manchester City) club dominance in the English Premier League, a 3 club dominance in Serie A, a 2 club (although I'm on the Sevilla bandwagon) dominance in La Liga, etc. . .

It seems bad for business that, before the season began, 15/20 clubs in the EPL were immediately dismissed. And now, with Liverpool's struggles, there's only 4 teams of significance.

However, you don't often hear much criticism of this select team dominance amongst football fans; it's often more regarded as a fact of history and tradition. Consider Manchester City's emergence as an EPL contender; the degree of criticism that team owner Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and manager Mark Hughes have received is unparalleled. Although Manchester City engaged in similar transfer season fashion as Manchester United typically has, as Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona, etc. have, they've been presented as a foe to the status quo, a challenger to the conservative white man culture that is English football.

"So while businessmen such as Stan Kroenke at Colorado and Philip Anschutz at the Galaxy could match the spending of Madrid and others, they are prevented from doing so."

"They don't use that capability as a means to win at all costs," Garber said. "That's just part of the DNA of American sport, revenue sharing, salary caps, the close relationships with our players through collective bargaining and union agreements."

Has Garber ever heard of Major League Baseball? While they have revenue sharing and salary cap fines, there are half a dozen teams whose annual expenses are immensely greater than their peers.

Is Garber aware that MLB has gone on strike over collective bargaining and union agreements?

Is Garber aware that the NBA did also?

Is Garber aware that it's going to happen in the NFL in near future?

Furthermore, the MLS business model isn't working. As I mentioned earlier today, Forbes studied the MLS teams and calculated revenue and net worth (via Forbes):

L.A. Galaxy -- Value $100 million; Operating Income $4 million

Toronto FC -- Value $44 million; Operating Income $2.1 million

Chicago Fire -- Value $41 million; Operating Income -$3.1 million

FC Dallas - Value $39 million; Operating Income $0.5 million

New York Red Bulls -- Value $36 million; Operating Income -$4.5 million

D.C. United -- Value $35 million, Operating Income -$3.0 million

Houston Dynamo -- Value $33 million; Operating Income -$1.8 million

Colorado Rapids -- Value $31 million; Operating Income -$2.2 million

Real Salt Lake -- Value $30 million, Operating Income -$2.1 million

New England Revolution -- Value $27 million, Operating Income -$1.5 million

Chivas USA - Value $24 million; Operating Income -$1.0 million

Columbus Crew -- Value $23 million; Operating Income -$4.5 million

Kansas City Wizards -- Value $22 million, Operating Income -$2.9 million

Compared with European Clubs:

*I took the top two teams (based on value) from each country via Forbes, but was unable to find any information concerning poorer forming clubs. Look for a future update, hopefully.

Manchester United -- Value $1.87 billion; Operating Income $160 million

Arsenal -- Value $1.2 billion; Operating Income $80 million

Real Madrid -- Value $1.353 billion; Operating Income $81 million

F.C. Barcelona -- Value $960 million; Operating Income $108 million

AC Milan -- Value $990 million; Operating Income $58 million

Juventus -- Value $600 million; Operating Income $46 million

Bayern Munich -- Value $1.11 billion; Operating Income $59 million

Schalke 04 -- Value $510 million; Operating Income $46 million

Olympique Lyonnais -- Value $423 million; Operating Income $94 million

Olympique Marseille -- Value $240 million; Operating Income $20 million

For context, here are the top American sports teams (by value) via Forbes:

New York Yankees -- Value $1.5 billion, Operating Income -$3.7 million

New York Mets -- Value $912 million; Operating Income $23.5 million

New York Knicks -- Value $613 million; Operating Income $29.6 million

Los Angeles Lakers -- Value $584 million; Operating Income $47.9 million

Dallas Cowboys -- Value $1.7 billion; Operating Income $9.2 million

Washington Redskins -- Value $1.6 billion; Operating Income $90.3 million

So. . .

The MLS business plan doesn't work; 10/13 MLS teams reported an Operating Income loss.

Photo(s): Don Garber, Manchester City, MLS, Dallas Cowboys

Exemplifying why the MLS business plan doesn't work

2009-10-06T08:32:00.006-05:00

While I typically refrain from commenting on -- or even watching -- Major League Soccer as it only adds to my aggravation with American soccer, I couldn't resist to comment on this most recent example illustrating why the MLS seems destined for failure.

Columbus Crew President & General Manager Mark McCullers recently posted on the the club's official blog (the Black & Gold Standard):

"We have respectfully requested that the chants including profanity, most importantly GTFO, cease. . .

"During our highest attended game of the year, with the opportunity to impress people that might attend more Crew games at Crew stadium, we instead left a negative impression with unnecessary chanting of unacceptable profanity. . .

"We have received numerous complaints from fans, and now have indications from sponsors that they are reconsidering their financial support because they cannot be associated with an environment that includes this behavior. . .

"We must identify and deal with those who insist on perpetuating this behavior, which explains the increased security measures."

Essentially, McCullen is claiming that the use of profanity by the Nordecke (the supposed "supporter" group of the Crew) is resulting in complaints from other fans, a general lack of enjoyment for fans at the matches, and is, most importantly in McCullen's eyes, having financial repercussion via lost endorsements. In the future, the use of profanity by fans, seemingly, will result in an ejection from the stadium.

The Columbus Crew is currently managed by the Hunt Sports Group -- who also manages F.C. Dallas and the Kansas City Wizards. While the Crew are currently in first place eastern conference table, they're hardly the staple for successful football in America.

In August, Forbes compiled an assessment of MLS franchises. Based on total team worth, the Hunt Sports Group's teams are, as follows: F.C. Dallas (#4 with $39 million value and a $0.5 million operating income), the Columbus Crew (#12 with $23 million value and a -$4.5 million operating income), and the Kansas City Wizards (#13 with $22 million value and a -$2.9 million operating income).

The Hunt Sports Group business plan doesn't work. . .

In this instance, the Columbus Crew administration is trying to appeal to another segment of football fans (soccer moms and their small children) through this new anti-profanity direction. Though I've often criticized it, the, for lack of a better term, "hooligan" culture is the general fan base for football. Whereas violence and hate is not condoned, the use of unifying chants (even those involving indecency) are a vital element of the fan culture.

While I'm often quick to condemn unruly behavior on behalf of footballers and football fans, profanity hardly seems to be tabooish these days -- unless you're a science defying christian conservative.

The Chicago Cubs remain one of the most nationally popular MLB franchises (often viewed as a sensitive, respectable, welcoming team -- I mean "Cubs"), yet I learned at an early age that the bleachers weren't acceptable for children, or the god-fearing.

Aside from the general idiocy of anti-profanity measures at a football match, how can a financially struggling club, in sincerity and in good business, attempt to alienate its strongest faction of supporters. This is the equivalent of telling Ohio State fans that they can no longer wear "Muck Fichigan" t-shirts.

For the MLS to succeed, they need to develop a the football fan culture (minus the violence) that characterizes European football. Football is a culture of beer, of indecency, of celebration, of remorse, of cruelty. It is a ballet for the masses (the non status quo). NASCAR is the most attended sport in America (don't get me started on how embarrassing this is to America) and I hardly think that profanity is banned on track grounds.

Ultimately, football's appeal revolves around the unparalleled relationship that fans develop with their clubs (also international squads). The ability to develop a seemingly sincere bond with the shadow of a footballer (club) is the catalyst for fiscal success in football.

This all comes from me, the guy that made the cheerleader girlfriend of a then high school Duke University basketball star cry during a game due to my excessive chanting concerning her adulterous behavior during the summer -- all of which I've never felt remorse over, my team won.

-Barry

Photo(s): Columbus Crew, Wrigley Field Bleachers

FA getting with the times. . .

2009-10-05T09:42:00.008-05:00

Saturday's England vs. Ukraine World Cup qualifier is going to be broadcasted exclusively on the internet in the UK. The backstory is that Setanta Sports, who was originally licensed to broadcast the match, folded earlier this year and, in a scramble, the rights were sold to Perform, a digital sports broadcaster. The match will be shown at www.ukrainevengland.com.

Supposedly, none of the UK's traditional broadcasters were willing to pay the asking price to screen the game.

The FA's official statement is: "We would obviously like to see the game broadcast to as many people as possible" but insisted the matter was out of his organisation's hands."

If I were not disgusted by, fed up with, and dispassionate over England football and, particularly, English Football fans, I may have some sympathy for them.

As I become increasingly educated in and aware of the intricacies of English Football, it seems that their "old-boys" network and overtly conservative practices surpass that of even American College Football and Major League Baseball. As I'm without satellite television or Fox Soccer Channel (although I do have GolTV), I'm unable to watch most football matches these days -- the upcoming USA vs. Honduras World Cup qualifier, which, unlike the England vs. Ukraine match, actually matters, is not being broadcast in the United States, not even on the Internet.

Ultimately, the analyzing question I ask myself over this matter is: does streaming the football match make the match available to more or less fans, elite or everyman fans, and, in the end, will it advance football causes to a larger, youthful audience?

While it seems that this move will secure less fans and less households than it would had the match been broadcast on television, it does seem like this incident may aid in contemporarily advancing English football.

On a side note, I was going to write a condemning post of Real Madrid after I watched their loss at Sevilla F.C. yesterday. Earlier in the year, I published my prediction that Real Madrid was going to win both the UEFA Champions League as well as La Liga. While I was going to rescind that prediction after watching F.C. Barcelona dance their way to victory after victory and after watching Real Madrid look inflated, dull, and overly-confident throughout the entire game, I'm still not certain that a Christiano Ronaldo Real Madrid isn't superior to Barcelona.

Photo(s): England Football, Real Madrid

It's a Right, not a Privilege (#9)

2009-10-05T09:34:00.003-05:00

Club Brugge Koninklijke Voetbalvereniging

Home Jersey

Joseph Akpala - Stiker (Nigeria)

Photo(s): Club Brugge Jersey, Joseph Akpala

It's a right, not a privilege (#8)

2009-09-25T09:38:00.004-05:00

Spain National Team Home Jersey

David Villa - Forward (Valencia)

Spain is my favorite World Cup team, of the major contenders, and, hands-down, David Villa is my favorite Spanish international. The dude is nasty. Look for a future post on my World Cup inclinations.

Photo(s): Spain Jersey, David Villa

A note on racism. . .

2009-09-24T21:06:00.015-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a rather cynical, ill-conceived rant concerning the Emmanuel Adebayor incident involving his behavior at the Mancheser City vs. Arsenal match. In this overtly condemning post, I stated that Adebayor should have been punished for both his "stamp" on Arsenal's Robin Van Persie, as well as his pitch-length celebration following his goal.

Since publishing, I've become increasingly aware of both the details of the incident, as well as gained a clearer understanding of the football climate and cultural context. While I still firmly believe that the FA was correct in punishing Emmanuel for kicking Van Persie, the punishment for his celebration seems increasingly inappropriate -- Adebayor was issued a three-game suspension.

There have been a few recent events which have encouraged my change in attitude:

1) Craig Bellamy's actions at last weekend's Manchester derby featuring Manchester City and Manchester United.

As seems obvious, at least to me, Bellamy struck a man, who was IN CUSTODY at the time, in the face. Originally, the FA announced that they would look into the matter and the Manchester Police said they would launch a probe as well. However, this morning it was announced that the Manchester Police had dropped the investigation and the FA would not pursue any punishment. The FA claimed that they decided against charging Bellamy with improper conduct because "referee Martin Atkinson told FA officials that he would not have sent off the Welsh star had he seen the incident. (EuroSport)"

2) Gary Neville's bench behavior at the Derby.

I searched for footage of the incident, but couldn't find anything. Neville ran the length of the pitch along the sideline, toward Manchester City fans, to celebrate following Michael Owen's 97' goal, and, once arriving in front of the fans, he seemingly realized what he did and returned to the bench, acting as if he had just been warming up--in the 97 minute of a match that should have been over after 95 minutes. Today, the FA announced that Neville would receive no punishment.

3) Allegations of racism surrounding Blackburn forward El-Hadji Diouf.

As told by Diouf, during his team's defeat of Mersyside, he went to retrieve an out of play ball when a ballboy innapropriately threw the ball back towards Diouf ("The ball-boy threw the ball at me like a bone to a dog"). T major allegations made are by the ballboy, who claims that Diouf exerted -- for lack of a better term and with foreshadowing symbolism in mind -- "reverse racism" on him in his verbal harassment.

Further, Diouf is now claiming that Everton fans threw bananas at him in his most recent match after the allegations of verbal abuse surrounding the ballboy incident. Everton has since denied the "fruit throwing" allegations after they were unable to find any bananas on the pitch following play and, further, are demanding an apology from Diouf.

4) Blackpool's Jason Euell subjected to racism by Stoke supporters.

Bellamy's actions were more severe than Adebayor's -- Adebayor merely incited aggression among Arsenal fans while Bellamy physically struck a Manchester United fan; Neville's celebration was as ill-conceived and virtually identical to Adebayor's -- minus the fact that Neville didn't score the goal himself.

With regards to celebrations, I've matured in a Terrell Owens; Chad Ocho Cinco; Tiger Woods fist pump riddled culture. To me, if an athlete wants to take a moment to, in moderate, celebrate following a goal/score, then he or she is most certainly entitled to, while using an ethical judgment. Entertaining, creative celebrations are just that; entertaining. Context is important, as it was in the Adebayor incident where his celebration resulted in fans throwing objects on the pitch, but if celebration's are seemingly part of the football culture, then it's difficult to deduce when a celebration crosses the line. What is comical and enjoyable to one football fan is another man's temperamental catalyst.

Using the four aforementioned incidents as a contextual framework to look at the Adebayor incident, there seems a fairly prevalent juxtaposition in the significant cultural and contextual elements: race.

I'm not going to claim that either the FA or Arsenal fans in attendance of the match are inherently racist. Nor am I going to claim that the media are. But, it must be noted that the climate surrounding Adebayor was unusually hostile and the aftermath was not typical and seemed unnecessary. Just as it has been accused of playing a dirty role in current American politics surrounding the unusually critical and insidious environment surrounding President Obama, it seems as if race is playing a role in the Adebayor situation, at least in a contextual framework.

There is an unmistakable racist element to football, particularly English football. Not only has the fan culture perpetuated this claim, but the very acts of the administrations and institutions has as well.

I recently charged the FA with implementing a policy with nativist, protectionist, racist elements to it.

While this post isn't exclusive to English football, there is a clear divide in media coverage and international acceptance when it comes to English football; an international press largely dominated by individuals with a particular investment in English football/culture clearly affects the sports media coverage. It does seem however, that other leagues, (ie. Italy Serie A) are combating racism on a stricter level than the FA currently is.

Wherein sports are seemingly an egalitarian exercise where individuals are forced onto an even playing field, an environment without status quo restraints, a place where the proverbial David can feat the Goliath. Yet, the institutional framework of sports carries with it a tendency for an old-boys-network of ownership, corporation, and conservative policies. As is seen in the rigorous vetting of owners in the premiere league (as is similar in American sports leagues) as well as the stereotype of the "great white hope" footballer, the underlying parliamentary, conservative ideologies and beliefs of British society are carried into the countries national pastime.

For more information read an online copy of "The Changing Face of Football: racism, identity and multiculture in the English game" (Here)

I also came across an organization dedicated to combating racism in football, Kick it Out (Here)

Stay democratic . . .

-Barry

Here is an excerpt from an article I wrote on the American sports media and its racist tendencies:

"While our memories of Michael Jordan collapsing over gold trophies, or
him silencing a crowd and ruining dreams with final moments of greatness
25 times in his career; or a young, charismatic Tiger Woods strolling
victory laps Sundays at Augusta National or his descend into emotion
crying in his father's arms may stand as great moments in sporting
history; a black glove solute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the
1968 Olympics, a conscious objection by Muhammad Ali in Houston in the
spring of 1967, or Jackie Robinson stepping to home plate in 1947 exist
as critical moments in our lives today. . .
"Although the racial atmosphere in sports has changed dramatically in
recent history, today the media stands as the most scrutinized
perpetrator of racial generalizations, stereotypes, and ill-commentary
in the sporting world. In the age of ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN.com, and the
BlackBerry, sports fans are increasingly able to develop relationships
with their favorite stars and are, unfortunately, subjected to mounting
doses of cattiness and vernacular cruelty from sports writers and
analysts."
Continue reading . . .

Photo(s): Emmanuel Adebayor, El-Hadji Diouf, Jason Euell, Wilt Chamberlain

Hughes looks to change the entire game. . .

2009-09-23T08:14:00.013-05:00

Sorry for the recent absence, but water + Macintosh = bad.

This weekend's Manchester United vs. Manchester City derby classic proved worth the all of the pre-match conversation. Not only has controversy surrounded the match outcome, the behavior of the players, but the conversation to follow the match as well.

For those who missed the outcome (recap here), United substitute Michael Owen scored in the 97th minute (some say 96') to edge out a 4-3 victory. Earlier in stoppage time, Craig Bellamy scored his second goal of the match (somewhere between 90:45 and 91:25). The issue that has arisen is why the match lasted for 97 minutes when the referee only showed that four minutes of stoppage time would be added.

Beside for the outcome of the match (I hate both teams anyways), this incident has stirred some conversation concerning the use of stoppage time and, perhaps, the addition of a fourth referee, as suggested by Manchester City manager Mark Hughes. As reported by ESPN, Hughes has alluded that he would support a policy similar to that of the rugby union: where the clock is paused for stoppages, rather than the addition of stoppage time following the completion of play.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson commented that:

"That would move us away from football as we know it and into the realms of ice hockey and American Football."

"That [time-keeping system] suits America because the adverts come in every time there is a stoppage. I would be disappointed if football went down that route. Of course I have great sympathy for people like Mark Hughes. When you have played well and you think you have got a great result it is awful to lose a game in the last minute, whether that is the 89th or 98th."

"You just have to learn to live with it. I am of that very old school that believes referees must be given the right to referee the game and make decisions. It is not an exact science. For me, referees are the arbiters and we have to abide by their decision."

Perhaps what most separates football from American sports is the absence of a sponsor driven, endorsement riddled culture. While yes many of the premiere footballers today do have endorsement deals (Nike cleats, etc.), while yes football teams have a major jersey deal and, in some cases, secondary endorsements as well, while yes football pitches are often bordered by sponsorships, there is a significant difference between endorsement support of football(ers) and a commercial endorsement arrangement that changes the very nature of the sport.

Today, NFL games are divided into 12-minute quarters where commercial breaks occur after every score and after every possession change (with the exception of the 2 minute warning). DirectTV features a tape-delayed airing of NFL games where all "stoppages" are removed: what begins as a 3 1/2 hour death-march of testosterone and coaching, becomes 30 minutes of action.

On the other end, football is 90-100 minutes of action, nonstop, with a 15-20 minute break halfway through the match.

Is it possible that football's worldwide popularity is (partially) due to the ease of watching due to only a roughly two hour commitment?

While it's unlikely that we'll see any changes to the time-keeping system in the future, it's unquestionably improper to criticize the very system of the game. It's one thing to criticize an individual referee or an isolated incident, but it's entirely another to use inadequacies in the system as an excuse for a loss.

Ultimately, Mark Hughes is trying to blame the system of football for his team's loss, rather than the fact that his team let a last minute goal occur, when they should have had 9 men playing fullback/corner back at that point in the match anyways.

Hughes recently called on the media and football commuity for "less hysteria" in Manchester City stories (ESPN Here). Well, if he wants less hysteria then maybe a) he shouldn't have broken football ranks and spent so much offseason transfer fees that the FA had to enact a rule change, b) Emmauel Adebayor shouldn't have instigated violence amongst Arsenal fans, c) Bellamy shouldn't have punched a fan in the face, and d) Hughes should keep his mouth quiet in the media.

Quotes via ESPN

Photo(s): Michael Owen, Mark Hughes

It's a Right, Not a Privilege (#6)

2009-09-17T15:15:00.003-05:00

F.C. Girondins de Bordeaux Away Jersey

Marouane Chamakh -- Forward (Morocco)

Photo(s): Bordeaux, Chamakh

It's a Right, Not a Privilege (#5)

2009-09-16T14:55:00.002-05:00

Chelsea F.C. 1972 Track Top

Photo(s): Chelsea Track Top

2009-09-16T10:03:00.011-05:00

Jackson 5 - I Wanna Be Where You Are (Via: Armed Snobbery)

Good morning fellow Zinedine Zidane-esque headbutters;

Lots of action in UEFA Champions League yesterday and today. Look for a recap of select 2-round matches after next week's second leg.

If you're able to find it, check out F.C. Internazionale Milano take on F.C. Barcelona at the San Siro in UEFA Champions League action later today. Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be making his first return to Milan after leaving Inter this summer for Camp Nou and, similarly, Samuel Eto'o will face F.C. Barcelona for the first time after swapping clubs in the same deal. F.C. Barcelona sent Eto'o and 40 million euro to Inter for Ibrahimovic.

Enjoy the sun if its around, keep FOX News off the TV, and relax with my lady-friend Aretha.

-Barry

Read an excellent column from ESPN's Harry Harris in which he frames Chelsea's recent troubles with EPL's recent policy implementations (HERE)

Read BBC's Chris Jardine's editorial on the recent Emmanuel Adebayor incident (HERE)

Also from the BBC:

"Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor appeared to recreate his controversial celebration from Saturday's 4-2 win over his old club Arsenal after scoring in training on Tuesday. The Togo striker . . . smiled as he ran and slid to his knees in front of his team-mates." (Via BBC)

Check ESPN Soccernet for recaps of yesterday's UEFA Action (HERE)

**(UPDATE) Emmanuel Adebayor accepted his three-game ban from FA (BBC HERE).**

Photo(s): The Jackson 5, Zlatan Ibrahimovic

It's a Right, Not a Privilege (#4)

2009-09-15T08:22:00.001-05:00

Juventus F.C. Hoody Sweatshirt

Photo(s): Juventus Hoody

English Premier League....Protectionism & Nativism at their finest

2009-09-14T23:38:00.002-05:00

Today, Barclays English Premier League chief executive Rich Scudamore announced:

"As of next season clubs will be required to have a squad named of up to 25 players, of which no more than 17 can be over the age of 21 and not home grown."

A home grown player is "any player who has played for an English or Welsh club for three years before their 21st birthday. (ESPN)"

The EPL's new exclusionary policy seems, at its heart, to directly contradict the notions of international professionalism and premier football. From what I can discern, this policy aims to a) maintain a high class of football in the English National program, b) maintain a high presence of english footballers among England's premier professional club teams, c) limit the extravagant transfer spending and high wages that accompany competing for widely-desired international talent, and, perhaps most importantly d) encourage the fan/footballer relationship among both english fans and the footballers themselves.

In actuality, it is likely to a) distort salary wages between international and english players in an effort to keep the premiere English talent while filling international talent into fewer available roster spots, b) worsen the overall caliber of EPL play, and, ultimately, c) worsen the overall face of the EPL throughout the international football community.

This policy is snobbish and elitist; an attempt at buoyancy, a last stand by a fearful and sinking football superpower. Racism, ethnocentrism, and nativism are woven throughout the policy, as is economic protectionism in its definition.

In America, as an American sports fan, I've never experienced or been privy to the notion of losing national stardom to an international league -- in most instances, international talent comes to America (NBA, NFL, PGA Tour, etc.). Within the context of soccer (sorry, ugh), our rare national talent has traveled to international leagues (often unsuccessfully), but, nevertheless, it's not as if I, or anybody for that matter, was hoping they'd play in the MLS -- in every instance its benefited the nation's soccer program as a whole.

While I admit that I lack context in collecting my thoughts on this issue, I do feel a certain relevancy in terms of the merit of professional club football. Most consider the EPL to offer the highest class of professional football in the world and the EPL certainly broadcasts themselves within that proclivity.

I dislike the policy because it is exclusionary and protectionist, it will worsen the caliber of team skill in the EPL because it discourages an international marketplace approach to the game where players are sought out of need and adequacy and then promptly forced out due to inadequacy and need. My fear as a fan is that other countries and their respective leagues will reflexively adopt or strengthen existing policies, hence lowering the overall caliber of professional football.

This policy sounds very Republican. . .

-Barry

There are other financial elements to the policy which I don't understand (see BBC article (HERE) for a comprehensive report).

Quote taken from ESPN Soccernet (Here)

Photo(s): English Premier League, Rich Scudamore

It's a Right, Not a Privilege (#3)

2009-09-14T10:24:00.005-05:00

Jozy Altidore (Forward - USA/Hull City)

Hull City Jersey

Photo(s): Jozy Altidore, Jozy Altidore Hull City jersey

Emmanuel Adebayor. . .Stamping what? Inflammatory celebration what?

2009-09-14T08:47:00.012-05:00

For those who missed it. . .

It's ironic that only days after I spoke of my loathing for nihilistic football (sports) fans, only days following my condemnation of club supporters who consider fan-hood an entitlement rather than a luxury, Manchester City F.C.'s new star Emmanuel Adebayor (Forward - Togo) disgraced himself, his club, his city, and the sport in his childish antics in Manchester City's 4-2 victory over Arsenal this weekend.

(Watch Video Footage Below)

For those unaware, Adebayor spent four seasons with Arsenal before signing to Manchester City this summer for 25 million pounds. Since his signing, Adebayor has ruthlessly criticized Arsenal and his former fans. In the days leading up to the match, it was obvious that there could be a potential confrontation between Arsenal (fans) and Adebayor.

As it appears, Adebayor consciously "stamped" on the face of Arsenal's Robin Van Persie (Forward - Netherlands) following a Van Persie slide tackle. Van Persie sought medical treatment, before returning to play and, in keeping with both his football skill and athletic character, scored a goal later in the match.

On the official arsenal website, Van Persie issued the following statements:

"He set out to hurt me. I do feel lucky that I have not received a greater injury."

"I have not received an apology from him, there were no words exchanged afterwards. He had his own agenda today and that is bad for football. It's bad for the game we all love."

Adebayor told reporters:

"I was trying to kick the ball. I see him tackling and I don't have time to take my feet back because I'm trying to kick the ball."

"My feet touch his head. I feel sorry for him and even straight away, and at the end of the game, I said sorry."

As for the second part of this story, following Adebayor's head-in goal ('80) he sprinted the length of the pitch and maliciously taunted Arsenal fans, for which the referee issued him a yellow card. Adebayor's celebration infuriated Arsenal fans to the point where they hurled objects on the pitch; one such object incidentally struck a steward, who needed to be taken to a hospital for treatment.

Obviously, the FA are looking into the situation and most rumors are saying that Adebayor will receive a multiple game suspension.

Since starting with Manchester City, Adebayor (and other transfer season signing Carlos Tevez) have made a huge impact. Manchester City is currently third in the Premiership table, but have played one fewer game then the other four top teams. Adebayor has four goals scored in four games played.

I've been a huge fan of Adebayor's talent since becoming a Premiership follower, but his temperament and character is clearly questionable. While I'm routinely quick to give athletes a lot of moral leeway when engaged in competition, athletes often broach a point where playful taunting becomes insidiously disrespectful, where displays of self-pride and inner-celebration become boastful moments of profligacy.

While I do agree with Charles Barkley that athletes don't need to be role models, they do need to be aware that in certain instances, at certain times, athletes themselves transcend their sport, while their sport simultaneously transcends itself. Sports, at times, become more than just a sport, as we all now. In the make of the West Ham United/Millwall anarchy, Adebayor should and needs to be more consciously aware of the repercussions that inciting aggression among football fans can have.

Adebayor's actions were, at best, immature.

Adebayor's punishment should be at two distinct levels: 1) he should be suspended 2-3 games (Manchester City plays 9/20 vs. Manchester United, 9/23 vs. Fulham (Carling Cup), and 9/28 vs. West Ham United) and 2) the Premiership should force Manchester City to, as Juventus had to, play a match behind closed doors -- hence losing ticket revenue for a match.

While its often said that sport builds character, it can be equally discerned that sports are character revealing even at the most elementary of levels. Whereas aggressiveness, egotism, gamesmanship, and, well...cheating, have a place and time (Michael Jordan's foul) in sports, the fabric of sports often exists primarily within the moral compass that it is founded on, that it is played under.

(**Update**)

My initial response portrays Adebayor as the sole instigator of the situation that erupted on Saturday, improperly so. It should have been more duly noted that the Arsenal fans behaved similarly childish and are responsible for inciting Adebayor's response. While he clearly escalated the incident to that beyond the acceptable confines of gamesmanship (both among players and fans), the actions of the Arsenal players was disrespectful and disappointing as well.

-Barry

Footage of the "stamp" in question and Emmanuel Adebayor's goal and subsequent celebration:

See BBC Football story (Here)

See ESPN Soccernet story (Here)

Quotes taken from BBC Football Story

Photo(s): Emmanuel Adebayor w/ Mark Hughes, Robin Van Persie, Emmanuel Adebyaor

Feliz Saturday. . .

2009-09-12T08:33:00.006-05:00

Good morning boppers.

I woke up and saw a can of PBR on my nightstand. . .

So. . . listen to this:

Bill Withers - Lovely Day (DJ Eleven Remix) Via: Armed Snobbery

And watch this:

*Notice how this is all in one take. . .

I'm going to watch Liverpool vs. Burnley on ESPN2 and drink coffee.

Stay nice,

-Barry

Photo(s): Pabst Blue Ribbon, FC Liverpool

It's a Right, Not a Privilege (#2)

2009-09-11T11:45:00.000-05:00

Olympiacos FC, home jersey

Didier Domi - Midfielder (France)

Picture shows 08-09 Jersey

Photo(s): Olympiacos FC, Didier Domi

2009-09-10T18:45:00.001-05:00

(HERE) for a quality essay on the Chelsea transfer ban

A note on Hooliganism. . .

2009-09-10T08:30:00.019-05:00

It is unfortunate in that hooliganism--an act of intolerance and anarchic disobedience neither short of prejudice nor ill-content--is so closely associated with a sport that has so often transcended the simple notions of a game; rather, it has been a facilitator of cultural competency, understanding, and social hospitality.

Whereas a club team can feature internationals from feuding states/nations, whereas a match may feature two teams with a history of war, how can fans who share everything besides team allegiance also share a loathing for each other?

What is it about this sport that makes fans nihilists?

What is it about this sport that can turn what should be an exercise in pride and celebration into violence, international humiliation, and immaturity?

All too often, Americans look at soccer (sic) within the frame of hooliganism, pint glasses, and scarves. While I questions the morality of NASCAR (HAHA) fans--also stated as Republicans--more than that of football hooligans, where in the football manifesto is hooliganism prescribed?

I'm the first to recognize the enormous global popularity of football and respect the international sentiment it poses, yet I'll always be quick to question the overriding character of the football fan. What is it in football that causes its escalation into something worth assaulting over? Something worth killing over? (See Honduras & El Salvador ("The Football War"))

It often seems that the radicalization of fans--referring clearly to hooliganism, but on a broader spectrum, as well, to describe those whom seem so soulfully attached to the fate of those teams they feel a right, rather than a privilege, to root for, to describe those less-than-able individuals that seem to despise those superstars whom they live vicariously through, yet despite of--is facilitated by their own failures of athletic prowess, their general disdain for those capable of successes and athletic feats that seem merely dream-worthy.

Now there is clearly difference in an alley bar-fight between feuding 21-year-olds from Iowa State and the University of Iowa and an escalation of violence between grown men where broken bottles, knives, and other metal objects are brandished. More so, the expectation of such violence furthered by the organization of violence poses an entire separate and graver problem. If players for a club, say West Ham United, aren't willing to fight (scuffle or elbow aside) with the players from an opposing side, then why do fans--mere consumers of a product--feel a need to do so with opposing fans?

If there is a sentiment within man that demands of him a need to struggle for his beliefs, attachments, passions, then there surely are more comendable acts displaying significantly more honor (HERE or HERE or HERE).

Otherwise, stay peaceful.

-Barry

P.S. This is peaceful. . .

Footage of West Ham & Millwall riot from August 25, 2009:

BBC Story on August 25th West Ham/Millwall incident (Here)

Story on history of West Ham & Millwall supporter violence (Here)

Documentary style footage of the 1985 incident between Manchester United and West Ham firms (source unknown):

USA 1 - 0 Trinidad & Tobago

On a lighter note, the USA beat Trinidad & Tobago last night in FIFA World Cup qualifying.

The US squad had a lackluster performance again, but fortunately Tim Howard (Keeper, FC Everton) was positively awesome and Ricardo Clark's (Midfield, Houston Dynamo) goal was nasty. Sidenote, T&T's Kenwyne Jones was awesome. At first glance, his size and athleticism may be something the USA squad is missing at the forward position. I'm not sold on the tandem of Charlie Davies and Jozy Altidore in the dual-striker position, although I love them as individual footballers. (ESPN Recap HERE).

Highlights from last night's match:

Photo(s): Iowa & Iowa State, USA Soccer, Nascar Fan, Little Hooligan

It's a Right, Not a Privilege (#1)

2009-09-10T07:23:00.008-05:00

It's my distinguished pleasure to announce a new running post-series at Taming Posh Beckham: "It's a right, not a privilege." In this series we will focus exclusively on the funkiest, nastiest, most sexually appetizing football gear on the planet. In today's addition, I bring you Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden - FC Barcelona).

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Juventus Jersey

Ibrahimovic Ajax Jersey

Photo(s): Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ajax Jersey, Juventus Jersey

USA vs Trinidad and Tobago FiFA World Cup Qualifying Preview

2009-09-09T13:22:00.011-05:00

USA vs Trinidad and Tobago

FIFA World Cup Qualifying

Hasley Crawford Stadium

Port of Spain, Trinidad

09/09/09 6:30p.m. EST

ESPN Classic & ESPN360.com

Game Notes

As I correctly predicted they would be, Jozy Altidore and Charlie Davies were awesome Saturday night against El Salvador in Utah.

Although the US scored two goals (Clint Dempsey '41 and Jozy Altidore '45) in the first half and ultimately won the game, they did once again concede an early goal to El Salvador (Cristian Castillo '32).

USA holds series lead with Trinidad & Tobago at 15-2-3 (since 1982)

USA is 3-3-1 on the road in 2010 FIFA qualifyings

USA Key Figures

Tim Howard - Keeper (New Jersey / Everton FC)

The guy continues to prove why he's the premier USA footballer. His lone goal allowed Saturday night (Video Here) was caused by poor defense and he was solid throughout the second half.

Landon Donovan - Forward (California / LA Galaxy)

As much as I dislike him, he's the general of the offense and one of the team's most physical defenders day in day out.

Jozy Altidore/Charlie Davies

Forwards

(Maryland / Hull City) -- (New Hampshire / Sochaux)

The guys have chemistry. Jozy continues to establish himself on a course that may lead him to be the American soccer star we've never had, while Charlie's continuing improvement and ceiling-less potential make him a potential star striker.

*Note: A yellow card for Jozy tonight suspends him for the next qualifying match.

Clint Dempsey - Forward (Texas / Fulham FC)

Dislike him; always have, but I need to give him a shout out. He plays well virtually every match and is always capable of grabbing the occasional headdie goal (like he did on Saturday).

Oguchi Onyewu - Defender (Maryland / AC Milan)

Onyewu returns after a one-game suspension. He'll most likely be charged with containing Kenwyne Jones (see below), as well as his return should let Bocanegra move to left back. I'd rather see Spector there because of his size and speed, but. . .

Trinidad & Tobago Key Figures

Kenwyne Jones - Forward (Sunderland)

The stereotypical modern big athletic striker, shutting down Jones is clearly the game plan for the US. Jones is 6'2" and a big 187lbs. While this year's numbers aren't impressive (2 goals, 2 assists in 9 games), he's only had 3 shots on goal and 9 shots total.

Carlos Edwards - Forward (Ipswich Town F.C.)

Don't know too much about this guy; I've heard he's a speedy winger.

ESPN Soccernet Video Preview (Here)

Photo(s): Trinidad & Tobago, USA Soccer, Kenwyne Jones, Oguchi Onyewu, Landon Donovan

2009-09-09T09:58:00.003-05:00

Blogger is being lame and it won't let me upload my USA vs Trinidad & Tobago preview. . .

Stay tuned like a 16-year-old. . .

Important Lameness Update

2009-09-08T14:21:00.004-05:00

It should be noted. . .

Wearing a David Beckham Los Angeles Galaxy jersey makes you as lame as this guy:

But not as lame as this guy. . .

Photo(s): Manchester United Fan

We still don't Adu well. . .

2009-09-08T08:59:00.006-05:00

As he continues to fail to live up to the great white (uh?) hype/hope role he was

supposed to play for USA Soccer, Freddy Adu has once again switched clubs. Adu

spent most of this offseason looking for a transfer from S.L. Benfica (Portugal) after

spending last season on loan at AS Monaco FC (France Ligue 1). Adu will now join C.F. Os Belenenses (Portugal) on a one-year loan.

Photo(s): Freddy Adu, C.F. Os Belenenses

The English Premier League is like Republicans, taking advantage of the little guys. . .

2009-09-07T09:36:00.006-05:00

Crewe Alexanda F.C. have reported that an unnamed

English Premier League club illegally approached a

15-year-old to sign from their academy. Check out the

BBC Story (HERE)

And now, my favorite dirty story of the day.

Le Havre Athletic Club F.C. has launched

an attack on

Manchester United F.C. for the improper signing of Paul Pogba this summer.

Le Havre is claiming that:

- Pogba's parents were paid 200,000 pounds each

- Pogba's parents were given a house

- Pogba was promised bumper wages once he turned 17.

Read on (HERE)

Looks like a likely assault of the big-spending tactics of the major club teams. As club football so often deals with recruiting and signing teenagers, deals are abound to be often shady and questionable. Strong parallels can be clearly drawn to the inexcusably grotesque signing habits of NCAA Basketball and Football where schools aim to take as much advantage as possible of poor black kids who can run real fast.

Photo(s): Crewe Alexandra F.C., Republicans

Chelse FC Transfer Ban Update II. . .

2009-09-07T09:07:00.004-05:00

The saga over Chelsea FC's questionable recruiting tactics continues. . .

In summary, FIFA accused Chelsea FC of improperly inducing Gael Katuka of Racing Club de Lens FC to break his contract in 2007 to sign at the Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea has 21 days to file an appeal, but the earlier the file an appeal, the more likely it is that they'll receive a favorable appeal hearing date. (Check BBC (Here) for more info)

If Chelsea FC is unsuccessful in their appeal, they will not be able to sign any new players during transfer windows through 2011. If this occurs, it's possible that Chelsea FC will not be the superpower they've been in many years to come.

Yesterday, former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben (Netherlands/FC Bayern Munchen) told the Daily Mirror that he expects the transfer ban to spark an exodus for Chelsea footballers. (ESPN Here)

Check out BBC Sport's Chief Editor Phil McNulty's take on the Chelesa ban (HERE).

Photo(s): Chelsea FC

Mormonism touches American Footballers

2009-09-07T08:40:00.005-05:00

USA 2 - 1 El Salvador

Good Morning fellow boppers, hope everyone enjoyed the weekend and all of the festivities that time-off warrants. I didn't get to watch the USA vs. El Salvador World Cup Qualifier Saturday night live (too busy recovering), but thanks to my DVR I caught all of the ballet.

Check below for ESPN Recaps for the Match.

Look for updates throughout the day.

In the meantime, stay peaceful.

-Barry

+ JP Dellacamera & John Harkes Podcast Recap of the USA vs. El Salvador match (HERE)

+ ESPNSoccernet Recap of the USA vs. El Salvador match (HERE)

+ Story on potential USA national team additions of dual-nationals Jermaine Jones & Edgar Castillo (HERE)

Photo(s): USA Team

Chelsea FC Update

2009-09-03T13:28:00.001-05:00

Chelsea have emphatically stated that they're going to appeal the FIFA ban.

Read on (HERE).

Match Preview: USA vs. El Salvador

2009-09-03T08:55:00.018-05:00

USA vs. El Salvador

FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Saturday, September 5th, 2009

Sandy, Utah (Rio Tinto Stadium)

8:00p.m. EST, ESPN Classic, ESPN360.com

USA Key Figures:

TIM HOWARD - Goalkeeper (New Jersey, Everton FC (EPL))

The former New York/New Jersey MetroStar (MLS) keeper turned Manchester United F.C. keeper turned now F.C.Everton (EPL) keeper is likely the most talented of the US internationals. With six caps this year for the national squad, Howard has conceded three goals and made 24 saves.

LANDON DONOVAN - Forward (California, L.A. Galaxy (MLS))

If the USA had a youth soccer program like many of the European countries, if the USA had a support system in place to mature and refine the skills of its soccer prodigies, Landon Donovan would be the poster child. While Donovan's athletic prowess resembles his balding patterns, he is, after all, the all-time leader in goals and assists for the national team. While he had an off-season bout of cattiness over the fame and practice habits/leadership abilities of fellow L.A. Galaxy member David Beckham, Donovan remains the leader (without actual captainship) of the USA squad.

BRIAN CHING - Forward (Hawaii, Houston Dynamo (MLS))

Ching is a bit of a wildcard for Saturday night's contest. The 31 year-old has clearly passed his prime, yet remains offensively potent; that is, when he plays. His lone international start this year came in the 2-1 loss at Mexico, but in 16 MLS starts this season he has seven goals and two assists. Ching will most likely try to facilitate and feed off the energy and explosiveness of the younger American strikers.

JOZY ALTIDORE - Forward (Florida, Hull City (EPL))

The 19-year-old Hull City man (currently on loan from La Liga's Villareal) is the young gem of American soccer. While he only has one goal in 6 international starts in 2009, he recently broke through in the English Carling Cup scoring a goal for Hull City -- he also has an assist in his only EPL appearance. While USA Coach Bradley hasn't announced who will start on Saturday night, Altidore will likely get the call although Charlie Davies may start.

CHARLIE DAVIES - Forward (New Hampshire, FC Sochaux (France))

Charlie Davies has broke through in international competition this year; with three goals in five appearances for the Americans, Davies is a pure scorer. Formerly of Hammarby Fotboll (Sweden), Davies recently moved to the Ligue 1 side F.C. Sochaux. On August 15, Davies, a substitute, scored two second-half goals against Bordeaux.

JONATHAN BORNSTEIN - Defender (California/ Chivas USA (MLS))

JONATHAN SPECTOR - Defender (Illinios/West Ham (EPL))

With the suspension of Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), either Bornstein or Spector will need to control the left-wing attack of El Salvador.

El Salvador Key Figures:

CRISTIAN CASTILLO - Midfielder (Leon (Mexico))

ELISEO QUINTANILLA - Midfielder (Ermis Aradippou (Cyprus))

ARTURO ALVAREZ - Midfielder (San Jose Earthquakes (MLS))

The Houston, Texas native, Alvarez grew up in the USA youth system; competing on the U-17, U-18, U-20, and U-23 team. Alvarez, however, of Salvadorian descent, made his debut for the El Salvador national side on August 12 in a World Cup Qualifier match against Trinidad and Tobago.

Rio Tinto Stadium (home of Real Salt Lake) couldn't be a worse place to host a critical World Cup Qualifying match: a) white Christian Americans don't like football, and nobody else lives in Utah besides them (95.20% reported white in 2000 Census), b) nobody likes going to Utah, and c) the stadium only hosts 20,000 people. Why not have the game HERE, or HERE (LIKE IT WAS THEN), or HERE, or HERE?

EXTRAS:

Recap of USA vs Honduras game from March 28, 2009 (HERE via ESPNSoccernet).

Preview of Saturday's game by Steve Davis of ESPN (HERE).

Just don't chant Honduras to El Salvador Futbol fans. (STORY HERE)

Photo(s): USA Soccer, El Salvador Futbol, Tim Howard, Jozy Altidore, Charlie Davies

Chelsea Receive Transfer Ban....

2009-09-03T08:27:00.003-05:00

Supposedly, Chelsea F.C. induced Gael Katuka (France) to breach his contract with Lens when he went to Stamford Bridge in 2007.

Woops. . .

Now they've been banned from signing new players for the next two transfer windows.

Check ESPN Soccernet (here)

Check BBC Football (here)

Photo(s): Chelsea FC

2009-09-02T13:13:00.012-05:00

Tomorrow, look for a rare preview of the USA vs. El Salvador FIFA Qualifier (Saturday, ESPN Classic, ESPN360.com, 7:30p.m. EST).

On a side note, check out ridiculous photos of the heavily tattooed USA Women's Soccer player Natasha Kai (here).

Photo(s): USA Soccer, El Salvador Futbol

Pledging Allegiance

2009-09-02T09:56:00.012-05:00

Perhaps the greatest reward granted to American football fans (not fans of American football (MLS; or NFL for that matter), but rather Americans who like real football) is that we have the ability to choose that club which we pledge fidelity to; that club whose song lyrics we can recite at a breath's moment; that club whose roster sheet you've meticulously studied; that club whose kit you don't wear, but rather swathe in for its history, tradition, culture; that club which you get permanently branded across your back (like this guy).

With no inherited allegiance (no family football history, no "local" team), the substance of my fan-hood lies within, pretentiousness aside, the purity of the ballet, the culture of international superstardom, and the knowledge that, unlike any other major sport, club football truly features the best, in this regard, footballers in the world. With that said, I in no way exercise any reservations in that my team should be among the world's premier, they should be of a caliber that I can hope for accolades of substance, they should have an individual superstar whom I can identify with and form the fan-athlete relationship that sports grant, and that they should have purely fantastic jerseys.

As a Chicagoan, I've grown increasingly accustomed to sporting disappointment in my post Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls adolescence. While I was fortunate enough to enjoy a run of six NBA Championships in my younger, purer years, I've never enjoyed another championship in my time. Hence my desire to choose a team that is frequently a league championship contender and, perhaps, a formidable opponent in the UEFA Champions League.

In my search, I've come across many great teams. Look for future posts on my leading contenders: FC Bayern Munchen, Chelsea FC, FC Girondins de Bordeaux, FC Liverpool, and Juventus FC.

In the meantime, stay sober.

-BarryLird

P.S. Check out the new Franck Ribery rumor (here).

Check out an article about Lionel Messi's cleats (here).

Because I'm cosmopolitan. . .

An awesome Nike commercial with the Brazilian National Team. Couldn't find any more info about it, sorry boppers.

Photo(s): Michael Jordan, Hooligans.

Who doesn't miss Amsterdam. . .

2009-09-02T08:20:00.001-05:00

Ryan Babel, who signed from Ajax to FC Liverpool in the summer of 2007, now says he wants to be loaned back to Ajax. Supposedly, he's looking for more playing time in preparation of World Cup Qualifiers with the Dutch Team.

I'd love to see Babel back at Ajax; they're currently fifth in the Dutch Eredivisie tables and need a striker to pair with Uruguayan Luis Suarez (who has a team best 5 goals in 5 games played).

Usain "God in Jamaican Form" Bolt Dribbles...

2009-09-01T13:27:00.002-05:00

Usain Bolt was in attendance at and appeared for pre-match festivities

at the recent Real Madrid vs. Real Club Deportivo de la Coruna match

(See my post here, or see ESPN recap here).

In all honesty, how can one argue that Usain Bolt is none-other than the greatest human athlete of all-time. If I heard my 10th grade Biology teacher right, humans today are more advanced than before. With that said, isn't Bolt the fastest human ever. . .

How would it feel to be able to say that? "I'm the fastest human ever."

That is, as long as you're talking about running.

Photo(s): Usain Bolt

Maybe he's still worth it. . .

2009-08-31T14:07:00.005-05:00

Los Angeles Galaxy 1 -- 0 Chivas USA

While I may hate MLS, I have to acknowledge

David Beckham's match winning goal last night (ESPN2,MLS Game of the Week) against Chivas USA.

Photo(s): David Beckham

Weekend Recap

2009-08-31T09:49:00.024-05:00

My FIFA 09 humiliation aside; enjoyable weekend of football.

Living in the United States without satellite television leaves me unable to watch many football matches, yet I'd like to provide weekend recaps for those games which I was able to watch.

Chelsea FC vs. Burnely FC (English Premier) via ESPN2

Chelsea 3 -- 0 Burnley

The match looked like Rocky vs. Mr. T (Clubber Lang) in Rocky III. Burnley, fresh of impressive victories over Manchester United on 8/19 and Everton on 8/23, looked like the under-dog who gets brutally beaten in the beginning of the movie--maybe they'll rebound and reappear at least before the closing credits.

Chelsea looked phenomenal.

With the ongoing feud between strikers Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) and Nicolas Anelka (France) and the transfer-season turmoil, the two strikers performed wonderfully together throughout the match. I'm looking for Chelsea to top the Premier League this year, especially with a "post-Michael Jordan 1993 Chicago Bull-esque" Manchester United this year.

Chelsea Goals: Nicolas Anelka (45), Michael Ballack (47), Ashley Cole (52)

Real Madrid C.F. vs Real Club Deportivo de la Coruna (Spanish La Liga) via GoalTV

Real Madrid 3 -- 2 Deportivo la Coruna

La Liga is going to be a joke this year. Real Madrid is simply stacked. With this year's signings of Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester Unted/Portugal), Karim Benzema (Olympique Lyonnais/France) Xabi Alonso (Liverpool F.C./Spain), and Kaka (A.C. Milan/Brazil), Real simply has more individual talent on the pitch than any team they'll face this season.

While Real did concede one goal leads on two occasions during the match, their offensive potency will consistently prove to outperform their opponents.

Real Madrid Goals: Raul (26'), Cristiano Ronaldo (PK 35')

Lassana Diarra (60)'

Deportivo la Coruna Goals: Riki (30'), Juan Carlos Valeron (46')

**PREDICTION: 2010 UEFA Champions League Champions REAL MADRID C.F.**

Manchester City F.C. vs. Crystal Palace F.C. (Carling Cup) via ESPN360

Manchester City 2 -- 0 Crystal Palace

While I'd say that Manchester City will surprise both fans and skeptics this season, they're success doesn't exactly come out of nowhere. With a current attacking line of Carlos Tevez (Argentina), Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo), and Robinho (Brazil), they're sure to excite City fans. Crystal Palace seemed surprise that Manchester City started their superstar trio, but Crystal Palace lost the match once they permitted City to continue to push the tempo.

Manchester City Goals: Shaun Wright-Philips (50'), Carlos Tevez (71')

F.C. Bayern Munchen vs. VFL Wolfsburg (Bundesliga) via ESPN360

Bayern Munchen 3 -- 0 VFL Wolfsburg

Fortunately for Bayern, drunken fans (see post) weren't left disappointed. Bayern dominated from kickoff to finish, controlling 61% possession. With transfer rumors surrounding star playmaker Frank Ribery nearly deceased, the traditionally regarded Bundesliga giant should rebound from the start of their disastrous campaign.

With their recent victory, Bayern is now 8th in the Bundesliga Tables, up from a historically worse 14th.

Bayern Munchen Goals: Mario Gomez (27'), Arjen Robben (68', 80')

Manch ester United F.C. vs. Arsenal F.C. (English Premier) via ESPN Gamecast

Manchester United 2 -- 1 Arsenal
I've always thought of arsenal as that really nice,
shy guy in high school who everybody pulls for and hopes that they get the sexy
cheerleader, but, in the end, they always fall short to the rich, athletic d-bag
who wears two polos, ripped jeans, and has a dirty goatee. Arsenal are the feel good story we all expect from in the Disney PG-13 sports flick, while Manchester United are the bank-robbers you cheer for in the Rated R movie. Manchester United epitomize the arrogance of English football; wearing about a sense of entitlement and omniscient self-efficacy not dissimilar to MLB's New York Yankees, NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and the NCAA's The Ohio State University, Notre Dame, and University of Southern California.

Manchester United Goals: Wayne Rooney (PK 59')
Arsenal Goals: Andrei Arshavin (40') Abou Diaby (Own Goal 64')

On the side. . .swing over to Let's Go Get It for a great post of straight muzz-crack.

Photo(s): Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Frank Ribery, Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsenal

Humiliation

2009-08-29T01:07:00.010-05:00

Libations or not, my guys Mikey D. and JJ both worked me in my own game, FIFA 2009, on separate occasions. With my representation of -- fellow Barvarians and beer-loving blue-eyes -- Bayern Munchen and their same selection of my -- pre-transfer of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to FC Barcelona -- Italian league favorite Internazionale, I was expecting instant victory. Yet, in each match, I, at first, was faced with vigorous and surprisingly competitive match back and forth exchanges. However, I was twice brutally beaten in the end like the 13-year-old Screech Powers that I was.

Fortunately, I was able to lament with friends from Latrobe Brewery, as well as search for comfort in my knowledge that I perform better in sobriety. . .

Photo(s): FIFA , Rolling Rock

Do they realize how drunk Bundesliga Fans Get???

2009-08-28T10:21:00.006-05:00

Look out for particularly drunk Germans on Saturday as Bayern Munchen host reigning Bundesliga champions VFL Wolfsburg; Bayern Munchen is giving away more than 7,000 liters of beer of before the match.

LEDERHOSEN + FOOTBALL + BAVARIAN BEER + FRANCK RIBERY'S SCAR = BALLET FOR THE MASSES & DRUNKEN HOOLIGANISM

Its reported

to be part of a promotion with a Munich-based brewery--which involved the Bayern players and coach dressing up in traditional Bavarian costume for a photo shoot earlier in the week (Photo Here), but the specifics haven't been disclosed yet.

As a Bayern fan, I know I could use a libation or two (Bayern is currently 14th in the tables, 0-1-2).

Read on: ESPN Soccernet, Sports.Scotsman.com

Photo(s): Franck Ribery, Bayern Munchen

2009 UEFA Awards

2009-08-28T08:05:00.016-05:00

UEFA has announced its Euro Club Players of the year:

Euro Club Player of the Year - Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona/Argentina)

Forward of the Year - Lionel Messi

Midfielder of the Year - Xavi Hernandez (FC Barcelona/Spain)

Defender of the Year - John Terry (Chelsea FC/England)

Goalkeeper of the Year - Edwin Van der Sar (Manchester United FC/Netherlands)

**Discussions are ongoing concerning Lionel Messi's new contract at Camp Nou.

With FC Barcelona's signing of Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Internazionale, Messi is looking to best Zlatan's €9.5 million annual salary. Its rumored that Messi's new mandatory release cause will be set at €300m. Via: Goal.com

Photo(s): Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Champions League Draws

2009-08-27T20:15:00.005-05:00

2010 UEFA Champions League Draws

Photo(s): UEFA, FC Barcelona

"Pow! Right in the Kisser"

2009-08-27T20:01:00.004-05:00

Bolivian League Football at its finest. . .

A Small Gift:

Zinedine Zidane of France headbutts Marco Materazzi of Italy (2006 World Club)

Swiping the Blog V-Card

2009-08-27T18:01:00.006-05:00

Fellow Football followers and Posh Spice admirers,

Welcome.

Though my football expertise is fairly limited to executing give-and-go passes, lob shots, and the slide tackle in FIFA 2009 on XBOX 360, I take pride in being an informed fan and hope you will too. Taming Posh Spice will focus on Euro Leagues (English Premier, Spanish La Liga, Itialian Serie A, French Ligue 1, and German Bundesliga), but look for the occasional mention of South American leagues and maybe a plug for the USA squad.

As the debate over, even the conversation on, the appropriateness of whether the USA's use of "soccer" as an acceptable term to describe the sport that the rest of the world calls "football" has grown tenuous, immature, and more boring than watching an early season MLB game, football will be the accepted terminology for the purpose of blogging.

While my readers will likely ordain me as the Gary Coleman (not Arnold Jackson) of the football blogosphere, it is my sincere hope that you will find my stories informative, my nuances bearable, my attempts at humor . . . well, humorous, and my antics only moderately offensive.

I've grown to accept that I generally perform poorly in my first impressions and, as a result, consider it my general duty to make up for my first impression inadequacies with overt attempts at reconciliation in future conversations. . .

In the meantime . . . stay peaceful, stay sober, and don't watch any Major League Soccer.

-BarryLird

Photo(s): Gary Coleman

The American Sports Media and race. . ..

2008-12-15T09:00:00.002-06:00

*** Quote source names removed due to publishing agreements***
Written December 2008

While our memories of Michael Jordan collapsing over gold trophies, or
him silencing a crowd and ruining dreams with final moments of greatness
25 times in his career; or a young, charismatic Tiger Woods strolling
victory laps Sundays at Augusta National or his descend into emotion
crying in his father's arms may stand as great moments in sporting
history; a black glove solute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the
1968 Olympics, a conscious objection by Muhammad Ali in Houston in the
spring of 1967, or Jackie Robinson stepping to home plate in 1947 exist
as critical moments in our lives today.

With the recent election of President-Elect Barack Obama, the United
States stands on the eve of, perhaps, its greatest stride towards ethnic
and racial equality since the Civil Rights Act of 1964, since 1863's
Gettysburg Address. As Americans begin to grasp the possible precedent
Jan. 20 may set, the importance of reflecting on our society's history
of change no longer rests in the shadows, but, rather, is shining in
multiple arenas.

Although the racial atmosphere in sports has changed dramatically in
recent history, today the media stands as the most scrutinized
perpetrator of racial generalizations, stereotypes, and ill-commentary
in the sporting world. In the age of ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN.com, and the
BlackBerry, sports fans are increasingly able to develop relationships
with their favorite stars and are, unfortunately, subjected to mounting
doses of cattiness and vernacular cruelty from sports writers and
analysts.

In a recent HBO documentary, "Black List: Volume One," tennis star
Serena Williams alluded to her inappropriate portrayal throughout the
media. "Every article that I do read is like she overpowers her
opponent," Williams stated. "It's a lot more than just hitting the ball
as hard as you can. I never get credit for the mental side."

(-----), the Sports Director at (----)-TV, remarked on the portrayal
of African Americans throughout the sports media and specifically
Williams' comments. "I believe [her] statement to be historically
accurate." (---) used the legacy of the rivalry between Larry Bird and
Earvin "Magic" Johnson to further the argument. "Despite their obvious
similarities, Larry Bird was often described as having a high basketball
IQ who was an overachiever, while Magic was given the label showman and
a naturally gifted athlete."

Although a public backlash arose after radio host Don Imus referred to
the Rutgers University women's basketball team as "nappy headed hos," or
after The Golf Channel's Kelly Tilghman said that Tiger Woods'
competitors should "lynch him in a back alley," as well as the
subsequent firing of Golfweek's editor Dave Seanor for putting a noose
on the cover of its magazine, other media outlets have aroused muted
discontent for their portrayal of African American athletes.

The April 2008 Cover of Vogue Magazine featured a stunning portrait of
NBA Superstar LeBron James and fashion model Gisele Bundchen. With only
a simple Google image search of "King Kong" one can see the drastic
similarities between the dramatic depiction of "King" James and the
seemingly weak Gisele Bundchen with the fierceness of King Cong and his
female captive. The cover led ESPN the Magazine reporter Jemele Hill to
comment, "Vogue's quest to highlight the difference between superstar
athletes and supermodels only successfully reinforces the animalistic
stereotypes frequently associated with black athletes."

A 2006 study conducted by Dr. Richard Lapchick, professor at the
University of Central Florida, found that white men and women comprised
88 percent of the total staffs of all Associated Press (AP) member
newspapers, while 94.7 percent of all AP sports editors were white and
89.9 percent of America's sports columnists were white.

Although several leading newspapers feature prominent African American
sports columnists: such as The Washington Post's Michael Wilbon, Los
Angeles Times's J.A. Adande, and The New York Times' William C. Rhoden,
the noticeably small presence of African Americans in the sports media
fraternity has dramatic effects on the quality and fairness of
reporting.

(-----) also commented on the state of the sports media and its lack of
minority representation. "I believe a lot of the sports commentary of
this nature comes from members of the media seeing the game through a
limited prism," (---) stated. It's "a view based on limited
experiences or limited contact with different cultures or races."

Expert on the cultural analysis of sports and race and University of
(----) Professor (-----) added, "There's a culture of conflict
between sports writers and athletes." "I see a generation of sports
writers who don't know their sports histories. They view black sports
history as Jackie Robinson."

For writers, it often becomes a question of perception and framing. As
experiences shape viewpoint, the common cultural differences between
writers and athletes leads to subjective observations and reporting.
(----) added, "Anytime there is common ground, it promotes affinity and
definitely understanding and empathy." He continued, "When there is no
common ground, a journalist has to work harder to understand the athlete
as a person."

Currently, the strides and acceptance of African American athletes may
be symbolically represented in their achievements throughout corporate
society. Forbes currently reports that four of the top five grossing
athletes in the United States are African American: Tiger Woods, Michael
Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. Today's lavish rewards for
popular athletes stems from their degree of marketability and
acceptability by society, and in many instances white culture. As Coca
Cola may have shined a smile on "Mean" Joe Green or as Nike enlightened
the world that "Bo Knows Bo" millions have been influenced through the
advertising of prominent African American athletes.

While Gatorade may have told children everywhere to "Be Like Mike" and
Nike announced to the fans that they too could have Michael Jordan
"Jumpman 23" sneakers for $115, Michael Jordan's contributions to
society are felt elsewhere. The precedent that Jordan may have set when
he transcended his sport and became a global icon has seemingly been
carried on by current golfing superstar Tiger Woods. The immeasurable
successes of these two men has, in some circles, been considered a
catalyst in white America's acceptance of Barack Obama, an interracial
man, as president.

Professor Lapchick commented, "In sports, we've gotten used to cheering
for the athletes who play for our teams. I don't think there's any
question that there are white Americans who cheer [black athletes]
because of sports and have let that transcend and move into other parts
of their lives."

University of (---) Professor and expert on racial and ethnical policy
(----) stated, "Increased exposure to elites, even most
non-political figures affects race attitudes." He commented, "people
form race attitudes on several factors, including from those of a
different race that they're exposed to." He added for some groups this
may be, "Political and social elites, sometimes African American
athletes."

Although Michael Jordan may have summed up his political and social
intentions when he unequivocally declared "Republicans buy sneakers
too," the immediate effects of African American athletes is felt at
multiple levels. Yet, the time of the African American athlete
championing causes on behalf of their race may have passed.

(----) added, "Unlike the days of Jackie Robinson or Joe Louis,
because of major changes in our society as a whole, the social burden of
the modern African-American athlete should never include lifting up an
entire race."