Yesterday, we received another call from the New York Cosmos who wanted to make another statement to the fans.
As we know, Terry Byrne met with the new owners of the Cosmos Wednesday to discuss moving forward. The message we got from the Cosmos was that the meeting was positive and the new owners wanted the fans to know that they have the best of intentions for the New York Cosmos.
This ends their message. (We state this to not confuse anyone as the next portion is our statement)
Now, we have thought about ways to reply to the new owners and we decided that the best way to do so is in public.
For the past year, The Borough Boys stood by the Cosmos when many doubted the capability and/or good intentions of Kemsley & Co. We got behind them because they were the first potential investor group to go public and state that their intention to join MLS. We didn’t just take them at their word. In extensive meetings, and our own investigations, it seemed that indeed, these guys were serious. If this all falls apart, as seems quite possible, let us be the first to come forward, we were wrong. Now all we can do is the best we can to at least fix the Academy mess.
To the NEW OWNERS (rumors have you being Sela Sport but whoever you are):
We thank you for taking the time to address the fans but our stance can only be actions speak louder than words. We are not stating that you don’t have the best intentions but we are saying that we have heard this before.
Clearly there are some items of business you need to address, but in order to win back the fans and the local community the first step is to address the academy situation. Somebody must step forward with a $210,000* check for BW Gottschee immediately. You assumed the debt, it is your legal responsibility to pay the obligation. It is the moral responsibility of the old owners, the new owners, and all the honorary “Cosmos” – Pele, Cantona, Messing and Alberto to make this right. You gloried in the Cosmos name, now take some responsibility for it!
And yes, this is OUR business. Unlike those who signed the agreement, we are New Yorkers and local New York children are being told unless their parents can pay thousands of dollars, they need to take a walk because of an unfulfilled promise. Not to mention, if you can’t handle the orderly operation of a youth academy, why would anyone, including the league, believe that you can handle a division 1 professional team in the United States?
Once that is cleared up, we suggest a meeting between you guys and the fans. Talk to us, share your thoughts and visions with us, let us give you feedback. This will not exactly make things fine and dandy but this will be a start. (Just to set expectations, things will ONLY be 100% if and when you guys get announced to Major League Soccer.)
We are fans. We are going to be mad, we are going to complain, but if all works out, we are going to be season ticket holders. We are going to engage our fertile soccer community with you as the centerpiece. But first, fix the academy issue and do it ASAP. The notifications are already out to these working class kids: “No pay, no play”. Make this right and then let’s meet and discuss how we can work to put the relationship on better footing.
We would also like to state that none of our anger is directed towards the staff, past or present. We fully understand that they are in an almost impossible position, and we have always appreciated their professionalism in their dealings with us.
*EDITOR NOTE - UPDATE
The actual lawsuit from BW Gottschee is for $460,000. This is for the outstanding August payment, facility fee as well as the upcoming payment which is due in 50 Days. This is all public records.
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