Archive for month: January, 2015

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From the Rev: The MLS CBA

MLS Commissioner talks MLS CBA with reporters

MLS Commissioner Don Garber addresses media members regarding the MLS CBA.

With the draft now concluded and preseason camps underway, the next major event in the life of Major League Soccer is completing the new MLS CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement). The MLS CBA is the league’s agreement with the MLSPU (MLS Player’s Union) and usually is a 3-5 year labor agreement. The current MLS CBA is set to expire January 31, 2015. On point for this CBA round of talks are two main emphases – (1) increasing the lower and middle wages of players in the league and (2) free agency. Jeff Carlisle of ESPN FC reported that free agency isn’t even present in the current MLS CBA proposal, despite many players and former players calling for a change in the practice around the league.

The league minimum wage is around $36,500 – while there are many conditions that may increase or decrease that number – this info graphic is helpful in terms of visualizing the makeup of different team salaries across MLS in 2014. In a 2013 post on Quora, the MLS was compared to other professional sports leagues in the United States, coming in at the lowest in terms of minimum salary amounts across the 4 “big-leagues” (NHL, NBA, NFL, and MLB) as well as the WNBA (Women’s professional basketball). The players believe that the league minimums need to increase in order to stay competitive with other leagues of similar stature (like Mexico’s La Liga) around the world.

Show Me the Money

The MLS CBA is about more than just ‘showing the money.’

While many labor talks in the world of professional sports can seem to be just the usual fare of athletes asking for more money, the current MLS CBA talks don’t have the type of numbers and figures that we are accustom to seeing in the media. With other professional sports making close to half-million salaries as minimums, the MLS CBA isn’t a “show me the money” kind of movement, yet. Most players have realistic expectations – salaries won’t catapult overnight; however, for a league that is entering it’s 20th season and (for all intents and purposes) looks like it will be around for a while there will be some pivotal moments of growth for the league and this year’s CBA may be one of the bigger ones in recent times.

MLS players (at the minimum) currently earn less than the average wage paid to public school teachers and when you factor in the average length of a professional sports career being anywhere from 2-5 years (according to the RAM financial group), players in the MLS can experience even shorter careers because minimums are difficult to live on. What I am talking about now doesn’t even consider the differences in cost of living across the 20-different markets in MLS. These factors can often contribute to early ‘retirements’ of players and can result in decisions like the one Colorado Rapids’ Kory Kindle made last year. The result is a high-rate of turnover and sometimes can put players and families into difficult decisions as they may not be prepared for life after soccer.

Accessible Players

Admittedly, the lower salaries and money in MLS does make the players more ‘accessible’ – to fans, and chaplains, too. When a player only makes $35k a year and you offer to buy him Chipotle burritos or you have him over to the house for a home-cooked meal, there is a great appreciation for it. For CrossTraining and our chaplains and counselors, we make it a practice to always buy the meal or the coffee when we interact with players, coaches, staff, or their families – it is one way that we can serve and care for them.

The players that make higher salaries – are often less approachable. Of course, when your making hundreds of thousands or millions, people want to be around you and these high-profile athletes learn to build defense mechanisms to keep people at a ‘safe’ distance. Although, there will always be the stories of the pro-athlete who lets bad people into the inner circle and eventually ends up suffering from it. Consider this, in the professional sports world – everyone wants something from you. Even the innocent kids that just want an athlete’s autograph are still asking and taking from the athlete. For chaplains, we have to go to the extreme opposites of not asking and not taking so that we can earn the trust and properly care for the people God places in our paths. This also brings conflict because we cannot ask to be supported from the very people that we are trying to care for.

Chaplains must maintain their positions with the utmost integrity.

Chaplains and the MLS CBA

There have been discussions from time to time that the MLS CBA should include a line item agreement allowing chaplains access to the club. There is no uniformity across the league – some of this is based on ownership or coach values or ideals – some chaplains have full access to club players and employees, other chaplains have had to adapt their ministries to the constraints placed on them (often waiting outside gates and closed doors or meeting people off-site to provide care).

CrossTraining has developed multiple strategies as the landscape in professional sports continues to change and become increasingly closed off to chaplains working with teams. I would support a move to help create space for a chaplain presence in the MLS CBA, but I think there are other issues more pressing. While I cannot pretend to be expert enough to know the mechanisms of free agency and how they might be worked out in MLS, I can attest to the mental and emotional strain of the current systems that hold a player (and often a family) in a difficult place in terms of finding “gainful employment.” Consider that when non-playoff teams in 2014 met with players to inform them of the future plans (or future dismissals) it was most likely around the last week of October/1st week of November. The drafts to get players into other teams or released from their current contracts didn’t end until December 18 – a week before Christmas! Anyone in business knows that far into December is typically a ‘dead’ time of year in terms of making moves, decisions, spending money, or even having the executives or personnel around to make decisions.

While I will be the first to acknowledge that God often meets one in the waiting spaces of life – as a chaplain, part of my role is to advocate for the players and their families. As we care about the “whole” person – this also includes the salary and wage that they are on as well as their ability to seek employment. We famously pray, “give us this day, our daily bread…” and that daily bread comes via the salaries we make in gainful employment. It can seem mighty unfair and unjust when the league minimum player is playing as many minutes and is at just as much risk for career-ending injury and a short professional career as the next guy making six figures or more. So, for me – I would vote to see the lower and middle wages raised to levels that would more comfortably support a player and his family and also to see different processes in place that help players have greater choice to find employment.

A Prayer for the MLS CBA Talks

MLS CBA 2010But, in truth, I haven’t received a phone call asking for my opinion on the MLS CBA – not from players or league executives. And, in all honesty, aside from the chaplain role of being an advocate we must be prepared no matter where the negotiations and discussion eventually land. It is almost a forced neutrality that chaplains must undertake – for we serve people on both sides of the negotiating table. We are often the ones in the backgrounds supporting and praying for all involved.

Let me close by offering a prayer over the MLS CBA talks based on a command from Deuteronomy 24:14-15,

God, our Father, for the MLS CBA talks we pray,

May there be fairness and justice in every way.

Be with all upon whom these discussions depend,

For the league, the player, his family, and his friend.

Let no right wage or privilege of work be withheld,

Let there be diplomacy in the dialogue and may both sides compromise well.

Amen.

Blessings,

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Rev. Brad Kenney

From the Rev: Introductions

At the recent 2015 NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America) Convention in Philadelphia, I was waiting in Starbucks for a meeting when I overheard a woman ask a friend to make introductions with a potential employer and influencer in the game. “Maybe if you could just introduce me,” she suggested, “it could open the door for me.” She was hopeful that her friend had enough influence and rapport to get an opportunity or an audience. As I reflected on the woman’s hopeful tone, I realized my own meeting was about an introduction – waiting to meet someone in the new USL-Pro franchise for Charlotte, the Charlotte Independence. I was, too, hopeful for good introductions and the beginning of a trusting relationship to help develop chaplaincy with this new organization. In fact, much of the the time at the NSCAA Convention and MLS (Major League Soccer) Draft, when we hold our annual chaplain meetings, is about making introductions and networking with friends and colleagues from years past.

Introductions: An Ancient Practice

The need for introductions is nothing new – as I walked away from my meeting that day and thought back to those moments in Starbucks, I was reminded of Paul and Christians in the ancient world. Without the modern resources of LinkedIn or Facebook to help make quick connections, people in the ancient world relied heavily upon references from others. Introductions from people were that were held in high esteem or had wealth or power or influence were highly sought after and desired. These introductions were often made by way of letter and were often carried on the person (like a passport or a wallet, today).

philemon introduction

The earliest fragment of Philemon – Paul’s introduction of Onesimus back to his owner

Philemon: An Example of Biblical (Re)Introductions

An example of such is found in the biblical book of Philemon. Here, Paul introduces (or re-introduces) the slave Onesimus to Philemon. As far as we know, Onesimus had runaway from his owner Philemon. At some point, Paul encounters Onesimus, learns his story and sends him back to his owner – trying to make right or just the situation. Within the letter to Philemon, Paul uses several pleas and appeals to Philemon – recalling their friendship, recalling the favors that Philemon owes Paul, naming mutual friends, and offering to settle any financial debts that might be had.

It may seem odd to have the inclusion of such a letter in the Bible – the Word of God. I doubt that MLS or other major corporations keep historical records of the “introductions” that led them to particular player or opportunity. But for the church and the people of God this letter stands as a clear example for the power of introductions (and reintroductions). Paul’s appeals for these two men to love each other, forgive each other, to have restored fellowship and to engage in reconciliation are benchmark standards and goals for Christian believers throughout the ages.

Modern Day Introductions

introductions over coffee

Today, many introductions happen over a cup of coffee.

Fast forward a couple thousand years – whether in a grand convention hall or in a local Starbucks or church –  we are still in need of introductions today. As a chaplain to the Colorado Rapids and as a Christian, much of my role is about making introductions – introductions that exceed temporal priorities and impact; introductions that have eternal and lasting benefits. As a chaplain, I sometimes introduce people into a local community or support network. Sometimes, I make introductions to resources or ideas that have to do with being a good father or husband. I also introduce people into places or disciplines that keep their mind and faith sharp amidst the pressures of professional life. And, the greatest privilege for me, is to introduce (or re-introduce) people to Jesus Christ and to his Church.

Friend, maybe you are reading this today and you need an introduction. I cannot claim to be a person of importance or influence, but I do know One with whom I can introduce you and it would make all the difference in the world in your life. I would love to make that introduction for you – please reach out to me and I will.

Blessings

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Rev. Brad Kenney

From the Rev: Popular Petke

Popular RBNY Coach Mike Petke was fired last Tuesday

Popular Petke was fired on Tuesday, raising fan ire at the ownership group of Red Bull New York.

The maelstrom of fan discontent surrounding the recent firing of popular, Red Bulls Head Coach Mike Petke is enough to have team executives call a town hall meeting to try and placate season ticket holders. Major League Soccer contributor Dan Itel, in his The Sideline blog, on Thursday, noted the outpouring of fan support – including a fundraising campaign to purchase billboard signage to express fan disapproval with the firing. Pundits will argue about the seeming waywardness of the move for who knows how long. The New York, New Jersey soccer club has been besieged with a history of poor decision making and the sacking of successful, popular coaches as this fan blog mentions; and, until recently, this club has been somewhat of a laughingstock for the seeming star-power but inability to win meaningful hardware. Popular Petke, though, broke through the glass ceiling above Harrison, NJ.

Having spent time with Petke, during his playing years in Colorado (2005-2008), I can testify to his charisma and winsome ways. His popularity was enhanced not only by his personality but a playing career and, later, young coaching career with a fan base that loved and embraced this local, hometown hero. Popular Petke (@petkemike) will most likely land somewhere as a coach in MLS again – but when and where is not at all a certainty, even with NYRB Sporting Director Ali Curtis’ acknowledgment of Petke as in important part of the club’s history. But, often times, these words are bandied about and become fodder for the skeptics and the loyal fans that question front office and ownership motivations.

Mike_PetkePower of Popularity

If Popular Petke’s departure is any indication, one might say that there isn’t much staying power to a person’s popularity or charisma – at least not in professional sports. Of course, the hero to goat analogy is synonymous with sport, but Petke didn’t have a “disastrous” season that is typical of these kinds of firings. If a loss in a conference championship isn’t good enough for ownership or management, then nothing short of either playing in or winning the MLS Cup would have saved Petke, one might presume. In short, that is a tremendous amount of pressure to place on a 38 year-old in his first professional head coach position. At 39, I know that I wouldn’t want that kind of pressure – either for myself or for my family. Add in dealing with player egos and salaries, a city where sports teams and figures come under great scrutiny, and a new cross-town rival in New York City FC – yep, that’s enough. Gone are the days when a player or coach could have any hope of longevity based on popularity. It seems that popularity is powerless when it comes to the pressures of winning.

pressure gaugePressure vs. Popularity

So, who comes to mind for you when you think of someone popular who fell victim to some point or crucible of pressure? A popular athlete? Employee? Boss? A pastor? A coach? A spouse? A friend? At what point did they crack? How much pressure was applied before they gave up? What did it take to break them? Perhaps the recent book Unbroken and subsequent film comes to mind. Louis Zamperini knew the heights of popularity and success as an Olympian and the tremendous pressure of trying to survive a Japanese World War II Prison of War camp – that pressure would haunt and linger in his mind in the years that followed his liberation. His solace and peace finally coming as he surrendered his fears and his hatred toward his captors to God several years after the war.

And here is where there is often a departure – sure fans and friends and family may be up in arms over Petke’s firing. Those who are close or near will commiserate and attempt to comfort. But when will peace come? To live in this space is often a lonely space where it feels that no one else can go with us. When we go through the trauma of a goodbye, a firing, a death – no matter on what level of the psyche and spirit it occurs – we will often replay moments. Moments that we thought we could control. Moments that we thought we might have effected the outcome. Moments where we wish we had made a different decision or chose another path or had another result, even, befall us.

I am not saying that Petke will have anguishing nightmares as Zamperini did about his captors and captivity, but there will be the sleepless nights, the moments of feeling inadequate or doubting self-worth, the moments of wondering if a recovery from such a blow will ever happen. And if much time passes on before a new day or new challenge it might even create a great depression that might threaten the heart and soul with some darker night.

Praying for Petke

As a chaplain, my own burden has been that any player (or coach, or staff, or family member) that falls under the ministry of CrossTraining (even if for a season) is someone that I am called to serve – no matter where life may take them. The look and feel of that service might change over the years and miles, but for me, I am still called to be available to serve and to love and to care for them. Perhaps, you think it impetuous for me to imagine myself still a chaplain to Petke – and maybe it is. But still, I will pray. I will pray for Mike Petke and for his wife and his kids. I will pray for his parents and family and friends. I will pray for those hurting. I will pray for those angry and upset by this loss. Because I have been there many times – sometimes myself, many times in a caring role for others. I have seen when people, in spite of their popularity or achievements or personality were fired or let go. I have seen the popular and powerful come to the end of their journey here on this earth. I have watched as the pretty and popular sink into the abyss of depression and sadness seemingly to never rise again. It is a hard place. It is a dark place. It is a place where, as the psalmist put it, the soul cries out of the depths (Psalm 130). And when no one else can go into those depths where life might plunge us – there is One for whom we can wait upon for deliverance. And He hears our cries.

Blessings,

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Rev. Brad Kenney

From the Rev: New Year, New Resolutions

Rapids fans await the new year

Colorado Rapids fans hope the new year will see some different results on the field.

It’s a new year and with a new year, come new resolutions – whether a goal to lose weight, spend more time with family, become a better soccer player, or to win a championship – all sorts of things make our initial list to try and “resolve.” For the Colorado Rapids, they have some new year resolutions on the field and off the field. And, even for this Rev, there are a few “resolutions” that I have been considering myself. To be honest, though, I am not a big believer in making annual resolutions – unless they have some “SMART”-ness to them; SMART standing for specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.

New Year, New Resolutions Out of Control?

Of course, sometimes we make resolutions when things are really out of our control. Such is the case for New York City Football Club (NYCFC) who recently revealed that midfielder Frank Lampard, whom had been highly promoted as a premier player for the club, won’t join the team until July at earliest. The pundits and fans, alike, are up in arms about the “false advertising” that the team or perhaps, Major League Soccer (or maybe both) provided about Lampard. So maybe acquiring the player that you want isn’t the best new year resolution to make.

Matthew Doyle

Of course, you could try and make it a priority to name your team as the franchise in Atlanta (set to begin league play in 2017) is attempting to do, but as Matthew Doyle (pictured right) writes, that might be harder than it seems.

Some of these names are trying a bit too hard, while a few others aren’t trying quite hard enough. And some are trying hard to appear like they’re not trying very hard.

Whatever the resolution, we may first want to ask our selves if we are attempting to control something that is really out of our control.

New Year, New Resolutions In Our Control

You don’t hear too many people make resolutions like these:

I resolve to depend more on others.

I resolve to rely upon God and not myself.

We do make resolutions that often are within some scope of our own responsibility and control. I recently entered a 20/20 challenge. Pay $20 into a pool of people working to lose 20 lbs. this year – unfortunately, the challenge began before Christmas and New Year’s so there has been difficulty with the amount of food and sweets that typical Americans eat during this season. While I have lost about 5 lbs. thus far, there is still a long “weigh” to go. While I don’t really see this as a New Year resolution – there are some similarities but more at issue has been how I got to be overweight in the first place.

Dereliction of Duty?

Call it absent-mindedness. Call it busyness. As a writer once said,

Gaining three pounds a year wasn’t significant. Until looking back 10 years…

There is a sense that we try to make new year resolutions about things that show we have been disobedient, poor stewards, or just simply lazy. I have a lot of excuses for my own weight gains – ministry, the children, getting enough sleep, not wanting to sweat, not being 20 anymore, and so on. But there is always a responsibility that we have – first to God, and then to others. Actually, the two are so intricately intertwined that we cannot separate the two.

I was recently gifted an exercise bike – that helps, especially in winter. But we still have to get on the bike – we still have an outworking responsibility. This is the curious thing about faith, too – we have a part in the growth (or death) of our faith.

New Year, New Faith Resolutions

Mustard seed faithMost people that I serve, struggle with their faith at some point or another at life. Maybe it is in the midst of crisis, maybe it is in the dullness of prosperity, other times it is in moment of unbelievability. This is nothing new. At one point in the gospel of Luke (17:5-6), the disciples of Jesus ask,

5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.

The faith to do – to uproot a tree, to live out a resolution, to accomplish a task – this faith doesn’t simply go or grow on its own. A mustard seed must be planted, watered, tended. So, too, our faith.

When I sit across from people who tell me that they’ve “lost God” or God “doesn’t exist anymore” for them, I sometimes ask when such a thing happened or where was the last place they “left him.” The loss of God (or faith, or a resolution) usually occurs when there is a departure from Him – they stopped reading the Bible, they stopped being involved in a community of faith or church, they stopped praying, they stopped believing.

Perhaps, in this new year of 2015 we ought to resolve to grow our faith – to start believing in God again, to pray once more, to start becoming involved again in a local community of faith, to begin reading His famous letter. Maybe, just maybe, we will then have the strength and the resolve to see the other things in life – things within and without our control – come to fruition. And, if we don’t, then at least we can settle for God’s peace about it.

Blessings,

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Rev. Brad Kenney

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