Further proving that we are inching toward respectability, on Monday, March 21st, the Idiots were invited to attend the annual Media Day for the Metros.

Security was tight as Keith, Jason, Ronen and I strolled right into the event, which was held at B.B. King's club in Midtown Manhattan. Everything was very professionally set up, with the players seated at booths on the perimeter of the room, while the press was in the middle of the room. MetroDog was nowhere to be seen, continuing his stubborn refusal to talk to the local media. The event started with Bob Bradley and Nick Sakiewicz each making brief opening remarks before answering questions from the group. Bob has clearly mastered the art of coach-speak, as he managed to talk for a few minutes without saying anything of substance. As expected, Nick's remarks focused on the stadium issue and he said that the team needed to have a new stadium. Apparently, an important "final" meeting will be held with the NJSEA on March 30th, but we are not holding our collective breaths.

After these speeches, there were a couple of presentations. Most importantly, the Metros reveled the "MetroGirls", eleven shapely and attractive local ladies who were wearing form fitting Metros jerseys. Bizarrely, the Metros insisted that these scantily clad women were not, repeat not, cheerleaders, but were "team ambassadors". In any event, they looked pretty good and they appeared to be up for some catcalls from the Idiots during the season. In addition, the Metros revealed a twice weekly program on their website called "All Access", in which we get to go behind the scenes of the Metros. For example, in the first episode, we get to see Youri Djorkaeff apply for AARP membership.

After these presentations, the players and coaches were made available for individual interviews. Proving that he could have a future as a sportswriter, Jason attacked the buffet like a pro and ignored the players. Keith took out his special pervert zoom lens and began taking pictures of the MetroGirls. As Ronen approached Bob Bradley, the coach was frantically signalling for some one to ask him about giving up Eddie Pope, losing to D.C. United or even the latest on the stadium. Unfortunately for Bob, no one came to his rescue and he was subject to an intense 15 minute grilling by Ronen. As I walked by, all I heard was Bob saying something about a restraining order. I approached my hero, the King of Goals, who eyed me suspiciously like an immigration officer or a good chance on goal. Although the language barrier prevented us from actually speaking, I was able to shake the King's hand and take a couple of pictures with him.

All and all, a class event by the Metros.