Beckhams Be Gone!

What a waste of a quarter billion dollars. For the same amount that the Galaxy promised David Beckham to come to Los Angeles, they could have paid the salaries of all 26 New York Yankees in 2007 -- plus the Florida Marlins and Tampa Bay Devil Rays. In the NFL, they could have covered an entire team operating at the salary cap for almost two and a half seasons.

Granted, it's a five year contract and includes a lot of non-salary compensation (like portions of ticket/merchandising revenue). But the same $250,000,000 Beckham stands to make by 2012 would pay for an NBA team at full salary cap -- for the same five year period.

With so much invested, it's disgusting that Beckham hasn't even started to deliver. As a soccer fan longing to see the sport take hold here, I expect dividends. Where are they? "He has done nothing locally to sell the sport," claims TJ Simers. He's right.

Beckham hasn't lifted up his team, hasn't filled the stadium, and hasn't done much of anything. He's spent more time in the stands than on the bench, much less the field.

Some people have defended Becks, saying he's been injured and was over-extended by playing three matches in two continents in three days. Boo-freaking-hoo. 14 year olds have tougher schedules with their traveling teams, and they're stuck in the middle seat of a Dodge Caravan. Something tells me Beckham isn't flying in coach -- unless it's Coach. As in the famous leather maker.

The bigger question is why this athlete over-extended himself in the first place. It's one thing that he transitioned quickly from soccer in Europe to soccer in the States. It's a whole different issue that he's been trying to make it back to the British national team. Obviously that's the pinnacle of the sport, and most people would kill for an opportunity to play at that level. But Beckham had another commitment -- one worth a quarter of a billion dollars -- waiting for him. Even if he scraps his way back onto England's roster, his aging body probably won't be able to stay on until the next World Cup in 2010.

With rumors of his acting career quashed, there's been some murmuring that Beckham may transfer back to Europe to pursue his international interests. Fine. Leave. It's not like he's doing the Galaxy any good. In fact, they seem to do better without him.

Maybe he'll just be homeless, since apparently England doesn't need him, either.

From Silverlake hipsters to USC frat boys, LA should unite in the message brought to us by this t-shirt company.

That's right, David. Take Posh with you. And your "too American" kids.

Thanks to Anti for modeling this sweet t-shirt.