Malbraunque to Return!!!

From ESPN...

 

It is interesting how the perception Steed's walkout is being perceived by fans. Living in Chicago, I saw Sammy Sosa do the exact same thing to the Chicago Cubs the last game of the season last year and both the media and the fans wanted Sammy burned at the stake.

However, with Steed, nobody really seems to care or nobody has really voiced a concern about this event. I am personally disgusted that someone of Steed's caliber and ability would walk out on his team. To me that is quitting and that is not something I want as part of the team.

It seems most things I read on this messageboard or other Fulham messageboards are just pissed that Coleman did not play him yesterday against Newcastle. While the players Coleman selected on the bench were questionable, I am proud of Cookie for keeping Steed out of the team yesterday. You can't let players get away with walking out on your team.

I almost wish Steed were left out of the team the last two matches of the season. He has not played up to his capability and lately has been going through the motions.

Unfortunately, this situation with Steed is one that will leave a black mark in my book by his name. Others may disagree, but I want guys in their playing for the team, not themselves. If it means he goes this summer, then he goes. Let's get some replacements who want to play for Fulham Football Club.

 

I'm not sure Sammy Sosa is a good comparison here. He is a guy in his mid-30's on the downside of a great career. Players like that prolong their careers and earn their money by being mature leaders and serving as a mentor to the younger guys, while still producing, albeit at a lower level. It was clear to the Cubs that Sammy was not that kind of guy and therefore wasn't worth keeping around. The Orioles needed him for one reason only, to put rear ends in the seats.

Steed is still a relatively young player who had not faced adversity before and didn't handle it very well when things went poorly. I think he deserves another chance - there are many guys in sports who didn't always behave well as young players but matured into leaders. If it happens again I agree with you that he should go. But not now.

 

Re: RE: Malbraunque to Return!!!

Perhaps I did jump the gun a bit on this one. I hope Steed responds well in the last two matches of the season. It would be great to have him on the club next season. Deep down though, I fear he will be gone.

 

RE: Re: RE: Malbraunque to Return!!!

As much as I hate any player who walks out...he's the best player to wear a Fulham shirt in my lifetime.