This is huge

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Ronaldo, the star of the 2002 world champion Brazil, has spoken to representatives of the New York Red Bulls about the possibility of playing for the MLS team, BigAppleSoccer.com has learned. Ronaldo, who performs for Real Madrid in Spain and who is expected to play for Brazil in the World Cup in Germany this summer, is interested in joining the team, according to sources close to the club and sources from around the league. There is even some scuttlebutt that Ronaldo already has agreed to join the team, but that has not been confirmed. -- BigAppleSoccer.com

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http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/scorecard/04/06/truth.rumors.soccer/index.html

if this happens i will be in a catatonic state of shock

'The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.'

In other news, Jimmy Johnson was named A&M's new head coach today.

I've seen the rumors flying around but...I'll believe it when I see it. It would be huge IF the rules aren't bent just so he can join the league (see salary cap and max salary) and IF he doesn't treat this as simply a way to live in New York and doesn't take his job, the team, or MLS seriously.

MAYBE this could happen if MLS adopts the "Beckham Rule" because God knows Red Bull has gobs of money to throw around and they are willing to spend it.

To say I'm skeptical is an understatement.

The fact that cnnsi ran an article makes me more than skeptical about it.

But I do think NY would be the ideal place for an athlete such as Ronaldo to live. Think about it:
- Relative Anonymity
- Zero Pressure to Perfrom
- Big City with gadzooks of hot ladies
- Minimal press attention

What more could he ask for


Edit: That wasn't supposed to be a sleepy faced emoticon.

[This message has been edited by Sooner Born (edited 4/7/2006 12:25a).]

I would love to see it happen. He'd definitely draw fans to games. I've heard his transfer fee is supposed to be around 15 million though, which I don't know if MLS can afford.

If there is one team that could afford 15 mil it's redbull.

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MAYBE this could happen if MLS adopts the "Beckham Rule" because God knows Red Bull has gobs of money to throw around and they are willing to spend it.

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you guys have to realize something, the teams do not pay the salaries...the league does so it doesn't matter how much money Red Bull has

hell, our owner and the owner of LA, DC, Chicago and formerly NY/NJ could easily fork out huge pay for players, if it wasn't for Mr. a, there would be no MLS at all, he fronted the money to start the league.

It's funny that Anschutz lives in Denver yet doesn't own the Rapids...

[This message has been edited by Sooner Born (edited 4/7/2006 10:41a).]

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you guys have to realize something, the teams do not pay the salaries...the league does so it doesn't matter how much money Red Bull has

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My understanding is that if the Beckham Rule were to ever be adopted, that one player would sign with the individual team and not the league. As a result, I assumed that meant the team would pay their salary and not the league.

Of course, my understanding could be wrong...

Is the Beckham rule something they have instituted to eventually bring him here?

yes

or another high profile player

I suspect that is Beckham leaves Real Madrid he will come to America to play. He desperately wants a piece of this sporting market. The only reason I feel he has not made the move yet is because of World Cup and the level of play here would not keep him sharp. Since he is 30 and will most likely not be a key cog in 2010 look for him to come over here within a few years.

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Is the Beckham rule something they have instituted to eventually bring him here?

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Well, it hasn't been instituted yet but it is being discussed from what I hear and read...maybe as early as 2007. It got the name because I think Beckham was the first person people thought of that could benefit from this rule but as oreo said, it could be any player that the team feels is worth paying gobs of money without counting towards the cap.

Theoretically, a player like Eddie Johnson could be designated as a "Beckham Rule" player if KC felt the only way to keep him from Europe was to pay him oodles of money...and they were willing to do it.

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But I do think NY would be the ideal place for an athlete such as Ronaldo to live. Think about it:
- Relative Anonymity
- Zero Pressure to Perfrom
- Big City with gadzooks of hot ladies
- Minimal press attention

What more could he ask for

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All I have to say to that is Rio de Janeiro...just got back myself..NY does not compare.