If you really look at it, it’s where we are in the evolution of our league. The reality is that a smart young guy can take a look at things and say, "I can build my professional career right now, or I can continue playing soccer, not making as much as I would in the business world and have to start over when I’m 30, 35." I think that’s just the reality now. If you look at other sports, and you have these young guys who come out, they have the aspiration to sign that big contract. That allows some buffer time when you do retire to be able to figure things out. You have a lot more leeway and opportunity to do things. A young guy, a smart guy like Ty Harden, decided to choose a different path. For him, it was a personal decision and I think all the guys here respect the decision that he made.
Sounds like something that Donovan would say.
ReplyDeleteGreat quote...makes a lot of sense.
Nope, it wasn't LD.
ReplyDeleteMartino?
ReplyDeleteSounds like Pete.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I was thinking Martino or Vagenas.
ReplyDeleteAll wrong.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly sounds like a veteran with a great quote... My guess is Chris Klein.
ReplyDelete-------
Nick in Boston
Nick wins! Good call.
ReplyDeletestill doesn't make complete sense to me. It's not like he's playing for free. I also don't know a ton of soccer players (or any athletes) who went to school to be engineers or some other career that pays bank immediately upon graduation.
ReplyDeleteIt also assumes one knows they aren't good enough for even a lower league in Europe, which many thought Harden might be one day.
Also Klein neglects to realize most people have a change in career when they are in their 30's so it's not like starting a new career in your 30's is all that odd.
Harden aside, the league does need to improve salaries. Hard to imagine it won't increase significatnly at the next CBA negotiation.
Yeah, Ty knew all about the salary structure going in. I just think he lost his passion for the game and it wasn't worth it to him. It happens.
ReplyDeleteHarden was a business major in college - not that I know what business majors make.
ReplyDeleteThey probably make a helluva lot more than Liberal Studies majors.
ReplyDeleteNot that I'm upset about my choice of majors or anything...
Yeah, you know you didn't pick a lucrative major when you look at Harden's salary and think, "Hey, that's pretty good!"
ReplyDeleteI totally understand where Ty is coming from. Why struggle for 10-15more years when you can pick up a 6 figure salary in 3-5 years. If he's as smart as they say he is then he can do it.
ReplyDeleteI also feel so bad for him from watching him last year i can't imagine he doesn't love soccer. The bad part is MLS soccer does not love him back as it should.