Why soccer players should stick to soccer
Ever wonder how professional soccer players might do in other sporting endeavors? I do too. Could Oguchi Onyewu really have been an NFL linebacker? Could DaMarcus Beasley been a Juan Pierre-like speed demon on the basepaths? Could Michael Bradley have been a world-class pole vaulter?
The answer to that last one is a definite no, as evidenced by this video clip:
The damage comes at the 47-second mark when Bradley feels some pain.
Luckily for Heerenveen and the U.S. national team, Bradley is better at scoring goals and playing midfield than he is at track & field events.
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer columnist for ESPNsoccernet.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
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notice the knot on his head during the interview. priceless
Posted by: evan | March 03, 2008 at 09:56 PM
HAHAHAHAHA!!! Classic Ives, classic.
Posted by: Nic | March 03, 2008 at 09:58 PM
Ouch!
Posted by: Tim F. | March 03, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Hahaha, that is only one basic part of pole vaulting, I think it's safe to say he should never try the real thing. I found out the hard way myself that pole vaulting wasn't for me in high school. Awesome.
Posted by: kpugs | March 03, 2008 at 10:12 PM
That is amazing. He has a knot in his forehead, and is bleeding (very slightly) while saying "no problem". Unreal. What a video.
Posted by: Dannyc58 | March 03, 2008 at 10:15 PM
why would clubs even let their players do that? talk about messing up a knee
Posted by: ben | March 03, 2008 at 10:24 PM
I don't think I could imagine doing what the people did in the video...it would be too painful.
Posted by: John Simon Flushing | March 03, 2008 at 10:27 PM
haaaaa!!! instant classic!!!!
Posted by: PKTaker | March 03, 2008 at 10:35 PM
It looks like an episode of that spoof show extreme elimination challenge. Aint that right Kenny Blankenship....
Posted by: Charlie N. | March 03, 2008 at 10:54 PM
LMAO
Posted by: David Berger | March 03, 2008 at 10:58 PM
Charlie N, nice call!
That video is too freaking funny! Great pick up Ives!
Posted by: Nick | March 03, 2008 at 11:04 PM
I agree with Ben this seems like a blown knee or broken ankle just waiting to happen
Posted by: dwbpnm | March 04, 2008 at 12:01 AM
EPIC FAIL.
Posted by: Fire_Juve10 | March 04, 2008 at 12:04 AM
From now on I'm referring to Michael Bradley as "Bad Injured".
Posted by: Joamiq | March 04, 2008 at 12:31 AM
You know you couldn't make this stuff up. Only in Friesland.
Mon the Veen'
Posted by: YankatOxford | March 04, 2008 at 02:49 AM
Next time roll up your sleeves, Micheal. Why was he playing with his shirt during the run-up? Must have been thinking about his goal celebration instead of focusing on the finish.
The real idiots were the guys who were straddling that pole real aggressively.
Posted by: Liverpool_SC | March 04, 2008 at 07:25 AM
Actually I know of several people who argue that athletes of other sports should play soccer. Wes Welker of the Patriots credits his great footwork and ability to elude tackles to playing soccer. Many hockey coaches I've known wanted their players to play soccer for the footwork for handling pucks when battling on the boards. The vision and creativity translates directly to basketball.
I do agree that soccer players should stick to the sport, especially those you mentioned who are good enough to professionals in tough leagues. The flip side though is that more athletes from other sports should use soccer to become better in their own sport.
Posted by: MonkeyBoy | March 04, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Forget him being out for Heerenveen. I'm more worried about him being out for the USMNT. Jesus Christ. Pretty hilarious though.
Posted by: Franklin | March 04, 2008 at 08:29 AM
Funny, but come on. He's got a lot better chance of injuring himself that way then with playing with the U-23's
Posted by: chuck | March 04, 2008 at 08:59 AM
OMG HAHAHA
Posted by: Wow | March 04, 2008 at 10:33 AM
I'm waiting for someone to dub in a classic "GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!" soundbyte into that clip.
Posted by: Squard | March 04, 2008 at 10:43 AM
what do u think his old man is saying? how much does personal judgement factor in making decisions on call-ups? OOFA!
Posted by: Paul | March 04, 2008 at 02:32 PM
good times. Boppe Fryslan!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fierljeppen
Posted by: the other Paul | March 04, 2008 at 09:46 PM