Apparently, the impending NFL lockout is worrying even some of the league’s biggest stars…
Players are tightening their belts, forgoing the purchase of that 10th gaudy necklace, reigning in their budgets for Vegas benders, and even getting second jobs to pick up the slack.
Enter merry prankster Chad Ochocinco. Apparently, the Cincinnati Bengals receiver wants to work in KC this offseason, but not with his hands…
And now Sporting Kansas City has just announced that they have invited Mr. Ochocinco in for a four day trial period, after which they’ll determine if they want to keep the star wide receiver around for a bit longer.
Publicity stunt? Not so fast.
"We’re always searching for players who can help our team and bringing in new talent,” Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter Vermes says. “We know that Chad is an exceptional athlete and that he loves the sport of soccer, and he did play a lot when he was younger. We’re excited to see how his skills will translate once he arrives next week and begins training with our team."
What? Seriously?
Yes. Seriously.
“Soccer was always my first sport. That was my first love. Started from four years old and once I got to high school, I had to make a decision on what I wanted to focus on and take me to the next level,” said Ochocinco last year in an interview with Fox Soccer Talk Live. “I warm up with a soccer ball Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. That’s how I warm up before practice. On gamedays, I use it to warm my legs up. I juggle for maybe 30 or 40 minutes.”
Can Ochocinco become the first NFL-MLS crossover star?
Unlikely. But don’t tell Chad that. When asked about the possibility of becoming a pro soccer player, he replied:
“I’m ready. I’m all for it. If the opportunity presented itself, believe me, I would take it. And I think I might have the chance this upcoming year,” adding, “There’s not one person in soccer right now that would beat me running, that’s including Lionel Messi.”
Well, Chad, here’s your chance.
But does SKC really need this distraction heading into their first game of the season this Saturday at Chivas? I guess I’m assuming this is a PR stunt and Ochocinco really has no chance at making the squad. So my question is why? Why now?
Hey, maybe he can ball…
Nueve-Diaz
Now that he’s balling with SKC he needs to change his name to Ocho-Stinko.
No such thing as bad pub…
… for SKC. People will talk about them – they have 3 months of no home games – this is win-win.
If he can ball – they’ve got a player. Wing midfielder, I assume.
If he can’t – more pub next week about “a great competitor, gave it all he had, brought some good vibes to the team…”
My guess is that he can’t, if juggling is his claim to soccer experience. Can he serve? Can he finish? Has he played a game at any level in the last 6 months?
Yep its a match!
Sporting KC and OchoCinco. Two really stupid names. They should go together!