The Major League Soccer Players Union released their statement and voiced their disappointment Monday in President Trump’s recently signed executive order that bans the entry of refugees, migrants and green-card holders into the United States.
MLS Players Union Statement regarding the travel ban by the White House pic.twitter.com/h6Hwy5wmKf
— MLS Players Union (@MLSPlayersUnion) January 30, 2017
People who traveled outside of the country and were not natural American citizens were barred from re-entering the country at numerous major airports throughout the U.S. this weekend, sparking protests from coast-to-coast.
Students and even retired U.S. military veterans were among those detained at major airports like New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, San Francisco International Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
Most of the detainees were released, however, some were sent back.
Although the immigration ban focuses on those from Muslim countries, President Trump stated that “this is not a Muslim ban.”
There aren’t MLS players that are directly affected by the immigration ban and all players are currently in preseason training with their respective clubs. There are two current MLS players who play for two Middle East countries: Steven Beitashour, who plays for Iran and Justin Meram for Iraq. Both Beitashour and Meram were born in the U.S. and are dual-citizens.
USMNT midfielder and captain Michael Bradley made his feelings about the immigration ban known on his Instagram.
Bradley mentioned how he was “sad and embarrassed” about the ban and how the current president is “out of touch with the country.”
He was not the only one to voice his concern. New England Revolution forward Kei Kamara mentioned on an Instagram post that he “was a Muslim refugee (2000) and a Muslim citizen today (2017)” as he looked to promote the theme of unity in the United States.
The immigration crackdown is not expected to affect MLS signings but it could affect the youth in the MLS academies. Those on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program could be affected if the current administration goes forward with its desire to repeal it. Players like D.C. United’s Michael Aguilar benefited from a program like DACA growing up, protecting him and others, mainly from Mexico, from deportation.
Currently, there’s no exact number of academy youth on DACA.
correction: ae911truth.org
thank you johnny99, don lamb and anthony for your sensible and reasonable discussion
“Trump’s immigration hold/freeze only applies to seven terrorist hotbeds” old school, the terrorism is a lie. we learned that lesson on 9/11. the wtc towers in nyc were brought down in a controlled demolition. usa leaders and reporters said it was muslim terrorism but that’s not true. the buildings fell at freefall speed. and professor steven jones found unexploded nanothermite in the wtc debris. (he lost his professor position for telling up this.) for more information, please visit architects and engineers for 9/11 truth (ae911truth.com), a 501 public charity.
9/11 was a “false flag” attack. we attacked ourselves and said “muslims did it.” it’s the oldest trick in the book if you want to start a war with another country.
why would our government do such a thing? for oil, for power, to keep us dollar as world’s currency, for war profiteering. we are nice. but in the world there are, apparently, people who are not nice. and these people own large corporations with the resources to do things like this.
the nanothermite, by the way, is only made in one place, in a us dod facility in virginia. not in any muslim country.
Jeff Weisinger!! All we have to do is visit your Tweeter page to know where you are coming from my friend.
Hey Snowflakes!! I know you are not going to waste any opportunity to take shots at the current president. We don’t come in here to get information on political issues or if liberals support the presidents actions or not. We want to know about Soccer period, MLS, USMNT, and our Yanks abroad.
This is not just about “taking shots” at the president. It goes much deeper than that.
Deeper? A bunch crybabies are too ignorant about the World and constitution law.
Why not complain about Vicente Fox (racist pig)? Soros (a NAZI supporter)? Senator Robert Bird (KKK Grand Cyclops)? Podesta (a racist loon)?
Defending someone by saying, “No, complain about those people over there!” is extremely bad form. This guy happens to be President of the United States of America.
I don’t t get comments like this. Politics is more often than not involved in sports than not. National team games are nearly always racked with politics. Hell, the whole dual national issue is an issue of who is American and who isn’t.
Shut up commies (MLS union)! Stick improving MLS teams, not politics!
I am sick politics in our elementary schools, news and sports, many Americans watch sports to enjoy life and forget our troubles. Remember what happened NFL rating become trendy politic tool.
There was clearly no correlation between NFL ratings and the protests of the National Anthem. After the election, the ratings shot back up. And when the country is this charged up, you don’t get to just choose when it’s convenient for you hear about politics.
Note: MLS nowhere NFL in ratings.
Scott,
Your counter-point makes no sense. His argument stands. You brought a point about NFL ratings. He then debunked your argument with fact that negated your false conclusion. Your counterpoint does not address.
PS – that ‘commie’ statement is ridiculous and does not make sense. BTW, I am not a liberal, but a moderate Independent. Before you bring up serving in the military (like you have a done a few times), I know a lot of people who have served in the military as well (about 15), lost a friend about a decade ago (air force), saw a old teammate loose a brother in Iraq and lost my oldest cousin in a military training accident about 3 decades ago. So I understand military service and commitment. I also understand that those guys/women do it so we call do and say what we want. Truth be told, both sides are too sensitive nowadays and not just the left. Question religion or social conservatism and see what happens.
I am disable retire E6 (PO1) with some disability don’t ask a cent from the VA, served in 2 AI in Afghanistan, also I am immigrant choose to be an American. This union (commies) should focus in MLS teams winning something important, instead MLS becoming a joke in CONCACAF.
Many us Vets are sick of whiners complaining non-soccer issues. Many Vets and Service Members are quietly stop going to the movies and seem next U.S. soccer (USNT and MLS). MLS are not #1 soccer in U.S.
This ban has greatly affected the soccer world! Think about the global market for players who come from just about all continents. Think about the Players Union’s role in dealing with these players. How in the hell do you think that they wouldn’t release public statement about it?
Politics have been in our schools for most of the 20th century. Whether it was the argument of teaching evolution vs the bible in the 20’s /30’s, integration in the 50/60/70’s, pledge of allegiance being introduced (adding under God to it) etc. I could go on and on. Children see what it going on. Ignoring things does not make it go away.
“ignoring” what? the rules?
Ignoring political discussions or issues does not make them go away.
Like ignoring Obama’s 6 month ban of Iraqis?
As originally written and implemented, players like Beitashour returning from a game fin Iran might be denied entry. Originally, until overturned by the court, the rule was applied to people who had green cards AND dual nationality (this was clearly illegal). Because of the way the order is written, specifying people from one of those countries, “from” could be interpreted as having just visited. Whatever the case, anything restricting the movemtent of people internationally could possibly affect soccer players who play overseas. If not directly , it is possible that other countries could apply retaliatory policies on Americans trying to visit their countries in the future. So, while it may be tenuous, there may be a reason for soccer players to be concerned about such a ban adversely affecting them .
Its nice to know that when Michael Bradley isn’t on the field passing the ball to the opposing team, he is buying into liberal propaganda about a “Muslim ban”. Keep up the good work Cap’n.
here, here, old school!
If the big bad liberal media could trick Rudy Giuliani into thinking that President Ban…, I mean Trump, wanted a Muslim ban, then poor Michael Bradley never had a chance.
Wow! I’m sure Trump will lose a lot of sleep over the MLS players association condemning his actions. They should worry about the upcoming season.
Trumplethinskin gets upset by a lot less at times. I applaud the Players Union for coming out and making a statement against this lunacy. Their job is to advocate for the rights of their players. What should they “worry about” more than this?
How about free agency, upcoming expansion, discovery rights rules, how the LA galaxy always seem to have another DP spot open? The list goes on an on….. There is plenty for them to do. I assure you there are no current or future MLS players who will be affected by this. Stay out of the Kool Aid and off CNN. This will be a non issue next week with the next media fabricated crisis.
Well, since you’re bringing politics to SBI, it seems fair game to comment on it.
Trump’s immigration hold/freeze only applies to seven terrorist hotbeds, isn’t permanent, and has been utilized by Presidents including: Obama, Clinton and Carter.
Vetting incoming/returning individuals with the intention of protecting Americans at home is fine by me if it only hurts feelings instead of providing a platform to hurt citizens. Those people returning, once deemed to not be a terrorist, have been allowed re-access to the country.
Countries around the world revoke work Visas/citizenship left and right based on variables or their choosing. More manufactured hysteria all around, but everyone should be careful to not hurt their shoulder patting themselves on the back to seem “progressive” while ignoring historical instances from members of their own respective party.
Sure the ban has been used before but things are different when you have a misogynistic racist president in the white house. I expected more honesty from you
Old School, this is nothing like what Obama did.
If it’s Trump’s intention to protect Americans at home, perhaps he should ban people from coming here from countries that have actually been linked to terror attacks here in the United States. Not that it would be any more legal, or justified, but at least this clusterf**k might be slightly less surreal.
If I’m reading between the lines on what you’re suggesting, you must know, there’s too much money/oil in Saudi Arabia for any President to take a firm stand. That’s the sad reality of politics, money and resources. No matter the party, every President has followed suit.
To that point, it’s disgusting – I agree.
Old, your comments are straight out the Fox News playbook. I know because as an independent I watch Fox news and the other networks. Bottom line this ban is idiotic and accomplishes nothing. By now everyone should know that the real danger is people being brain washed and radicalized over the internet and being shown how to carry out terrorist acts over the internet. All the recent attacks have been done by Americans. Clearly Trump is saying to himself, “doing something is better than nothing”, which sounds good in principle, but in this case wasn’t well thought out. It’s been reported that there was an exception built in for Christians from those banned countries allowing them to come in. ? Isn’t that funny.
On a tangent and not directed specifically at you, I feel the real problem in this world is that people are still religious and still believe that there is an almighty creator and blah blah. Lunacy! Might as well believe that the tooth fairy and Santa Claus are also real. Religion is a disease of the mind, just like cancer is of the body. Humanity needs to get passed this already. Religion has always been about power and control, dumbing down people, and generating wealth off of the brain washed people that are being taking advantage off. It’s possible to be a good person without being “God Fearing”. Religion has always bled into government and politics and caused nothing but trouble.
Some clarity and context: I’m actually a registered Democrat and have voted so accordingly since I was old enough to vote. Until this election…as the democrats are doing everything in their power to cater to extreme intolerant left that is riddled with violent behavior, hypocrisy, criminal sympathizers and political pandering to minorities by inciting blatant racism and blindly apologizing for deviant behavior towards law enforcement by refusing to objectively look at case by case situations.
Unfortunately, this isn’t isolated to the States. We’re seeing a social change all over the world in this same toxic behavior and self-aggrandizing belief system that is helping create an opposing uprising of nationalism throughout Europe and the United States. Trump was elected, by and large, because democrats swung the pendulum too far to the left over the last 8-10 years. The blow back “suffered” is still lost on democrats who are doubling down as we speak and remain tone deaf to the other half of Americans who are utterly tired of their nonsense.
The time for hurt feelings should be over. That’s what got us into this mess to begin with. I don’t even recognize the Democratic party anymore. The real lunacy is the people starting to lead the party and narrative. Most recently, Linda Sarsour leading the Washington DC “Women’s March” while advocating for Sharia Law (publicly/via Twitter, I might add) just under 2 years ago.
Completely agree that religion, when bastardized, causes more destruction than peace. Full disclosure: I’m an atheist, but I do respect those who seek individual strength, guidance or wisdom through their respective belief system. However, I’m not overlooking a specific religion that is routinely responsible for the most horrific acts of intolerance towards women, lifestyles and opposing religious beliefs. Not coincidentally, this same belief system is rooted within the countries within the 7 that are currently experiencing a freeze.
From a political perspective, I’m the antithesis of what Republicans identify as, but unfortunately, Democrats have become the antithesis of what I used to identify from a political perspective. While most/if not all terrorist acts (post 9/11) committed on this soil were committed “American citizens” there’s a direct correlation between their radicalization and the countries currently being heavily vetted before access is given. Sure, some via the internet, while others have experienced radicalization by traveling back and forth (see the Dzhokhar Tsarnaev/Boston Bomber).
We’ve watched what we say, how we say it or how loudly we say it for 8 years. At a certain point, Americans of all walks of life grow tired of putting their own concerns aside when it doesn’t make a damn bit of difference other than getting likes on Facebook, Twitter and self-serving social media culture of making it public for how “progressive” you are.
Nationalism is on the rise all over the globe and it’s not out of the thin blue sky. Ask Sweden how their immigration policies are going, at the expense of their natural citizens. Ask France and Belgium how they feel about their government’s immigration polices after recent terrorist attacks. Ask Germany’s female population and the rape and abuse suffered by non-assimilating men from the very countries we’re vetted closely now is going. Ask Andrea Murkel, who the liberal world wanted to Nobel Peace Prize to not long ago, is feeling now that she’s double-backing on her policies of open borders.
This isn’t a playbook from any news media outlet. This is a response and blow back to unregulated nonsense and the exaggerated apologetic nature of people at the expense of their fellow citizens comfort and peace of mind.
Election is over. Buckle up.
Old School – Do you worry at all that we are giving too much credence to terrorism? How many people around the world are killed every year in terrorist attacks as compared to car wrecks, cancer, crime, etc? There is a war going on against terror organizations, and rightly so, but is our fear proportional to the actual threat?
Old School – Do you worry at all that we are giving too much credence to terrorism?
I don’t think any safety measure we take, big or small in life, is equal to the probability of it happening. However, safety measures and preventive measures are in place to minimize threats to our safety and well-being. Perhaps more so when it’s to the next man, woman or child.
Precautions aren’t simply statistical responses because human life is involved. Life that, may not directly matter to you or I, but does in the context of their immediate family and the representation of being an American citizen.
I think back to one of my favorite TV shows, The West Wing, and an episode called “Proportional Response” where this philosophical debate existed. While it’s a fictional setting, it did offer the contrast between the two schools of thought. That show was really ahead of it’s time.
Back on to the topic…
How many people around the world are killed every year in terrorist attacks as compared to car wrecks, cancer, crime, etc?
This statement reminds me of the fallacy that, statistically, being a carpenter is more dangerous than being a police officer. Therefore, police shouldn’t be so on the edge while completely dismissing the amount of fatal situations that are prevented, defused or deescalated as a result of training, experience and sheer determination on a call-by-call basis. Of course, there’s no statistic for “fatalities avoided” or split second decisions that “avoided confrontation” to really shine a light on how demanding, stressful and dangerous that job is. But, try as they might, the intolerant left, sensational media for ratings and criminal sympathizers have tried their best to demonize men and women serving, by choice, to keep carpenters going to work each day and their families safe.
Moral of the story: statistics don’t tell the full story, and safety is an illusion. But the difference between life and death may be those stats we never see…the terrorist plots that are foiled and never see a press bulletin.
Unfortunately, there is no statistic to gauge whether or not this initiative created more terrorists and anti-American rhetoric or if, say, Obama droning (potentially) tens of thousands of individuals with terrorist connections and…admittedly innocent men and women too (see wedding disaster).
I’ll take peace of mind over stats, but I’m not advocating I’m right or it’s the only way. I’m just saying there’s multiple ways to skin a cat, and one side (that whined about anti-Obama rhetoric) is proving they’re just as muddy as their contemporaries.
…the difference is one side gained almost absolute control over every governmental wing. The election statistics helped illuminate many Americans want to see “change they can believe in” and I was one of them.
Well well we are both atheists. Looks like we are both “going to hell”, atleast in the eyes of the religious.
I agree with alot of what you said but still feel that people like you are the problem (I use that lightly because I don’t pretend to know much about you). What I mean by that is partisanship. Both Democrats and Republicans are the problem. Always so caught up in this war vs each other trying to “win” and lambast the other side. Each side always trying to define what the correct ideological stance and belief system should be. Reminds me of Apple and Android or Marvel and DC fanboys just going back and forth and forgetting all reason. By the way that’s also one of the reasons Trump won. He wasn’t a politician and most people understood that he wasn’t a real Republican. He just had to pick a party to run with because a third party candidate has no chance. But he was a third party candidate disguised as a Republican, atleast during the election.
I feel similarly, UCLA. The us vs. them attitudes are infuriating. The divisiveness of the rhetoric from both sides is so negative, and I fear that the lack of a middle ground / level-headed approach will get us into a much deeper mess than we are currently in. The fact that this is occurring all over the world makes it all the more scary.
OS, I am not suggesting we should take some laissez-faire attitude toward terrorism. The threat is real and needs to be planned for and addressed, but I am not sure that the politics of terrorism aren’t doing more harm than the direct threat of terrorism.
I agree with alot of what you said but still feel that people like you are the problem (I use that lightly because I don’t pretend to know much about you). What I mean by that is partisanship. Both Democrats and Republicans are the problem.
I agree. The pendulum-like system of partisan ideologies has only exacerbated with the creation of ratings driven 24-hour news networks. There’s a direct correlation between the two and can be traced. It’s quite disturbing.
However, I don’t agree I’m part of the problem. I’m much more of a centrist in that my views don’t slant one direction or the other. In fact, socially, I’m all over the board. Perhaps I’m not really a part of the problem, but a result of the problem. A repercussion of the problem.
As you can see below with AzTeXan’s statement, any differing view immediately makes you a racist, sexist, homophobe and completely absent of reason because it may conflict with the indoctrination you subscribe to.
That is the problem. I’m just someone looking for solutions, and I’d be the first to admit I don’t have the answers. Unfortunately, too many on both sides believe their dogma has no fallacies.
That shit is scary.
don:
OS, I am not suggesting we should take some laissez-faire attitude toward terrorism. The threat is real and needs to be planned for and addressed, but I am not sure that the politics of terrorism aren’t doing more harm than the direct threat of terrorism.
Nor am I. I’m openly admitting I’m not sure what the blow back for this will be either, but I am proclaiming I’m open to trying something different.
The President I voted for (twice) was the antithesis of the man I voted for in the most recent election. How has that been working out? I think there’s a strong case to say “Well, it could have been worse.” and there’s an equally strong case to say “Well, it hasn’t gotten any better.”
Again, not to bang the war drums over it, but the repercussions from his drone attack initiatives could have some dramatically serious consequences we may not see for another 5-15 years. But, no one bats an eye on that, and instead wants to ignore innocent lives being lost with crappy intel over being stopped at an airport before being given clearance.
While we reflect on that, and speaking of airports, let’s also reflect on the amount terrorist attacks that have taken place in airports within the countries who do take a laissez-faire attitude towards immigration, passports and citizenship.
OS – I will grant that you are not part of the problem, and I respect your thoughts. However, you seem to be proud of voting for Donald Trump. With regard to him in general — not just with this issue of fighting terrorism — do you think that he is capable of bringing the country together? What is his level of maturity, which is a major factor in all of this? I ask because we seem to agree with our concern, but seem to have very different opinions on the best way forward. Given Trump’s refusal to show his taxes, his insecurity, his outright lies, and so much more, how can he be trusted? (Please don’t bring Hillary Clinton into this discussion as she is out of the picture and thus not part of any way forward.)
However, you seem to be proud of voting for Donald Trump.
“Proud”“Accountable” for my vote – as everyone should be. I don’t shy away from the responsibility of voting or the reasoning behind it. However, I do find it disturbing I’ve had to justify my vote to Democrats more than I ever had for hardcore-conservatives for voting for Obama (twice).That is a telling/sobering reminder that many on the left are blind to their own brand of intolerance.
(Please don’t bring Hillary Clinton into this discussion as she is out of the picture and thus not part of any way forward.)
I think it’s way too convenient to cherry-pick what you’d like to exclude from a discussion that involved two variables…not one. That alone kind of highlights my previous point. You do see the issue with that style of thinking, discussing and debating, yes? The option wasn’t: Trump or Reconfigure the candidates. (and no, the third party candidates were a huge joke this election cycle).
I think Trump is a huge wild card, and it could go either way. You reference: concerns, trust, and lack of transparency but willfully ignore those absent qualities in his competition. The question exists on both sides, and highlights why our system is broken.
I rest easy knowing Trump has shaken the base on both sides and hopefully serves as a wake up call to get their respective houses in order. He’s a byproduct of the division, and nonsense.
I openly admit I voted for chaos and I’d do it again tomorrow and twice on Sunday. The alternative is far more scary.
I was not trying to railroad the conversation. It’s just a fact that Hillary is no longer a part of the equation, and this conversation is not about who you voted for, but about how we are moving forward. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You seem to put a lot of confidence in Trump while also recognizing that chaos is ensuing. I find that much scarier than the status quo that Hillary would have continued, but I agree that she did not offer what we need and would not have been able to really move us forward.
You find solace in that Trump has shaken both sides of the aisle, but is it a little bit scary that he has such a big and loud following that seems to overlook all of the red flags? There are millions of people who have no problem with his lies and manipulation, and he has surrounded himself with some downright scary people like Bannon and downright head-scratchers like his son-in-law in very powerful positions. Even without the support of the entire “establishment,” Trump has a ton of power, and after hardly a week in office there are some huge red flags that have already popped up.
There are many counter arguments to Trump’s actions which you can find on any number if websites, so I won’t repeat them . I will address a couple of other points, however. First, SBI isn’t injecting politics, the MLS Players Union is and SBI is reporting on that. Second, I have been active in Democratic politics for over 40 years, including working on campaigns and once working for an officeholder. The policies you ascribe to yourself as being Democratic which the party is, in yhour view, is not like any thing I have seen espoused by any other real Democrat. In short, I question your bonafides. Additionally, there have been a number of studies by political scientists which are based on votes in Congress, poll results, and other data which show conclusively that the Democratic Party has NOT moved to the left. Had Sanders been nominated, then you could make that case, but he wasn’t. All the studies have show that, instead, the Republican Party has moved significantly to the right. Whether you agree with the policy or not, if you know anything about government, it was implemented in a most incompetent fashion which insured chaos and left the government open to legal reversal. Additionally, the countries chosen have not been responsible for any terrorist attacks in the last 25 years, while countries that have been, like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, to name 2, were left off the list. This makes it very difficult to justify either legally or morally.
Gary:
The policies you ascribe to yourself as being Democratic which the party is, in yhour view, is not like any thing I have seen espoused by any other real Democrat. In short, I question your bonafides.
I’m not above reproach, self-reflection or evolving based on variables. While I respect your involvement in politics that you reference, I believe you might be a huge part of the problem in this bunker-like mentality to an ideology. That train of thought isn’t some type of “value system” but rather a blind train conductor staying on an incomplete track because he’s told to.
Had Sanders been nominated, then you could make that case, but he wasn’t.
Speaking of bonafides, the Democrats I know/respect for nearly the same linage as your 40 years refuse to identify themselves within a party that directly sabotages their voice.
Additionally, the countries chosen have not been responsible for any terrorist attacks in the last 25 years
“Responsible”. That’s reminiscent of defining what the word is….is.
This makes it very difficult to justify either legally or morally.
Oh, I’m sure we’ll find out just how legal it is. The ACLU received an unprecedented amount of donations to help fight this in recent days. However, I find inaction to be immoral and I’m ready for Americans to be put first domestically (I guess this is where I chant ‘Murica?).
Totally agree Old School. It’s about time we made America a safe space for white people and end this awful persecution of the conservative patriarch for good. Miss the good old days
The ironic part of your lazy generalization is you have no basis to make an accurate assumption of what my ethnicity is. Spoiler alert: I am not white (I’ve actually had conversations unrelated to politics on SBI about this, in more of a light-hearted setting)
Hard to chastise one side if you’re not above it yourself. This is a lesson the intolerant left will have to learn or will continue losing elections, but don’t take my word for it.
I’m not sure how lazy that “generalization” by Az was. It was certainly comical, even if this situation doesn’t necessarily call for comedy. It seems to be an accurate portrayal of the fearful attitude of much of the white patriarchs that got Trump elected. Your particular race really has nothing to do with it because the vote that won Trump the presidency was overwhelming white and male. I could also throw in uneducated, but that might be unfair even if factually correct.
Among the common themes throughout Trump’s campaign that Az hits on are: “Make America great again,” “get all these brown people out of our country because they are mostly criminals,” “let’s stop giving ‘handouts’ to all of these blood suckers who are lazy and don’t have the will to make their own situation better,” “people need to respect authority no matter the grievance,” “we have to protect our borders or else the Muslims won’t obliterate us,” etc.