Did MLS punish Hristo Stoichkov adequately for his leg-breaking tackle on an American University player? Let me hear from ya!
Correct. While I think the punishment was spot on, as I'd called for almost the exact punishment before and after I'd seen the tape, there still should be an option for those who think it was too harsh. How a two game suspension for that tackle is too harsh I cant comprehend, but that discussion is for another thread at another time.
I would say very lenient, considering the fact that he is still allowed to serve as an assistant coach during his suspension. C'mon, guys-- all or nothing here, please. Otherwise, the debates of the effectiveness of his suspension (which is different from whether the punishment was "too hard, too soft or just right", to quote Goldilocks) will linger on.
I had indeed thought about that. But after reading Paul Gardner's SA column, I did not think that ANYONE out there would think that the punishment that Stoichkov got was too severe! I also did not think that anybody thought that there should be NO punishment! Too bad Gardner's article is not online or I'd post the URL here (I already checked the SA website).
The punishment really should have been all or nothing. He may have been sorry afterward, but MLS really doesn't need one of its aging members to make the league look bad, and they should take harsh measures to make sure that an incident like that is punished.
Going off of media reports, and not seeing a tape of this or anything, I think the punishment is justified, but a little harsh, considering it wasn't an MLS game. Granted, Hristo probably didn't go into the tackle thinking "I'm going to break this kid's leg," but obviously if it was a rough enough tackle to snap a bone. Was he remorseful? It seems like it. Two game suspension? More like three since DC voluntarily kept him out of the next game while the disciplinary report was pending. $2000 fine? Uh...that's what kills me. That's awfully steep. I'd be more content if it was even $1500. Where does that money go anyway? To the AU student's recovery or to MLS to help pay off their debt? $2000 for tackling someone?! I understand if MLS is trying to send a message to the players to be more cautious, but again I'll say I don't think Stoichkov intentionally broke Freddy Llerena's leg. It makes you think what amount will MLS fine a player who intentionally makes a dirty tackle on another MLS player during the season.
The gray area - as I see it - is that Hristo will still be at both games. He is being allowed to work as an assistant coach while serving his "playing" suspension. I've heard some grumbling about that.
Was the practice match between DCU and AU a match officially sanctioned by MLS? If not, I don't see why MLS should be given the responsibility or right to sanction Stoichkov, even if his tackle was horrible (which appeared to be from all reports). If DCU wants to penalize Stoichkov, I am all for it. I just question whether MLS should be the party to dish out the penalty. If the AU player had put in a horrible, horrible tackle in a scrimmage against DCU, should NCAA be responsible for penalizing the AU player?
Leagues in every sport around the world have taken liberty with punishment for actions outside the direct authority of their league. It's the same as the FA punishing Brit players for publishing dirty little details in books, or the NBA sanctioning its players for off the court antics.