Cancer
Some people would say that the US got Beckham towards the end of his career, and therefore is no good and not worth the hefty $250 million paycheck. British papers are laughing at the US stating that MLS overpaid a 'has been' that can barely play anymore. Especially, considering that Becks began his season with the LA Galaxy missing game after game due to an ankle injury from June that did not heal properly before coming to the US. Now, with a sprained right knee, he is possibly out the remainder of the season.
As far as the MLS is concerned, they're looking at the numbers and how much money they are making off the name "David Beckham." MLS reports that Beckham merchandise is flying off the shelves. Stadium numbers are up for all LA Galaxy games. Fans are scrambling all across the US to get a glimpse of the legend-even if he just sits on the bench.
But with Becks out with an injury and possibly being a no-show, fans are demanding their money back, not wanting to take the risk of not being able to see Beckham with their own eyes. To counter this, many franchises are initiating "no refund" policies to protect themselves, claiming that 'no official announcement' has been made that Beckham will play or not.
Prior to his knee injury, fans in New York City and Washington, DC, not knowing if Beckham would play or not due to his ankle injury, showed up regardless, just in case he did play. Fortunately for DC and NYC fans, Beckham played through his injury, with the final 21 minutes against DC United in front of a crowd of 46,686 fans, and a full 90 minute game against the NY/NJ Red Bulls in front of 66,237 people.
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Getting Beckham to the US
By Scott Cooper, September 13, 2007 at 21:28Getting Beckham to the US was a desperate attempt to draw crowds to a sport this country will never understand. In the short term, sure, it will put asses in the seats. Of course his injury isn't helping much but...
The USA is a football, baseball and basketball country, in that order. Gretzky came to the Kings and all of a sudden the NHL thought they had it made as a legitimate fourth sport. They overstepped their potential and now we're infiltrated with teams that most of the country doesn't know exist. Soccer tried this with Pele and the Cosmos back in the 70's and bringing Beckham here is not much different. Sadly, America doesn't get soccer. Ironically, soccer is a huge with America's youth as it was with me. As a professional sport, it's well below the radar if interest. Was it worth it? For Beckham and Posh, you bet. For America, no way.
I think all the MLS teams
By luyen, September 8, 2007 at 11:12I think all the MLS teams should have 'footed' the bill for Beckham...he's raised the popularity of the game, without even playing many games.
For the first time this year, i've seen televised MLS games, and they were fun to watch...world cup every 4 years or the euro cup isn't enough in North America to keep the interest going.
I don't think he was worth it for the L.A. Galaxy - but certainly he'll prove to be a good influence for North American soccer.
I've even kicked the ball around a few times this year, despite being a hard-core hockey player... - sure beats baseball though ;-)
I agree with you. MLS
By Michelle Kenneth, September 8, 2007 at 13:53I agree with you. MLS should have footed the bill rather then just LA Galaxy. Although, this may be due to my partiality to NY teams, but I think Beckham could have created more revenue overall if he came to NY rather then LA. Why? Because, out of all the stadiums Beckham has appeared in...NYC has brought in the most. A good 20,000 more people then any other stadium where Beckham has either appeared or there was a potential that he may appear.
The increased interest in soccer has brought more televised events for MLS, including international football. Just yesterday I watched the Chelsea match. Before, I would have had to pay for some special soccer package to view the international games, but never the US games.
Beckham was worth it overall for MLS, but for LA Galaxy alone...I'm hoping they trade him to NY. :)
I'm guessing (and you won't
By luyen, September 10, 2007 at 18:52I'm guessing (and you won't like this answer Michelle) that the Beckhams chose L.A. primarily for Mrs.Beckham's career, rather than in the interests of soccer.
Even though by any standards, NYC probably would have been a better choice for David Beckham's popularity...- it's a shame, as far as I recall, he's on a rather terrible team!
Actually, from what I heard,
By Michelle Kenneth, September 11, 2007 at 07:35Actually, from what I heard, it was for both of their "acting" careers. The Disney spread where Beckham was Prince Charming on the white stallion was supposed to be a precursor to David's future acting career.
I read that Becks was spending a lot of time on a plane when he wasn't playing in LA. He was trying to qualify for the World team in England. (Sorry, I don't remember the complete details.) My thoughts were that if he were still wanting to play for his international team, it would have been a shorter trip if he came from NYC.
Who knows? Maybe the Beckhams will decide to move to NYC instead. They may get tired of the craziness of LA and the different way of life there. Besides, they make movies in NYC every day. I probably have a walk through at least once every two weeks in Manhattan when they shoot in Times Square. Believe me...it's UNAVOIDABLE!
I think if Becks wanted to go to a good team, he would have gone to a more respectable team like DC United.