The Greater Columbus Golden Boys And Girls applaud supporter groups across MLS protesting the leagues cup. This midseason tournament, which nobody asked for, is the logical output of the bald-faced profiteering that has been a hallmark of MLS under Commissioner Don Garber.
We are calling on Crew ownership and the MLS Board of Governors to chart a new path. Garber’s contract is up at the end of the season and it should not be extended. Twenty-five years is long enough. It's time for new ideas.
When Garber took the helm of MLS last century after cutting his teeth with NFL Europe, the league was far different than it looks today. It is undeniable that MLS has grown under his stewardship and he deserves credit for accomplishments like <list some accomplishments here>.
However, Don has also sought to price out the dedicated fans that built the league. He has extorted local leaders in multiple markets to pony up public dollars for shiny new stadiums. Whether conspiring with Aldi-brand-Trump-son Anthony Precourt to relocate the league’s charter club, our Columbus Crew, or kneecapping the oldest tournament in the country, the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup; for Don Garber and Jair Marrufo nothing is out of bounds.
Garber’s complete disregard for the history of the league and sport is only matched by his contempt for fans, officials and players. That was on full display at the start of this season when he green-lit the needless referee lockout. Moreover, he has not publicly outlined any vision for the future of the sport in the US — well, outside of cashing in on Messi and expansion fees.
We are ready to move on from Don Garber. MLS deserves fresh ideas and new leadership.
We urge Dee and Jimmy Haslam, JW Johnson and Dr. Pete Edwards to move on from Don Garber too.
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