Why Do I Play Soccer?

On Sunday, I was at my bi-weekly pickup game/therapy session that is soccer with my Guatemalan buddies. I had finished lacing up my boots and started heading toward the field. On the way, some gringos playing football (not futbol but football) started hassling us about going to playing soccer with the "Mexicans."

Let me clarify, growing up playing soccer in rural West Tennessee has prepared me for the "Football v. Futbol" debate, many times over. I was not frazzled by these Frat-daddies in the least bit. But I knew the longer that I tried educate these unbelievers about the beautiful game the more soccer I would miss out on. So, when one of the MENSA candidates pipped up and asked "Why play soccer? Why don't you play football?" I simply replied "Leo Messi is why I play soccer."

They continued to shout and jump around and stand uncomfortably close to one another but I walked off knowing that if they ever took the time to look up "Leo Messi" that they would know I had won that argument, many times over.

5' 6", 21 years old, arguably the best player in the world, heralded as the "new Maradona"by the man himself, and not a hint of ego: Leo Messi.

Olympic Thoughts...

-Michael Phelps. 6 Gold Metals. 6 World Records.

-Gymnasts are some bad S.O.B.'s . You know. For guys in tights...

-When I grow up, I wanna be Michael Phelps.

-The Soccer Gods are conspiring against Team USA. Only a loss will send us out. Our two best players are suspended. Get a red card in the 4th minute and lose 2-1.

-China put on a great "firework" show during the opening ceremonies.

-China knows how to find really cute "singers."

-According to the Chinese, their women's gymnasts are "16."

-What's the swimming equivalent of "Eat my dust"? I bet Michael Phelps knows...

-Michael Phelps should take up the pummel horse and help the US men out in 2012.