re: Alexi Lalas: why is he so controversial?

quote:

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He is a jackass and has always been a jackass but he is our jackass so we deal with it.

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This. It seems like he's getting worse, though. His halftime spots on TV or his in-studio stuff is cringe-worthy. I don't follow MLS too closely so I can't really speak on his commentary about that. But I assume it's similar to his stance on anything USMNT. So pompous. So defensive. Instead of just giving an opinion on a US player or the team as a whole, he lets his emotions and butthurt mentality get in the way of any real analysis or banter with his colleagues. I have to think he is awful to work with. He always goes back to that tired arse line he likes to use for when an American player is doing well, and he makes sure to throw in that said player isn't just good for an American, but just a good soccer player in general. It makes sense I guess, but it has gotten really old.

I want to give him the benefit of the doubt because of what he's given for our country's national team through his years of service, and his post-soccer career TV personality stuff. And because I feel like his intentions are good, in his own douchey kind of way. But he just really gets on my nerves sometimes. He's the epitome of the nerdy soccer fan in this county and I have to think any new fans of the game have to be turned off by his delivery and holier than thou demeanor.