So much ado about Freddy's age.
(Sunday, December 14, 2003) -- The Mad Brit was pummeled last week by readers for a few sentences regarding the age of United States striker Freddy Adu.
There are a lot of sensitive folks out there who love their soccer stars. And the angry response of many to the suggestion of a Mad Brit reader that Adu is older than 14 made the MB felt like an Iraqi terrorist caught with a stolen RPG. He hasn't been so beaten up since a Stoke City fan robbed him of his favorite scarf on a cold windy concrete terrace long ago. Now the MB knows how Whitney Houston feels after a row with Bobby Brown, or Michael Jackson after being booked in a California prosecutor's office. Oh, the pain and brutality of being fingerprinted.
So we certainly touched a nerve. You Yanks love your Freddy. Maybe this kid is the real thing. Let's hope so. American soccer needs a lucky break. Maybe the Messiah has arrived. Adu nearly helped the United States under-20 men come close to downing the Argies in the desert last week. And that Bobby Convey -- who should be wearing a Spurs shirt and downing a pint at the local Anglers Arms -- put on a very good show.
It should be noted that questions about Adu's age were raised long before the MB touched on the subject. The teenager's representatives are certainly aware enough of a perception he might be older than 14 by suggesting bone scans have been performed to confirm his age.