Milan Tries To Rob MLS Blind

It's just like taking candy from a baby.

Or so the administrators over at A.C. Milan thought. Seduced by the prospect of retaining the rights to England international David Beckham, Milan's deep pockets suddenly became tight. An initial offer of $6 million is all that Rossoneri could muster. That's a slap across the face.

MLS did well in rejecting the offer, considering the amount of money and promotion it put into Beckham's move across the Atlantic. MLS needs to push for more money, not only to recoup some of the money it will lose, but also to send a message to the rest of the world that inexperience on the pitch does not equate to inexperience in the checkbook.

What does this all say about the Euros? From here, it looks like a big bully trying to beat up a young boy making one of his first trips to the candy store. After reading what the initial offer was, images of Ancelloti puffing on a cigar and laughing with his management buddies in the Calcio flashed. A.C. Milan tried to treat MLS as a group that didn't know or realize what it had.

What does this say about MLS? First, shame on MLS for putting itself in such a spot. Not to say that it's a lose-lose situation because, frankly, it's not when you look at Beckham's production. Getting out of the Beckham deal may be a blessing in disguise for the young league.

Overall, the treatment of MLS by A.C. Milan and other European-based teams is really disappointing. MLS did not have to do anyone any favors, but to keep its star attraction(s) happy, it allowed Beckham to play in Italy. MLS risked getting back damaged goods when it transferred Beckham (on-loan) to Milan.

Now Beckham is acting like a total ingrate. With dreams of playing in another World Cup with England (assuming the underachievers get there), Beckham is quick to jump ship. The Spice Boy is against returning to MLS, saying that playing in Italy has "rejuvenated him as a player."

Not even a steam bath would rejuvenate you, Becks.