Let’s get this blog thing going, shall we. Yes, I’ve finally entered the ‘Blog Generation’ … so let the corruption and blogging begin.

Now, before you all starting assessing my on-air likeness (and yes, I’m all natural), you’ve got to check out this guy. Remember the Boom-Goes-the-Dynamite dude? Who can forget that train-wreck? Well, this most recent ‘sports guy’ gives the Dynamite Kid a run for his money.

http://www.coedmagazine.com/entertainment/4884


That guy going on-air – bad decision. But it’s nowhere near as bad of a decision as this clown, deciding to tattoo the Patriots symbol on his head! What’s going through his head when he thought that was a good idea? Clearly, he wasn’t thinking about ever having a sex life again … EVER!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8guMii5Uuw


Anyway, let’s get to business and talk some footy. A story flying way under the radar last week managed to catch my eye. The coolest bald guy I know (aside from my father), the man, the icon, Zinedine Zidane expressed interest in following Mr. Beckham’s lead, coming to the MLS. To the North American soccer-hater out there (and we all know one of them), Zidane coming across the pond would give them more reason to think the league is on the road to bust. I can hear the comparisons to the NASL already! The same argument comes out every time – he’s a washed up soccer player, past there prime, coming to a league to make a lot of money while only helping the economics of the league short-term. The same person will also say in the MLS, a player like Zidane’s expected to score goals to appease the uneducated American soccer fan, which puts a premium on goal scoring and statistics instead of ball possession and mastery on the ball.

Okay, so now that garbage is out of the way, I’ll tell you what I think. Zidane to the MLS – make it happen, and make it happen now! Any soccer observer (casual or serious) will tell you the French playmaker was the best player (head-butts aside) in the 2006 World Cup. Theirs is no way a player of his pedigree’s skill-set has dropped significantly over the past year and a half. The reason why he retired after the 2006 World Cup had nothing to do with ability. He has now 35 and will undoubtedly be out to change the embarrassing image that brought an end to his illustrious career. What’s in it for the MLS?

I say instant credibility. It’s not as if Zidane’s a run of the mill veteran who performed well in some generic European league unbeknownst to the North American public. Zidane is an icon – dare I say the best of his generation. The influence he could have on the younger generations of Canadian and American players going through the MLS system could be invaluable. Zidane possesses the type of class and quality in his play that should be more readily preached in the MLS. To make it clear, I have no problem with the fast pace and long-ball driven style of the MLS. However, there are times when putting a foot on the ball and knocking it around not only provides style, but substance. If Zidane is actually serious about his desire to resurrect his career (and I think he is), the MLS should do all in there power to get his signature. The fans should not only demand it, but they deserve it! Hey, isn’t Toronto FC in the market for some good players?


What else’s on The Grill?
- I’ll be going 1-on-1 with Raptors rookie Jamario Moon Thursday night. Got a question for Jamario? Email me at gareth.wheeler@suntv.canoe.ca
- ‘Rock Band’ for Xbox 360 is amazing. It’s the ultimate party game.
- Check out HBO’s ROME. Although the series wasn’t picked up for a third season, the first two are definitely worth a watch.
- I’m going to see Peter, Bjorn and John Tuesday. I’ll let you know how it was.
- Also, Sun TV’s very own Tara Slone is playing the Tattoo Rock Bar on Queen St. Wednesday night. Tickets are $10. Drowning Girl is also playing.
- Chicago Bulls second-round draft pick Jameson Curry was arrested last week at 2:25am in Idaho last week for … get this, PUBLIC URINATION! Two questions: 1) What’s he doing out in Idaho at 2:25 am, and 2) Who hasn’t taken a leak in public?
- The Bud Light “dude” commercial … INCREDIBLE!
- Consider the Bills playing a regular season game in Toronto next season to be the equivalent of having one-foot out the door. Sorry fine citizens of Buffalo … I do sympathize.

I always love hearing from you - got a question or comment? Drop me a line at gareth.wheeler@suntv.canoe.ca

GW

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