Beckham to the US... Big Deal?

I hate blog teass. At best this is a lockerroom discussion

I agree this is more of a lockerroom discussion.

With that said, no, I don't think Beckham is going to have much of an impact over here in the States. He is on the downside of his career. He is making mad money. Actually, the equation of downside of carrer + making mad money may equal = a blow to Americans interest in soccer.

IF Beckham is a bust, this may turn off many of the casual soccer fans in the United States.

Not many care. We don't like soccer. We like football and baseball and basketball and some like hockey and racing. Most don't like soccer and they never will.

I think his impact is understated, and has already had an affect before he has even played. MLS is getting a lot more attention internationally. Ratings will go up. The casual sports fan will be intrigued.

I don't think he is going to have a Tiger Woods type impact. We would need a genuine American star for that. But, he is certainly going to be helpful for the growth of the sport. The biggest knock on MLS is that they don't have any players, so bringing in someone of his stature will surely help.

I also heavily dislike the phrase "we" don't like soccer, as if you could lump all American sports fans together. It doesn't need to knock football, baseball, or basketball off their perch. Even if it appeals to 5% of the American public, that is still 15 million people (half as many that watch American Idol).

Yeah I agree. A lot of people like soccer as soccer is the most popular sport among American children. Kids start to lose interest around their pre-teen years when they realize there are other options. But if we can keep the interest brewing past the adolescent years, we have a huge talent base to pick from in the US. Soccer is a great sport, and soon it will be recognized in the US.