QPR mentioned!!

[alexferguson60]

http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,16560_6926911,00.html

[Fraggy]

I have always thought that as well. I think given time, most Americans would embrace a leagues system with promotion/relegation/play offs.

I understand the public funding 'thingy' - but I also believe when the lower teams in any given sport over here are rewarded with an awful season by getting 1st round draft picks, sort of makes things a little tricky.

In The NHL, once a team is looking as if they may not make the play offs (The NY Islanders being the exception this past season, as they kept pushing even when it was almost certain they wouldn't make the play offs), the team starts to underperform in an attempt to finish as low as possible to insure the best draft pick options. This is almost on the verge of match fixing; as some of the teams they are throwing games to, are still impacting other team’s chances at a play off place.

Also fielding players who would never actually be considered in an attempt to weaken your team would outside of North America, be classed as bringing the game into disrepute.

Great article Alex.

[alexferguson60]

Thanks mate. The Americans don't intentionally weaken a team - a lot of money just have **** all money...

[gator]

One of the problems you have with this is the newer expansion teams that all of the North American pro sports leagues have admitted in the last couple of decades! This is especially true in the fledgling MLS, owners have paid big money for new franchises and they certainly would not have if there was a chance they would be relegated after a season or two to the NASL (second division)! One MLS team is worth more than the combined value of NASL! As mentioned in the article, it can't be done in American Football because there isn't a second tier league to relegate to or promote from! Baseball is too steeped in tradition to consider such a thing and basketball is similiar to NFL as to not having a second tier league! Maybe years from now as soccer devlops this could be considered but for now I think we will see the status quo in North America! Great article BTW!