When a player joins for money, he'll want to leave for football

As Beckham faced the boos last night at the Home Depot Centre, we witnessed a stand off that was in contrast to the majority of player vs. fan disputes that have occurred this summer. Here we have a player who's allegiance to his team is based on money, and money alone, this allegiance rubs against Beckham's other commitment, his wish to remain a high level player for as long as possible. This is where the problem lies, any fan of the LA Galaxy must realise that Beckham's commitment to their club is non-footballing, he came with ideas of image and marketability swimming in his head, and as such, it is clear that a footballing commitment to the MLS never did exist.

The problem here, is that any description of Beckham as disloyal is solely monetary, he came for money, and if he remains, it'll be for the money. It is obvious that Beckham should honour his contract, but, his desire to leave, if it exists, is to do with football. This is much harder for a fan to argue against than a player leaving for more money. Yes, Beckham put himself in this position, but, it's difficult to criticise a player for wanting to play at a higher level, even if he chose to drop down a level in the first place. When a player gets business and football confused, we should probably support them when they begin to put football first again.

Sorry LA fans.

Beckham vs. Donovan - The Emails

David Beckham is returning to action with the LA Galaxy tonight, and it seems that the recent spat with Landon Donovan regarding his commitment to the Galaxy is over. But, I've happened upon (made up) a sample of the emails that were flying between the two giants of the LA soccer scene during the tenser moments of DB23's time at AC.


FROM: lan-don@usasoccer.com
TO: db23@milan.europeanfootball.com

DAVEYY,

You're totally smoking that Italian league, but please make sure you're back here dude, we need you, I mean, you're worth twenty times what they're paying you man. Grass goes away, astro turf lasts forever! Munich let me go, but man, I was out of there anyway, cos me and the LA Galaxy go way back. Me and the franchise. You're lucky that you aren't in NYC, the fans of the New York Red Bulls wouldn't stand this, it's easy going in Cali, you picked right. This league's about commitment. Get committed.

On three.....WIN!

Lan-don



FROM: db23@milan.europeanfootball.com
TO: lan-don@usasoccer.com

Landon,

I miss LA mate, just loving Milan right now. Sorry to hear about Munich. Well I'll be back to play the Metrostars, the NJ, the New York, erm, the New York Red Bulls. They changed their name didn't they, haw haw. Their fans are scary though. We'll take the league and all that, no problem.

See you at training.

123....Do it.

DB

PS. I saw your wife in 'Bring It On' the other day.