To absolutely no one’s surprise, Sporting Kansas City announced earlier this week that Chad Ochocinco would not be receiving a contract offer. They did, however, offer Chad the title of "honorary member."
"Honorary member?" That’s kinda like Larry the Cable Guy getting an honorary degree from MIT.
So what does this mean?
A couple things.
It means Ochocinco’s soccer skills and soccer fitness are nowhere near the level required to play in the MLS, or any other pro league for that matter. Not even close. But we knew this, right? (No? You need to read my stuff more, it’s spot on.)…
It means Ochocinco can come and train with the reserve squad if he wants to. Will he? If he does, I doubt it will be very often. My guess is he will show up for a few home games this summer, kick around with the guys out at Swope Park, then party at the new stadium while the jumbotron finds him in the Supporter’s Section rocking his SKC gear and leading a chant or two.
All in all, and despite my distaste for the sunshine being blown around peoples’ nether-regions – "Chad is a good player," or "We’re just trying to find the best players for our team," or "If he trains for a few months he could play in this league."
Um, yeah, ok...
Despite all that, SKC has gotten what they wanted out of this stunt. A six minute feature on SportsCenter. Jim Rome talked about it. Over 40 media members at Chad’s first "practice."
Hell, this is the third article I’ve written about it.
And, to Mr. Ochocinco’s credit, through the whole deal he has been the humblest, friendliest, and most honest guy in the bunch. He acknowledged that he had no chance of actually making the team and that he was simply trying to live out a dream by pursuing an opportunity that was created by his fame.
He understood that, and his approach was spot on, which is respectable. And he even took the whole team out to dinner on the Plaza.
I’m just glad it’s over so Sporting KC has one less huge distraction sapping their focus. Oh, I know, I know, Chad wasn’t a distraction at all. Did they tell you to say that?
They did, didn’t they?
And now, check out some stadium porn that I captured recently during a tour of LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. The final slab of turf was laid in place just as I arrived. Enjoy.
Next up for Ocho
Killer Whale trainer at the San Diego Zoo.
SKC?
Shouldn’t that be more like SKCK.
I’m not going to be negative about soccer…I have never been a Comets or Wiz game….and can barely get thru a World Cup match..
As for Chad O…if you don’t think that guy could train for a year on Soccer and start dominating those guys is naive in my view.
You are to young to remember the hyped Wilt Chamberlain VS. Cassius Clay boxing match….see Wilt Chamberlain would of killed Ali no question in my mind.
I love that they brought him into to KC…sure got my attention.
Rumor of Free Beer
Though unconfirmed, a source tells me that there just might, maybe, possibly be some free beer to be had, compliments of Sporting KC.
Sporting KC is hosting a First Friday Tailgate this evening at their Crossroads offices (19th Street between Central and Wyandotte in downtown Kansas City, Mo) from 5pm to 8pm. The event will feature live music from DJ Mike Scott and an Ultimate Tailgate Trailer with food and drinks, as well as an interior lounge where guests can play FIFA 2011.