PARDON THE INTERRUPTION: SURPRISINGLY GOOD ANALYSIS

This is fascinating: I just saw a segment on the popular ESPN talk show, "Pardon the Interruption" with (Mr.) Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon, where they discussed the injury of David Beckham, and his absence from the line up for LA Galaxy games.

Now this isn't particularly interesting given that in the US, there seems to be only 3 occassions when the (above) average sports fan seems to care about soccer: (1) During the FIFA World Cup, (2) During the FIFA Women's World Cup and (3) Whenever the discussion involves David Beckham.

What amazed me about this segment was a fascinating insight into the reasons behind Beckham's absence from the lineup: his desire to play for England. We've all heard the stories of how Steve McLaren made a special trip all the way to the US, just to see how Beckham was doing, and to evaluate his potential to play for England in some crucial upcoming Euro qualifiers. As a result of this absurd news, Kornheiser brought up a point that would otherwise go unnoticed if we weren't so star struck by Golden Balls.

If Beckham were still playing for Real Madrid, do you think he'd be skipping games like he is here in MLS? In my estimation: yes. Kornheiser intimated that Beckham is saving himself for England, and that he should be applauded for doing so - I couldn't disagree more. I'm all in favor of players who will never turn their back on their country, but I also believe they are professionals and have to earn their paycheck - no matter how big or small it is. So in Beckham's case, I'm of the opinion that if Mr. Tony is right, and he's playing "eenie-meenie-minie-moe" with his MLS games, he should be tarred, feathered and sent back to Beckingham Palace, along with his intolerable wife and children.

But I seriously doubt that Real Madrid, had they retained the rights to Beckham, would be playing him whilst carrying an injury. Furthermore, I don't think Beckham is any longer important enough to England to merit playing for the national team if he is not playing regularly for his club, no matter how big or small the club is.

But I am happy to observe that Mr. Tony, and increasingly more of the national media in the US, are beginning to understand what makes footballers tick, and what questions to ask of America's newest sporting star, even though his analysis is probably off the mark.