http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123680101041299201.html

American kids need soccer. There are not many fat soccer players.

And the author is a professor of religion and philosophy, even. Just an example that sometimes advanced degrees do not necessarily confer sound logic. The fellow just about called soccer unAmerican. On any given weekend one can witness thousands of little unAmericans having a good time kicking a little round sphere until exhaustion. And, they all look healthy and happy to me!

He bases all his opinions on youth soccer, therefore, by definition, he's a f#$%ing nutbag who obviously doesn't know how to present an argument. I'm trying to make general, broad sweeping statements about a sport, so, ........lets use children as the basis for my argument. Good idea you FNB. I'm assuming the mighty Wall Street Journal didn't have to pay him for that drivel.

And of course the sport is responsible for the war on terror, the lack of wmd & the failed economy, gay weddings, drugs & the crime rate.

Webb, Stephen H.
E-mail Address: webbs@wabash.edu
Title: Professor of Religion & Philosophy
Department: Philosophy
Phone Number: 765-361-6264
Campus Location: Center Hall 217

Title: Professor of Religion & Philosophy
Department: Religion
Phone Number: 765-361-6264
Campus Location: Center Hall 217
Links www.stephenhwebb.com

That wasn't worth the time I spent reading.

I love baseball too, but I certainly don't feel threatened by the wonderful success of the beautiful game in the United States. After all John Kruk said it best - "baseball players aren't athletes". While I must disagree somewhat - there are some very good athletes in baseball - but the possibility for a good (though out of shape) hitter to be successful at the highest level is part of what is wrong with America (AIG bonuses to executives who ruined the company). In soccer everybody better be fit - and at the professional level if one player is slacking on the field your team is in trouble. Soccer is a wonderful metaphor for teamwork, self-respect, compassion, and using your head and your whole body. Just because most players don't hit the ball with their hand - by no means should suggest that the hands aren't important.

Poor Mr. Webb hasn't found out about the joys of life yet - sounds like he needs to be nudged aside with a good shoulder shove by someone with more passion to get to the ball!

Thanks for the heads up. I won't bother.

I'd rather go listen to Jim Rome or Rooney from the JT the Brick radio show...

A perfect example of why the WSJ is no longer relevant in the world of news. Someone forgot to tell this douche the only ACTUAL American sports are Basketball (which he'd say is the domain of "thugs") and Lacrosse (which he'd also call a "girl's sport"). Hopefully his daughter gave him a good goal kick right in the package.

This was discussed on the "other" board. The author has apologized, and claimed it was written tongue in cheek. This is an old article.