Over at Shadow of the Stadium, Noah Pransky explores whether the Florida legislature is really considering an annual $2 million subsidy to David Beckham?
Beckham, one of the world’s richest athletes, who said months ago he would bring soccer to Miami without public subsidies, was is the state capital yesterday doing what else? Lobbying for public subsidies.
Because, you know, why not drizzle some tax dollars on a guy who makes $47 million a year and is worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $300 million?
No matter how much Mr. Posh Spice may talk about jobs and economic development, it’s not like Miami’s in need of more part-time hot dog vendors or stadium developers.
If the state is serious about scrutinizing stadium subsidies and other public handouts, there are enormous questions to be asked about why Beckham – or MLS – should get tax dollars.
On this issue, we need more scrutiny than selfies.
