Toronto FC F Sebastian Giovinco said of MLS, "The perception has changed. Everyone looks at MLS in a different way, of course. Because of the players coming in, it's a better league than before. ... Everyone can see that there is potential to improve." Giovinco added of AC Milan MF Antonio Nocerino joining Orlando City SC, "I'm happy because when those types of players come here, the league is going to improve and everyone can get more involved in soccer, in terms of clubs and supporters" (GUARDIAN, 4/21).
TALK IS CHEAP: USA TODAY's Jorge Ortiz notes with nearly 24% of MLBers now "hailing from countries where Spanish is the dominant language," the league's newly imposed requirement that every team have a Spanish-language translator has "drawn overwhelmingly favorable reviews -- and questions of why it took so long." Teams have "been assigned $65,000 each to pay the cost of translators, who must accompany the club on the road and also attend other events covered by the media." The need for their services "varies depending on the number of Latin players and their English proficiency." Most of the new translators "have been added as members of the public relations staff, and they also perform tasks such as producing Spanish-language social-media content and game notes" (USA TODAY, 4/21).
SHOWCASE OPPORTUNITY: In Orlando, Mike Bianchi writes of Orlando bidding to host the Pro Bowl, "Let's not blow it." The city should "blow the NFL away with our desire and dedication to lure the Pro Bowl here." What "better way to spend tourist tax money than on a sporting event" that will show Orlando "in all its glory." Bianchi: "Who knows what future opportunities this hobnobbing could cultivate?" Maybe the owners of the Buccaneers and Jaguars "see the light and decide to start playing regular season games in Orlando." Maybe NFL execs will "realize that Orlando is the biggest TV market in the nation without an NFL team and should be considered for an expansion franchise someday" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 4/21).
