By J Hutcherson --
Shocked looks all around, but the potential Beckham loan to Milan has become the latest example in Major League Soccer transparency. By which of course I mean they know nothing until they decide to fill the rest of us in... maybe.
Here's what we have from MLS commissioner Don Garber: "Discussions have taken place between AC Milan and the Los Angeles Galaxy regarding the possibility of a short-term loan agreement that would allow David Beckham to play for AC Milan during the MLS off season. Those discussions are ongoing. David remains an LA Galaxy player and will be here for the start of the 2009 MLS season."
A representative for Beckham's agency said basically the same thing to the LA Times, so one might get the idea that this really is a short-term loan. Go figure that most outlets aren't buying it.
Here's the thing. Other than our English media friends desperately wanting Galaxy fans showing up at the training ground to protest, where Beckham spends his off-season isn't likely to get much of a response from the mainstream in the United States. Well, maybe those who misunderstand loans and transfers and have him making a permanent move.
Even then, what's left to say? With sports media, the end of the chapter - if not the story - is rarely as interesting as what's thrown around at the beginning. The next step for the sport of the next generation is always handled better than soccer faces another issue.
That's the problem. MLS is getting a working example of what media coverage will look like when Beckham officially exits the League, either through a move to another club or retirement. Even with it potentially overshadowing the final week of the season with playoff implications across games, it's simply not that major.
Comments, questions, solutions to problems that have yet to present themselves. Please, tell me all about it.
Hmmm, adidas outfits MLS and AC Milan – they must be pulling the strings here so there can be a surge in Xmas Becks jerseys.
Gee, wonder who is coming over from Europe for the 2009 MLS ASG?
Speaking of things we will never know, this does beg the question on whether Milan has to pay a portion of Beck’s ridiculous personal services contract with Uncle Phil while on loan.