David Beckham to MLS

It is official. David Beckham will be trading in Real Madrid for the LA Galaxy and La Liga for Major League Soccer (MLS). The contract is reported to be a 5-year deal worth $250m, making it the second-largest contract behind A-Rod (10-year, $252m) signed in America. This will make him the highest paid athlete in the United States. Just to put things in perspective, he'll be getting paid $1m per week.

Implications for Beckham
This move came about 2-3 years too early. In the last seven months, Beckham has had somewhat of a fall from grace, as he gave up the England captain's armband. Upon the arrival of new England boss Steve McClaren, Beckham was left out of the England fold, with the boss opting for emerging talent and new leadership. The snowball effect continued for Becks, as his role diminished and form dwindled as the season progressed. These factors, in addition to a rule change altering how much MLS teams can pay top international players, have decided fate for the former England stalwart.

Implications for MLS
As a fan of MLS and a former intern (DC United), I'm kind of scared for the league. Overpaying players who are beyond their prime is exactly the opposite of what a league on a tight budget is supposed to do. Soccer is already becoming a popular sport in parts of the country. It will climb above football and basketball though. As it stands, Beckham will bring short-term appeal and his trademark looks -- not to mention, his gorgeous wife, Victoria.

I thought we were supposed to learn from the folding of the NASL. With that said, I have three recommendations for MLS teams and the league to consider as they move forward.
1) Stop bringing in international players on the decline. Unless you're a MLS team from Los Angeles, take heed to this. I say that because Beckham can be marketed well in LA. $250m well? No.
2) The flipside of the 1st recommendation. Put more money into player development and scouting. When I think of league successes, I think of Brian McBride, Clint Dempsey, Damani Ralph (not American, but groomed through MLS).
3) Change the season schedule in order to align with the major European leagues. I know this depends on being self-sufficient (i.e. having your own stadiums), but it is badly needed.