Salacious headlines are not the first thing that comes to mind when the American public thinks of Major League Soccer. Most people in America probably don’t even know what MLS stands for exactly. Many might say Multiple Listing Service, representing real estate and homes, which is what appears first on a Google search (MLS.com). Suffice it to say, if the question was narrowed to include sports only, still a big percentage would not know the answer.
If the public was asked what TMZ is or what the initials stand for, probably most would not have a clue about the initials (Thirty Mile Zone), but a decent percentage would probably respond by saying it’s that TV show that follows celebrities around. The gap between how many people know about TMZ and how many people know about Major League Soccer is hard to say, but more probably are familiar with TMZ.
As an entertainment news service, TMZ has done an impressive job in covering pop culture stories, even breaking some really big ones including Mel Gibson’s rants and Michael Jackson’s death.
TMZ purposely starts discussions to get headlines, like it has done in the past, comparing LA Galaxy players wives, David Beckham’s vs. Robbie Keane’s. ”Who would you rather?” is their way of phrasing the beauty contest.
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It’s probably a safe bet to say that most viewers of TMZ.com’s television show or readers to their website are not huge soccer fans. The motivation to watch TMZ or go to their website is to get more acquainted with the day’s most interesting headlines in the entertainment world. Sports figures have been known to get lots of exposure on TMZ, but stereotypical sports fans are most likely not TMZ’s bread n’ butter followers.
Regarding the happenings with MLS players, the only possible result I see is for TMZ followers to become fans of MLS, not just pass the information off to someone else who might care more. In other words, MLS is getting some pretty awesome publicity out of TMZ. The fact that they are showing interest and displaying it for so many other Americans to see from sea to shining sea provides MLS a platform they would unlikely ever be able to achieve on their own.
Keane’s debut with the Galaxy last season was fantastic, as he became an instrumental part in helping the Galaxy with MLS Cup 2011. Keane may have also been a positive influence in Beckham’s decision to re-up in L.A. for more years.
For many reasons, the league desperately needs the Galaxy to become a dynasty, winning multiple Cups. A successful Hollywood team provides more negotiating power with sponsors and TV networks.
If the contemporary Galaxy of Keane, Beckham, and Donovan do achieve a lasting legacy, they can thank TMZ, who in their own way is contributing greatly to building the Galaxy and MLS brands.
Howard Alperin is Managing Editor of AmericanizeSoccer.com
About Howard M Alperin
You are the most retarded sports writer I have ever had the displeasure of reading. This and your other stories about MLS are stupid, ignorant, and offensive and anyone can tell that you have never played or watched soccer in your entire life. This is the kind of article I’d expect to see on the Onion News Network, because it’s so blatantly false, offensive to MLS fans, and all around just a stupid random proposal that isn’t remotely true. Stop writing this garbage about American soccer and stick to the crappy sports you think you know so much about. Douchebag.
Kevin, while I appreciate your visit to the site, this comment is totally out of line and unnecessary. Whether you disagree with Howard’s points or not – and frankly, I sometimes do – there is no reason to call him “retarded” or “stupid” or a “douchebag.” The fact is, you only make yourself look like those descriptors and more, and I am sure that you are none of them; but this comment does not present in you a favorable light.
Howard works hard to write articles that present different viewpoints from the mainstream and will start conversations. If you disagree, by all means comment and present an opposing opinion. But there is no need to attack the writer personally. I’d delete your comment, but it makes you look far worse than it does Howard, so it stays.
Next time you choose to comment on of our aritlces, please try to do so with a little more class and respect.
While I agree that Kevin shouldn’t have resorted to calling Howard names, I have to agree that this guy is the most ignorant and misinformed sports writer I have ever read. This article is completely offensive to MLS fans and claims that TMZ is “contributing greatly to building the Galaxy and MLS brands” are blatantly false. I don’t know why Howard feels he should write on a sport he clearly doesn’t understand but I highly encourage him watch enough games from around the world so that he doesn’t offend every soccer fan that reads his articles.