Pablo Mastroeni, coach of the Colorado Rapids and 2015 MLS All-Stars, had to make some last minute roster changes ahead of the July 29 match against Tottenham Hotspur as four players dropped out of the game. Los Angeles Galaxy stars Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard will not play as well as Michael Bradley and Chris Tierney. These four join Obafemi Martins and Frank Lampard on the absentee list. Martins and Lampard announced early that they would not be appearing as they recover from injuries. At this time, the four new withdraws do not appear to be injury related.
The absence of four All-Stars brings up two questions. Do these players have an obligation to the fans to play in these games? How does this make commissioner Don Garber look now that his selections are both absent?
The first and most important question is whether or not players have an obligation to play. That answer depends on the circumstances. Mastroeni selected Keane and Tierney for this roster, not the fans. This is by no means makes them obligated to play. Had they politely declined when selected, this would be a non-issue. They are not the Fan XI, nor were they picked by their peers. Waiting until the day before to drop out is a bit insulting to the fans after agreeing to play. Gerrard was one of Garber's two selections for the team. The commissioner picked both Gerrard and Lampard because they bring star power and quality to every game they play. Since the commissioner has pushed Gerrard into the spotlight, he has an obligation to play. Michael Bradley joins Martins as the only fan selections not to appear this year. Martins, being injured at the time, refused his invite for good reason. Bradley on the other hand has no real excuse. The current captain of the USMNT is letting down all the fans of MLS that selected him to play in this game. Clint Dempsey and Graham Zusi were both away on national team duty as well and will be present for the All-Star game. The All-Star game is a showcase for the league and not showing up is an insult to everyone involved.
The second question is easier to answer. Garber's selections were poorly thought out and not in the best interest of the team or players. Gerrard is new to the league and his team. If he is not injured, his absence is likely due to his desired to continue his acclimation to the Galaxy. Any new player expected to make an immediate impact would likely make this same decision. Playing in a meaningless exhibition game is less import. Lampard's absence is totally excusable, but does not look favorably on the commissioner as his second selection has yet to play a minute of MLS action.
While all four of these players likely have reasonable and logical excuses for not playing, they are not doing themselves or the league any favors. Keane has battled injuries this season and protecting himself should be a top priority. Gerrard, as referenced earlier, has a lot learn with his new club. Bradley has missed the last several weeks of MLS action for USMNT duty and is most likely in need of a break after the grueling schedule. Being the only USMNT player to skip out following the Gold Cup makes him stand out. Tierney is playing for a New England Revolution squad that is not meeting expectations for the season so far. He is most likely staying with his club in an effort to keep playoff hopes alive.
Whether or not these players have valid reasons for missing the games or not, players should only miss a showcase like this for injuries or personal emergencies. This game is a showcase for the league and an exhibition for the enjoyment of the fans. Being chosen to play is an honor and players should reciprocate by giving back to the community. Barring injury, shame on all four of these players for backing out.