guess it really is the "Beckham Rule" -- and what it could bring to the league, assuming it is used wisely.
I have no interest in seeing a wave of over-the-hill names coming over to follow in Beckham's footsteps. I can watch them play on television and see them in the summer tours.
Now, what I do like to see is Beckham's decision to come here when he still does have some fuel left in the tank (remember, there were Premiership teams in the mix) and show the young stars-to-be here in the States there's value playing in this league.
For me, what will validate this move more than anything is the increase in the image of the league right here in the States, not as a nice late-career vacation to players around the world.
Beckham's arrival will undoubtedly bring a new wave of foreign talent, and yes, some of these players will be on the down side of their careers.
But assuming MLS can avoid the temptation of big names at the expense of the on-field product, this move has huge upside outside of Beckham himself.
And how to capitalize on that upside is where the real pressure lies, and what will define the success of this move.
But luckily until then, you and I just get to sit back and enjoy the ride.
During the season, The Clean Sheet runs each week on MLSnet. Views and opinions expressed in this column views and opinions are the author's, and not necessarily those of Major League Soccer or MLSnet.com. Send any questions and comments to tcsresponses@yahoo.com
