From Football to Futbol

Since their is a NFL Lockout to deal with, players have to find a way to pass the time or, more importantly, stay in shape. Chad Ochocinco seems to have found a way to do both. He has tried out for Sporting Kansas City in MLS. Ochocinco seems to have played Soccer in high school until his grandmother convinced him to play football which ironically involves almost no kicking. Chad has tried out for the team for 5 days and at the end of it he didn't make the actual squad. Instead, Sporting KC gave Ochocinco a spot on reserve team. He will work out a couple times a week with the squad and is also a honorary member of the team.

This is a very intriguing story on various levels. First, it brings up the whole two sports athlete thing again. Now it's not like Chad is going to play both at the same time or on the same weekend but it does kind of reminds me of the days where athletes could play for two different sports like Deion Sanders. Second, it speaks to the amount of press MLS and Sporting KC wants for their team. Would any team of a lesser league or sport (by lesser I mean less popular) ultimately turn down this press? Probably not as to hope to get people excited about their sport and/or team.

Third, WHY DIDN'T YOU STAY WITH SOCCER? Now this seems like a ridiculous question but as a fan of soccer that wants to see it elevated on the US level I have to ask. Now before anyone says there is not future in it that's not true. You could always play in an top level league (if you're good enough) in Europe like the English Premier League or La Liga. Great players there can be paid as much as NFL Players. Also, you would be helping raise the popularity of US Soccer and it's talent level. Maybe even get us closer to a World Cup Title.

Overall, this does seem like a stint that is just for keeping in shape. Sporting KC has said Chad lacks the Soccer skills to play which means he won't ultimately see any time on the pitch. Still a nice story to follow.

P.S. I still believe the US could crush any International Soccer team if Soccer was the revered sport in this country and not Football.

P.P.S. Or at least more popular than Basketball.