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<H1 class=mainHead>Joseph still kicking over renegotiation snag</H1><P class=byline>By Frank Dell'Apa, Globe Staff | <SPAN style="WHITE-SPACE: nowrap">March 20, 2007</SPAN>
The Revolution's talks with midfielder Shalrie Joseph over a contract renegotiation have reached a boiling point. Joseph has issued an ultimatum through agent Ron Waxman, demanding a trade and planning to relinquish his status as captain of the team.
Waxman insists the ultimatum is not a negotiating ploy. But the problem with requesting a trade in Major League Soccer's single-entity setup is that all 13 teams are in virtually the same boat. They all operate with a salary cap, and there is virtually no free agency.
There are exceptions, and Joseph is hoping to qualify as one. But that is not likely to happen. The Revolution and Joseph are not that far apart in terms of contract numbers. Plus, the league has had relatively few high-profile contract disputes, partly because of the cap, partly because anyone can play out a contract and become a free agent on the world market.
In fact, a basis for allowing MLS to operate as a single entity is that players can find opportunities in the global market. For example, of the 33 players with New England connections currently on first division professional rosters, 24 are playing in MLS and nine are overseas.
Waxman said the sides are within $10,000 of an agreement on the first year of the proposal for a four-year contract, of which two years would be guaranteed, but there are differences over attainable bonuses. Joseph has two years remaining on a four-year contract worth about $167,000 annually, but he has been a prime candidate for renegotiation after helping the team reach the MLS Cup two successive seasons.
Joseph expressed interest in beginning talks after last November's MLS Cup but little progress was made until the Revolution offered $300,000 on the eve of training camp.
Joseph's hope is for a deal similar to that of Taylor Twellman, who recently signed for nearly $400,000 annually.
Joseph feels slighted, partly because of an acrimonious renegotiation two years ago. Waxman said the Revolution turned down a $1 million transfer request for Joseph from Celtic FC.
Joseph could simply play out this season on his current contract, then try to scare up another million-dollar offer and make the move to Europe.
Meanwhile, the Revolution return to practice tomorrow and director of soccer Mike Burns plans to discuss the situation with Joseph.
"We have read what Shalrie had to say," said Burns, "but until we have the opportunity to speak to him directly, we are not going to respond in the media."
The Revolution are off to a fast start in the preseason, going 4-0-0 with a 14-2 goal differential in exhibitions in Bermuda and Cancun. But the trip to Cancun did not go smoothly, despite victories over Inter Playa del Carmen (7-0) and Pioneros de Cancun (1-0).
Defender Michael Parkhurst sustained a dislocated shoulder while swimming and is awaiting a specialist's opinion before undergoing surgery.
Then the Revolution's return charter flight last Friday was diverted to Baltimore-Washington International Airport. The team experienced a three-hour wait to clear customs, then took a 10-hour bus ride to Logan Airport, arriving Saturday at 9:15 a.m.
"All the trains were sold out, no hotels had vacancies, and there were no car rentals available," Burns said.
The New York Red Bulls had an even longer delay. They departed Los Angeles Friday, were diverted to Houston, and did not return until last night.
The Revolution's talks with midfielder Shalrie Joseph over a contract renegotiation have reached a boiling point. Joseph has issued an ultimatum through agent Ron Waxman, demanding a trade and planning to relinquish his status as captain of the team.
Waxman insists the ultimatum is not a negotiating ploy. But the problem with requesting a trade in Major League Soccer's single-entity setup is that all 13 teams are in virtually the same boat. They all operate with a salary cap, and there is virtually no free agency.
There are exceptions, and Joseph is hoping to qualify as one. But that is not likely to happen. The Revolution and Joseph are not that far apart in terms of contract numbers. Plus, the league has had relatively few high-profile contract disputes, partly because of the cap, partly because anyone can play out a contract and become a free agent on the world market.
In fact, a basis for allowing MLS to operate as a single entity is that players can find opportunities in the global market. For example, of the 33 players with New England connections currently on first division professional rosters, 24 are playing in MLS and nine are overseas.
Waxman said the sides are within $10,000 of an agreement on the first year of the proposal for a four-year contract, of which two years would be guaranteed, but there are differences over attainable bonuses. Joseph has two years remaining on a four-year contract worth about $167,000 annually, but he has been a prime candidate for renegotiation after helping the team reach the MLS Cup two successive seasons.
Joseph expressed interest in beginning talks after last November's MLS Cup but little progress was made until the Revolution offered $300,000 on the eve of training camp.
Joseph's hope is for a deal similar to that of Taylor Twellman, who recently signed for nearly $400,000 annually.
Joseph feels slighted, partly because of an acrimonious renegotiation two years ago. Waxman said the Revolution turned down a $1 million transfer request for Joseph from Celtic FC.
Joseph could simply play out this season on his current contract, then try to scare up another million-dollar offer and make the move to Europe.
Meanwhile, the Revolution return to practice tomorrow and director of soccer Mike Burns plans to discuss the situation with Joseph.
"We have read what Shalrie had to say," said Burns, "but until we have the opportunity to speak to him directly, we are not going to respond in the media."
The Revolution are off to a fast start in the preseason, going 4-0-0 with a 14-2 goal differential in exhibitions in Bermuda and Cancun. But the trip to Cancun did not go smoothly, despite victories over Inter Playa del Carmen (7-0) and Pioneros de Cancun (1-0).
Defender Michael Parkhurst sustained a dislocated shoulder while swimming and is awaiting a specialist's opinion before undergoing surgery.
Then the Revolution's return charter flight last Friday was diverted to Baltimore-Washington International Airport. The team experienced a three-hour wait to clear customs, then took a 10-hour bus ride to Logan Airport, arriving Saturday at 9:15 a.m.
"All the trains were sold out, no hotels had vacancies, and there were no car rentals available," Burns said.
The New York Red Bulls had an even longer delay. They departed Los Angeles Friday, were diverted to Houston, and did not return until last night.
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