The Breaking News and Rumors Thread

Knave · Mar 29, 2004

Before posting on this thread please take a look at the following guidelines and the notes on thread organization.

The guidelines and notes will be modified and amended as needed. Indeed, the honest truth is that nobody is really sure how all this will work (or if it'll work) but these will get us started.

By the way, unlike its predecessor this thread won’t be stuck. So if you want to keep track of it please subscribe to it. This link should work for that. Otherwise just click Thread Tools (top of this thread) and choose Subscribe to this thread, and follow the directions.

A Few Guidelines

This thread is modeled after the breaking news threads at USSoccerUK. It serves two purposes.

First, it’s basically just a blog for DC United related rumor and gossip with a bit of light banter added in. The tolerance of mere rumor on the DC United board is really fairly low, but at the same time there still ought to be a place to discuss such things on this board. This thread has less restrictive standards than those generally agreed upon here. As such, it will enable posters who want to post something unsourced or badly sourced the opportunity to do that while, at the same time, not infringing upon the usual news standards in other threads.

If you’re interested in a rumor and want to have an in-depth discussion about it then, by all means, start a new thread. Let’s keep things in proportion. Don’t take what you read here too seriously. Once it appears in the established press, that’s when to take it seriously.

Also, although not every rumor needs its own thread (hence this thread), it's quite possible that a few actually do. Use your judgment to figure out which is which. If in doubt consult a mod.

If there’s any chance a rumor is embarrassing to the team, a player, the coach or anyone else please run it by a moderator before posting. We’ve had some problems along these lines in the past and we’d like to avoid them in the future. So keep things focused on the team situation. We don’t need to delve into personal lives unless there’s a clear and direct team implication. Again, consult a mod if there’s any question.

Second, this is also the only place on the DC United board for discussion of non-DC United related news. It’ll serve as a repository for links to breaking news on other boards and websites. There was a lot of interest in having a place on this board for broader MLS discussion, but in many respects we just can't have that on this board without losing our focus on DC United. This isn't a general MLS board. But we might be able to sneak in a bit of general MLS discussion for those that want it without disrupting the focus of the board by expanding the rumors threads to include breaking news.

Part of the reason people want a bit of general MLS discussion on this board is because they don't have much time, but still wanted to know about the latest trades and happenings around league. Please keep that in mind when posting here. Let's keep things pretty light and not overwhelm folks with a whole lot of analysis and opinion. I suspect there’ll be plenty of links to threads on other boards for those that want to follow up on the breaking news and events. So even while this thread won't offer in depth analysis and discussion, it should help to keep you up to date and point you towards more information and analysis.

A few notes on thread organization for regulars and irregulars alike

This thread will cover a variety of wide ranging topics and have more than one discussion going on at once. To make it easier to navigate we (particularly the thread regulars) should try to maintain a few posting habits to take advantage of the board's new threading features. (Click "display mode" in the upper right to experiment with these features if you're not already familiar with them.)

First, when starting a new topic please make the post title very explicit and clear so that folks using the threading features can identity the topic of your post easily. (Limiting posts to a single core topic each will also help maintain organization.)

Second, when replying to a post please use the "quick reply" box below or be sure to "quote" the post to which you're responding (and don't change the title from the default).

By doing these things we'll be able to maintain thread continuity more easily for those who don't follow this thread religiously. I know it sounds like a lot to do all this, but it's actually really simple and straightforward in practice.

Knave · Mar 29, 2004

Daniel Snyder :: DC United's new I/O?

As promised here’s the interesting rumor emailed to me a few days ago. I have no idea who it’s from – some Yahoo address so it could be anyone.

Paraphrasing … The rumor is that someone involved closely with MLS, though not working inside MLS headquarters itself, suggests that Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder is sniffing about and showing some interest in becoming the new investor operator of DC United. That’s the entirety of it that I got – just that he’s shown some interest and that he’s kicking the tires to see if it’s really worth investing in.

For all I know the rumor is baseless, and the sender is just trying to pull my (and our) leg. But, nonetheless, it’s interesting. Make of it what you will ...

dcufan1984 · Mar 29, 2004

given the sheer amount of buzz surrounding freddy and dcu in general right now, i wouldn't be surprised if a guy like snyder had his ears perk up. i wouldn't be surprised in the slightest.

however, interest is a completely different story than an offer. once potential investors become informed of the restraints of mls' business structure, they usually run away with their tails tucked firmly between their legs.

i suppose we'll just have to wait and see if their is any truth to this juicy little rumor...

JoeW · Mar 29, 2004

Snyder would be intriguing. Here's why...lost in all the hype over "the Danny" and the free agent signings is...he's turned the Skins into a hugely profitably money machine. I would hope he'd be interested in DCU with the caveat that a SSS would make them profitable (and not as just another tenant for FedEx field much like the Revs are in the Razor).

You know, I'm not so sure that NFL owners would be put out by the single entity structure. Remember, for most NFL teams, there money comes from TV contracts and league advertising contracts. And those ARE single entity.

Definitely intriguing Knave.

geordienation · Mar 29, 2004

Love him or hate him (and some of us fall squarely in the latter group), the guy is a marketing juggernaut.

Investing in the NFL, though, is not like investing in MLS. He had a guaranteed return on his money with the Redskins.

Interesting rumor. Can't believe it would actually happen.

fatbastard · Mar 29, 2004

Re: Daniel Snyder :: DC United's new I/O?

So quickly, everyone gets their subjects wrong
Danny Snyder is an evil bastard, but not moreso than our current owner and he's at least local and not afraid of the press. I'd say access to the NFL marketing people would be great - but then I remember New England and Kansas City have that and most people have never heard of either team. They have heard of DC United.
I think it might be good for the league to have a guy like him mixing up their owners meetings a bit. I wonder what Kraft and Hunt think of dealing with him.....

JoseP · Mar 29, 2004

As a Redskin season ticket holder, the idea of Snyder running DC United appauls me. He squeeze every penny of you, put DC United at FedX field, and music will be blaring at the games.

GDopplerXT · Mar 29, 2004

Hmmm, I think it's an interesting idea, Snyder being the owner/operator of DC United. I think the guy is an a-hole, so I'm against it from that perspective, but from a business point of view he's doing the business with the 'skins.

However, I think it's totally different when it comes to MLS. With the Redskins you can jack up the prices for tickets, parking, concessions, and everything else as you wish; fans will grumble and whine, but you know that the stadium will be sold out anyway (probably for many years to come). It would take a major blunder of a relatively long period of time to see a negative impact on attendance and sales, I would think.

MLS is totally different, you have to balance a lot more variables and 'cater' to a much smaller fan base who may be more fickle than 'skins fans. While I think Snyder is probably bright enough to realize that, I get the sense that he is greedy enough to disregard it and could piss a lot of us off.

McOwen · Mar 30, 2004

The guy paid what? $900 million for the Redskins? I think he could force the less then $25 over that it would cost to buy this team in ten seconds flat. Why he would want to is a different story...

I think he will have his hands full enough this season with the Redskins and Joe Gibbs. The real issue with United vs. the Redskins will be IF Gibbs turns the team around (and I'll put my money down that he will) will United fans turn out in numbers IF we really SUCK. I think Adu can only help so much and the exact fans that come out to see him are the bandwagon sorts that will jump ship the minute we lose. This town loves and needs a winner.

Dave Brother · Mar 30, 2004

Little Danny is a tool. He's all about a buck. IF he were to buy into United, you can forget about the relationship we have off the pitch with the players and front office. The Danny would hike up ticket prices, parking, BEER PRICES and would charge for any player appearances. IMHO that would include even the post match gatherings we have come to love.

The Danny + DC United = Fans Lose.

RobtheAggie · Mar 30, 2004

Iran vs. Guatemala @ RFK

5/1/04
International Exhibitions (non-U.S. National Teams)
Iran vs. Guatemala
RFK Stadium (Washington, D.C.)

http://www.ussoccer.com/events/default.sps

Fixed title per thread guidelines

Th4119 · Mar 30, 2004

JoseP said:

As a Redskin season ticket holder, the idea of Snyder running DC United appauls me. He squeeze every penny of you, put DC United at FedX field, and music will be blaring at the games.
Click to expand...

Exactly. One of the best parts about the team right now is the fact that it is so affordable to be a fan of DC. If Snyder came in that's the first thing that would change.

Frog Boy · Mar 30, 2004

Ugh, not Dan Snyder. The guy has systematically ruined the Redskins (that's fine becaue I am an Eagles fan). But, I don't want him to ruin DC United.

Yea, he makes money but he is a meddlesome little twerp. I doubt that there is much interest conisdreing that he is probably more conceerned about his fantasy football team (the Redskins) than any other thing. Plus, if it does happen and he moves out to Fed Ex field, it will ruin the whole atmosphere.

I hope this is only a rumor or an early April Fools Joke.

sch2383 · Mar 30, 2004

To take a line from Kornhiser, while the Redskins aren't doing so great on the field, off the field Snyder is lapping the pack. But we must remember Snyder won't buy anything out of the goodness of his heart, he will buy it to make money. That means we will either have to have a SSS or have one in progress.

That said if we were just to have Snyder as the guy signing hte checks and not inseting himself into the operations, then I might be for it.

DCU9ted · Mar 30, 2004

Ecuador - Ireland :: International Friendly at RFK

The Fifa Website reports

28.04.2004 - WASHINGTON DC
Ecuador - Ireland Republic
Classification:F Friendly 2004

Has anyone else heard if this is officially going to happen?

neilgrossman · Mar 30, 2004

Re: OT: International Friendly at RFK

There will also be Iran-Guatamela on May 1.

http://www.ussoccer.com/events/default.sps

I don't think either will be a DCU double header. April 28 is a Wednesday. DC is in SJ May 1.

Knave · Mar 30, 2004

Carrieri signs for Rochester

Rochester Raging Rhinos Vice President/General Manager Chris Economides announced today that the club has come to terms with forward Chris Carrieri.
Click to expand...

http://www.rhinossoccer.com/news/040331-634.shtml

McOwen · Mar 30, 2004

All of you whining about Dan Snyder need to remember this team doesnt even have a proper owner. NOR do half the teams in this league. Having a guy with a wallet that size would be great for MLS regardless of your views towards him. If you havent noticed investors are hardly beating the door down. The phrase "never look a gift horse in the mind" springs to mind.

--I remind you all that this league is an Anshultz or Kraft change of heart (or heart attack) away from folding.

elconejito · Mar 30, 2004

Stadium Location Rumblings

Just read an article on ESPN's soccernet about RFK potentially selling out. Not much new except for at the very bottom of the article it mentions 2 potential sites for a SSS.

Here's the link
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=295766&cc=5901

RobtheAggie · Mar 30, 2004

Re: Ecuador - Ireland :: International Friendly at RFK

DCU9ted said:

The Fifa Website reports

28.04.2004 - WASHINGTON DC
Ecuador - Ireland Republic
Classification:F Friendly 2004

Has anyone else heard if this is officially going to happen?
Click to expand...

That match was originally listed as 2005. Ireland has another match that day confirmed by their FA. There was a thread about it in the Ireland forum.

doneshufflin · Mar 30, 2004

elconejito said:

Just read an article on ESPN's soccernet about RFK potentially selling out. Not much new except for at the very bottom of the article it mentions 2 potential sites for a SSS.

Here's the link
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=295766&cc=5901
Click to expand...

So am I safe to assume that the stadium would be somewhere in Anacostia Park?

scudley · Mar 30, 2004

DC to play in Rochester

MLS Superstars Adu and Kovalenko to visit Frontier Field

It looks like DC United is coming to my neck of the woods (an hour away anyhow) to play the Rhinos. Game is on Wednesday June 23.

Fun fact: Dema went to high school in the Rochester area.

Haig · Mar 30, 2004

McOwen said:

--I remind you all that this league is an Anshultz or Kraft change of heart (or heart attack) away from folding.
Click to expand...

Snyder's deep pockets would indisputably help MLS, but it seems to me that those of you who fear Snyder because he would trap DCU at Fed Ex Field seem like you've got a well-placed concern.

As far as getting screwed on parking and concession prices, that's one you're probably just gonna have to live with.

And a Kraft heart attack? He only owns the Revs. I'm not sure the league couldn't go forward without New England, and maybe a new owner might want a more suitable stadium for MLS. Certainly the league could do without the kind of penny-pinching that has led to the utterly ridiculous practice of blocking off one side of the stadium to spectactors.

Losing Lamar Hunt would be far more significant.

Dave Brother · Mar 30, 2004

McOwen said:

All of you whining about Dan Snyder need to remember this team doesnt even have a proper owner. NOR do half the teams in this league. Having a guy with a wallet that size would be great for MLS regardless of your views towards him. If you havent noticed investors are hardly beating the door down. The phrase "never look a gift horse in the mind" springs to mind.

--I remind you all that this league is an Anshultz or Kraft change of heart (or heart attack) away from folding.
Click to expand...

You're right on all points. I just plain hate The Danny.

If and only if, The Danny were to take a serious interest in the club, and build a SSS, and market the hell out of them would I maybe start to warm up to him.
I just know a snake when I see one. The only football he loves is NFL. If The Danny were to buy United's rights, I would only hope he has the long term commitment that Kraft and Uncle Phil have had.

Knave · Mar 31, 2004

Harrison Deal Not Done

Looks like the NY Times jumped the gun ...

"In reference to the MetroStars' stadium story that ran today, I found out that the papers actually were not signed," Garber said in an e-mail message yesterday, referring to an article on Monday in The New York Times. "I am extremely confident that the project for the MetroStars and Hudson County will be completed in the near term."
Click to expand...

MetroStars' Stadium Deal Not Done Yet - New York Times