In defense of Landon - The Fans Speak Out - Letter to the Editor

Soccer Digest, Oct-Nov, 2003 by Jason Poon

I read Keith Watkins' letter ["The Fans Speak Out," July 2003] and was confused by his animosity toward Landon Donovan. Keith, you're definitely entitled to voice your own opinions, but I feel that many of your claims about Donovan are unwarranted.

First you said, "Donovan is in denial about his immaturity." Because of that statement, I can only assume sir that you are older than 21 (Donovan's age). Tell me, is there a single person in the world who doesn't think he is mature beyond his years? I am the same age as Donovan, and I think I'm mature. But that doesn't mean I am. I was 16 once and I thought I was extremely mature. I look back now and think how incredibly foolish I was. I'll be doing the same thing five, 10, and 15 years from now. We all believe we're wiser than we really are.

Second, you pointed out that Donovan is costing himself "a cool million a year." I'll turn your statement around and use it to defend Donovan. That's a solid sign to me that he isn't playing soccer for the sake of money. So then why is he playing in the MLS as opposed to Europe? If you'll dig around for past comments, Donovan has stated he likes San Jose, enjoys being closer to family, and wants to help promote MLS, among other reasons. What is a million dollars if you work at a place that makes you miserable? A 21-year-old, turning down a million dollars--he's awfully immature, isn't he?

Third, you wrote that Claudio Reyna should be the role model for young American soccer players. I have no argument there. Reyna is definitely a classy soccer player and someone I greatly admire. However Reyna made his move overseas in 1995, and MLS didn't exist until 1996. Reyna had no option but to take his game overseas. Remember, Reyna is 29 and in his prime. Donovan is 21, eight years younger and far from reaching his prime.

Give the kid a break, thank him for staying in MLS to promote it, and see how good he gets when the 2010 World Cup comes around.

Jason Poon

Via e-mail