Anger can get the best of us sometimes – no matter your age, or level of maturity.
Most of us, however, don’t respond to anger by ripping up important documents like some sort of vindictive baby on the loose.
We recently learned that Clint Dempsey is fond of this relaxation technique.
Dempsey was sent off for tearing up the referee’s notebook in the 114th minute of the Sounders’ 3-1 extra-time U.S. Open Cup defeat to the Timbers on June 16.
As you can, see this was a heated match that ended in stunning fashion during our U.S. Open Cup, it’s just too bad Dempsey wasn’t there to witness it.
As a result, Dempsey unfortunately won’t be able to witness another U.S. Open Cup match for the next two years.
According to The Sporting News,
The U.S. Open Cup Adjudication and Discipline Panel has banned Dempsey for a total of six matches in that tournament and also fined him an undisclosed amount.
A statement on U.S. Soccer’s official website read: “The panel convened Tuesday, June 23, 2015 to review the evidence gathered in regards to the incident. Mr. Dempsey waived his right to an appeal.
“Due to the suspension, Dempsey cannot play in any U.S. Open Cup matches in 2016 or 2017, and possibly longer depending on the number of tournament games in which Dempsey’s team participates in those years.”
That’s an incredible blow for both him, and for the sport thats gaining popularity in our country thanks to guys like him. Clint Dempsey is the rare marketable soccer player in America due to gaining a recognizable name/face during the World Cup.
But apparently the U.S. Open Cup feels it’s “too good” to allow a star player one measly tantrum during the game?
Do you think they know that players showing emotion is actually why we fall in love with a sport? Just ask the NBA.
Oh well, Dempsey will be fine; and now, (maybe?) America can begin to embrace some of our younger stars.
But it still feels like a drastic measure to take for such a harmless event.
H/T MLS
