Gazidis is just doing what all functionaries do, blame the preceding group and talk about how things are getting better. What the hell does that mean? Transparency isn’t something you work toward. It’s something you do. And if you don’t do it, there’s a reason. Debating the grandfathered thing is NOT a sign of greater transparency. Letting the grandfathering deadlines expire and then having an open discussion on whether to renew them would be. The fact is that all three of the grandfathering decisions should have expired right now, right?

This debate is healthy, yes, but it should have been done before the deadlines were extended. That would have been transparent. The situation is exactly as you described it Laurie, a “system” designed to benefit one team. Though, in typical MLS fashion, how it is actually benefitting LAG is something of a mixed bag, now isn’t it?

I am a firm believer that the MLS does not want me as a fan. It doesn’t care about those people who are steeped in the history and follow the football leagues from around the world.

Despite that, it is kinda cool to be able to drive 20 minutes to the Home Depot Center and be able to watch a former world class player like David Beckham and arguably the best US player, Landon Donovan take the field together.