Deadline Day

No, not in the NHL, that's March 4. Not in the NBA either, that's Feb 19.

Today is the deadline for negotiations in the case of Beckham v. the city of Los Angeles.
Beckham maintains he wants to remain in Milan where he's been playing the last several weeks on loan from his MLS club, but so far the Galaxy have not been happy with the money that Milan has been offering them for his release.

The latest news on the matter was that LA had rejected a deal in the $10 million dollar range. My money is on the deal getting done before the end of the day and Beckham moving back full-time to the land of pasta and pizza.

But what if it doesn't? What if Milan does not make what the Galaxy would refer to as a suitable offer. What then?

I don't think Beckham can play in LA anymore. He's clearly vilified himself there and pretty much turned the collective hatred of the city square on him. But what are his other options?

Well, firstly he can play and play through the boos and jeers that he undoubtedly will get. Secondly he can sit out and wait for the team to file a suit against him asking for their money back.

Or, he can discuss the possibility of a trade to another team.

But where?

Beckham commands big dollars, we know that. So he'd have to go to a city or a team that would a)be able to afford him, b)want him and c)has a soccer crowd already so he can feel appreciated (because clearly that's important to him).

Hmm...Do I know of any cities that has a big MLS following, a rich-as-snot ownership group, a vacant 'designated player' spot and also happens to be the most 'European' feeling city of all the MLS clubs...?

Yes, my friends. I am talking about Toronto.

The TFC are owned by Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), the same fine people who bring you the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Air Canada Center and soon, Maple Leaf Square condominiums (good rooms still available). These guys fill their pillows with 50 dollar bills to sleep on. They use 20's as kindling when their furnace breaks down...In short, they've got the dough.

TFC already has a huge following in the city, with every single game selling out and season tickets impossible to grab. They even attract a big following on the road. Just as an added point, TFC fans were in the news last year for their habit of tossing streamers and toilet paper onto the field (specifically their opponents) during games. A very 'Euro' thing to do.

Toronto is the most multi-cultural city in the MLS and has the most distinctive Euro-feel to it. Just ask Andrea Bargnani how comfortable he was the first time he stepped into Little Italy. Maybe he and Becks can hang out, trade canoli recipes.

TFC also has an empty designated player spot to fill on their roster. Meaning that no matter how close they are to the cap, they can add Beckham in that role at no penalty.

Imagine the publicity Toronto would get for adding the worlds most famous soccer player to it's list of residents. I don't see any way the sponsorship and merchandise dollars don't come pouring down if Beckham comes to town and we all know how much MLSE loves money.

Listen, I'm not saying it's gonna happen, I'm not even saying it might happen. I'm just saying that from a not so objective standpoint, if talks between Beckham and the Galaxy don't go as they'd hoped, they have an option for him in hogtown.