What's Best for the Sport and the League

[Burninator]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=357181&root=mls&cc=5901

http://metrostars.mlsnet.com/MLS/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20060130&content_id=51292&vkey=news_met&fext=.jsp&team=met

Here you can some interesting articles about the current status of MLS and youth talent development. Although MLS has taken no move to prevent Exantus from being drafted by other teams were he to go into the Gen. Adidas program, that doesn't mean that the other 11 teams in the league couldn't promise to not draft him.

I think the issue raised by the MetroStars/Exantus relationship is an important one to MLS. I'd sure love to see the guy (if he's so talented) play for RSL, but only if we really deserved to have him. Are the teams committed as much to the league, even the Beautiful Game, as they are to themselves? Would the "fair" and "right" prevail if Exantus were to sign with Gen. Adidas? Just because the system allows for abuse doesn't mean that abuse has to occur.

If RSL were to draft this kid, at no cost to RSL, I would consider it tantamount to grand theft talent, and I would be seriously disappointed in RSL's management. Any other team engaging in such behavior should put themselves in the shoes of MetroStars management.

This uncertainty surrounding Exantus is hurting the MetroStars, the League, and the American Game by preventing them from bringing talent to the stage where it can and should perform. The MetroStars' youth development program is recognized and respected. It is now time for the MetroStars' ability to draft directly from their own program to be recognized and respected.

If MLS won't do it, then let the teams themselves do it. If the other 11 MLS teams respect the MetroStars' investment of time and money, they will announce that Johnny Exantus can enter the draft at any time he wishes, and that he will find himself playing in NJ/NY, if he and the MetroStars so desire. They will support the MetroStars (and any other MLS team) in their development of youth talent from here and now until the MLS decides to regulate MLS youth development in a positive way.

I hope that Johnny's and the MetroStars' rights are exercised and respected.

:rei: --Geoff