[1rudeboy]

The problem is not with the sport per se, it is what the sport seemed to represent (and still does) to many of its advocates.

Again, I would argue that the operative factor here is what the sport represents to its detractors.

[Philo-Junius]

This discussion occurs in the context of an article explaining what American soccer represents to its detractors. The mere noting that the criticisms are indeed criticisms does not by itself invalidate them.