NFL star Ochocinco to take part in MLS trial
Reuters - Wednesday 16 March 2011, 17:27
MIAMI - Chad Ochocinco, one of the NFL's
top wide-receivers, will have a trial with Major League Soccer's
Sporting Kansas City next week, the team said on Wednesday.
Six-time Pro Bowl selection Ochocinco, who plays for the
Cincinnati Bengals, responded to news of the NFL's lockout of
players on Saturday by suggesting on Twitter he would like to
switch sports and play for Sporting.
The team have responded by inviting him for a four-day trial
starting on Tuesday.
"Due to the NFL lockout I am excited to be able to follow my
childhood dream of playing for a Major League Soccer team," the
33-year-old said in a statement released by Sporting KC.
Ochocinco has previously posted pictures of himself with Brazilians Ronaldinho and Kaka on the
internet, visited Real Madrid and regularly comments on soccer
games.
Sporting coach Peter Vermes said he was interested to see
how Ochocinco would turn his athleticism into ability on the
soccer field.
"We are always searching for players who can help our team
and bringing in new talent. We know that Chad is an exceptional
athlete and loves the sport of soccer and he did play a lot when
he was younger.
"We are excited to see how his skills will translate once he
arrives next week and begins training with our team," he said.
The team said they would decide after the trial whether or
not to extend Ochocinco's time with the club.
He was born in Miami as Chad Johnson but changed his name in
2008 to reflect a Spanish language version of his shirt number
85.
The NFL and the players' union are heading to court on April
6 where an anti-trust case will be heard following the breakdown
in talks over a new collective agreement.