"Soccer is un-American."

The Clarion Herald ^ | July 1, 2006 | Father William Maestri

[Ebenezer]

Father William Maestri with the Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans, Louisiana makes this damning (at least to soccer moms nationwide) remark in his latest column on The Clarion Herald, the Archdiocese's newspaper. The quote is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg as he rants in no uncertain terms against this sport which he mockingly calls "kickball".

But then, what is the Padre's sport of choice? Not basketball, not football, not even "the national pastime" of baseball. It's tennis; Wimbledon tennis!

The article is available only in .pdf format, so I urge fellow FReepers to access it through the source URL, read it, and reach your own conclusions. While I agree with Father's disdain for fútbol, "take me out to the ball game".....anytime.

[leadpenny]

What you said!

[Clemenza]

All true, but look how many Mini Vans have sold because of it's popularity with the "my life revolves entirely around my kids" crowd. As the brother of a "soccer mom," I have taken several trips in the mini-van, all the while telling my little nephews to consider pee wee football when they qualify next year.

[Diavolos]

I love when I hear people like you rant about how much soccer supposedly sucks. FYI, no soccer fan cares what you think. Keep going to those baseball games where everyone is juiced, and keep going to those basketball games where you're more likely to get jumped in the stands (by a fan or a player) than see actual team basketball.

NFL is great though. Go Bears!

[Skooz]

"Nancy boys" who can do that are probably in good enough shape to beat the crap out of just about any participant in any of the "more American" sports.

Seek medical attention immediately.

[Clemenza]

OK, what is your excuse? Gay or third world immigrant? :-)

[Lazamataz]

We must systematically nuke any country that plays soccer.

DEATH TO THE SOCCERHEADS!

[NYC Republican]

You're so wrong it's not even funny. Soccer is the number one international sport. It's GREAT watching a game where the final score could result in a tie- everyone wins, no one goes home a loser. Plus, with so few goals scored, you learn to cherish and savor every single one. I could go on, but then it would make your arguments look even more foolish.

[ShadowDancer]

I watched my first game of it last week (travel team, my nephews are out of high school) and even though it didn't do for me what football does, I was amazed at the endurance and athleticism it entailed. Believe me, it is not for sissies.

[Lazamataz]

SOCCERHEAD! YOU HAVE EARNED OUR WRATH! DEATH TO YOU AND ALL WHO BELIEVE LIKE YOU!

AND WHEN YOU DIE, I WILL SHOUT "GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

[Clemenza]

Soccer is the number one international sport

As I said before: Eurotrash and third worlders. I'm an American, and most soccer "fans" I meet are metrosexuals (like "Metro Stars!") or just trying to pick up Brazilian chicks.

[Wormwood]

Americans should play Rugby.

Oh I'm sure they would---if only they could suit up in ten pounds of plastic armor before taking the field.

Gridiron is so manly, dontcha know.

/Rugby. No P***ies allowed.

[Cagey]

And, this just wouldn't be as much fun with a baseball.


http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1660773/posts

[humblegunner]

I love when I hear people like you rant about how much soccer supposedly sucks. FYI, no soccer fan cares what you think.

Thats good, I'd hate to offend a bunch of third-world kickball nancies.

[Skooz]

Care to strap on a helmet and play with the big boys this Autumn?

[Clemenza]

That's what all you Greek boys say...to hide the fact that you were playing hide the salami with Stavros while watching the world cup!

[FreedomPoster]

Real sports require opposable thumbs.

Therefore soccer is not a real sport.

Q.E.D.

< *dons asbestos suit*>

[NYC Republican]

In case you didn't get the sarcasm in my post, I'd wager I hate soccer more than, or equally as much as, anyone else on the planet. I absolutely despise it

[rock_lobsta]

Apparently, Fr Maestri got a little too much chicory in his coffee last week. He really let loose with some zingers.

• Soccer appeals to Europeans, and others, because they don’t appreciate scoring and winning.
• When is the last time France won a war? France loves soccer because there are so many ties; usually zero to zero.
• Suburban moms and dads love soccer because it builds “self-esteem” in their overly pampered offspring.
• the need to let the fragile youngster succeed has infiltrated baseball. The virus is golf. The manifestation is a silly thing called “T-ball.” This is golf with a big tee!

I've been at odds with some of his policies regarding the Archdiocesan School System pre-Katrina, but his assessment of soccer moms, t-ball and sportsmanship are spot-on.

[Maringa]

I love to hear people with their tortured reasoning for supporting the "English" measuring system, which by the way is not even American!

Let's see, 16 ounces to a lb....2000 lbs to a ton...

2 pints to a quart, 4 quarts to a gallon.....

12 inches to a foot, 3 feet to a yard, 5,280 feet to a mile...

I can just imagine a bunch of Monty Python types trying to come up with all of the nonsensical units that make up the English measuring system....

Metric is clearly the way to go...but no, we like losing millions/billions of dollar/year in trade due to having to adjust the measuring units to fit the metric....