tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36669930.post5326367793585425489..comments2024-03-09T20:37:14.671-06:00Comments on Down the Byline: MLS Rules Confuse Me... AgainMikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12931590118053363115noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36669930.post-33068055783267109942012-09-14T15:38:48.896-05:002012-09-14T15:38:48.896-05:00I agree with all that the trade statement lacked c...I agree with all that the trade statement lacked clarity and consistency.<br /><br />None of us know when Michael Thomas signed with the league. None of us know if SKC had talked to San Jose before trialing him. None of us know whether that is or was clarified to be a violation. None of us know if a sign and trade deal had been reached beforehand but the paperwork needed to be finalized, etc...<br /><br />I am confident that behind closed doors the league and the organizations have a better idea of protocol going forward.<br /><br /><br />There was a transparency issue.<br /><br />I can see where Mike and others are coming from considering league history. <br /><br />There's no question that the league has matured and there's no question that the league needs to do more.Nathan Martinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36669930.post-41229551778578471872012-09-13T19:32:01.229-05:002012-09-13T19:32:01.229-05:00Then state all that in the trade. The team in Jan...Then state all that in the trade. The team in January said the announced reason for the trade was because San Jose held his rights indefinitely (according to the quote in the comments of Mike's blog post in January) due to them making an offer. Tracy was made an offer by the Dynamo as well but he goes through a lottery. It's apples and applesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36669930.post-7389234373275794322012-09-13T13:53:02.764-05:002012-09-13T13:53:02.764-05:00Tracy didn't trial with another team or fill o...Tracy didn't trial with another team or fill out the paperwork to return to the league while still on the protected list.<br /><br />He is coming back to the US in September 2012. He was protected until December 31, 2010.<br /><br />Apples and oranges.Nathan Martinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36669930.post-84412708296250694982012-09-13T06:35:59.607-05:002012-09-13T06:35:59.607-05:00but if there is a precedent, why didn't Housto...but if there is a precedent, why didn't Houston get Tracy's rights like Mike said?Dannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36669930.post-6095762795563324752012-09-13T01:54:23.959-05:002012-09-13T01:54:23.959-05:00How many "college protected" players do ...How many "college protected" players do you think have trialed with another team? <br /><br />Either a handshake before or a clarification and a handshake afterwards.<br /><br />It takes time to flesh out the rules and cover all the scenarios. <br /><br />I accept it as long as they now have a precedent and protocol for such a situation.Nathan Martinnoreply@blogger.com