Here is my letter to Nick Webster of FoxSoccer.com and the Fox Soccer Channel regarding, what in my opinion, is his irresponsible view of the horrific tackle by Martin Taylor on Eduardo in the EPL. In case you haven't seen the tackle I've added pictures at the bottom.

Nick Webster,

I’d like to start by saying that I love your work with Fox Soccer and I particularly enjoy Fox Football Fone-in. I enjoy watching your broadcast shows on television and reading your blog. You are a pioneer for soccer in the United States and I applaud you. Keep up the good work.

Now that I have softened you up…in regards to your article, “Horrific injuries: just part of the game” I must say that you have lost the plot man! I am not going to pretend to educate you about the game. But I think that you might have reached your perspective regarding Martin Taylor’s tackle and other tackles like it without full consideration.

I do not believe that Martin Taylor meant any maliciousness with that tackle. However the tackle was grossly negligent and irresponsible. How do we know this? Because that kind of a tackle is worthy of a straight red card booking whether an injury occurred or not. That kind of a tackle carries so much potential for serious injury (obviously, at this point) that it warrants a sending off and very likely an extended suspension.

Martin Taylor is a defender in the EPL. I can't imagine you can perform at that level without being a hard individual. Everyone appreciates a hard man on their side. But Taylor is also expected to conduct himself in a sporting manner. This includes NOT TACKLING WITH YOUR STUDS SHOWING TEN INCHES ABOVE THE GROUND! If nothing else, its bad technique.

If I make a left hand turn at an intersection and hit a pedestrian that I have failed to see with my car, it is my fault! I am responsible for what my vehicle is doing no matter what my intent. Certainly the law would find me at fault and rightly so. Likewise, I hold Taylor fully responsible for his tackle. I find him guilty of gross negligence.

For you to suggest that what Taylor did was “just part of the game” is also irresponsible. Sunday league players around the country will read your article and believe that they are justified as they continue to throw themselves into the knees and ankles of their opponents because Nick Webster said it is “just part of the game.” I believe you know better Nick.

Please don’t justify the “cloggers” existence. Help promote the beautiful game Nick. Celebrate craft and imagination on the pitch. The United States in particular is in desperate need of that don’t you think? I implore you to write a follow-up to clarify that you do not condone that type of play on the soccer field at any level.

LR
Corvallis, Oregon

One of Nick's closing statements is, "You have to have the 'cloggers' because they are the guys who make the skilled players look great." That is no consolation to Eduardo now is it Nick? How "great" does Eduardo look in these images?