D.C. United terminates Taxi Fountas’ $7,000,000 MLS contract after racially abusing teammate using the ‘N-word’
Despite Fountas denying the allegations, the contract termination is still going to happen.
Follow Us
Taxi Fountas playing for D.C. United, (Source: Getty)
D.C. United has mutually agreed with Taxi Fountas to terminate the forward’s contract. This was soon after allegations of him racially abusing teammate Nigel Robertha came to light. The incident occurred on the 15th of July in a game against the New England Revolution. According to the Athletic, the two argued in the 67th minute of the game and were in an altercation on their way back to the dressing room.
“There is no place for racism, homophobia, misogyny, or discrimination in our sport, world, and D.C. United does not tolerate any acts of this nature,” the club reported on Thursday. According to Nigel Robertha, the player used the N-word against him, so he immediately informed the MLS match officials, resulting in an investigation. Both the players were put under administrative leave, but Robertha was reinstated on July 24.
The forward from Greece denied the allegations as he said he had not racially abused anyone and dislikes the word himself. He has played 12 games, scored six times, and assisted once. MLS will investigate the incident as they have ‘found’ credible evidence to charge the player, although they haven’t levied a fine. As Black players and managers call for racism to end throughout the sport, even taking a knee before the game, the situation is critical.
ESPN had earlier noted that this wasn’t the first time the player was involved in a racial situation, in a match against Inter Miami earlier this year. The equality movement has taken itself in full stride, and it would only benefit the sport and players if this backward problem were to exit the game for the greater good.
Iconic MLS moments over the years
Since its inception in 1993, MLS has constantly been working on improving the football or soccer culture in America. DC United won the inaugural season in 1996 by defeating LA Galaxy. The league constantly expanded over the years and introduced a ‘Designated Player Rule’, which mightily helped them grow their brand.
MLS has grown ever since. English superstar David Beckham joined the LA Galaxy attracting significant media attention, expanding the league to newer locations within the country. Atlanta United broke the attendance records for the league in just their second season, showcasing the growth potential.
Since Zlatan Ibrahimovic‘s arrival, the momentum of the MLS has significantly changed. As it showed the American public the actual beauty of one of the game’s greats. Now, one of the best players of all time Lionel Messi has set foot on American soil. Certainly putting them on the map for being a ‘major’ league.
In case you missed:
- “Man’s in his Marvel phase”- Fans thunder in joy as Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi launches new ‘Spiderman celebration’
- Partner Sue Bird hits back at critics doubting Megan Rapinoe’s ‘patriotism,’ says she just wants a ‘better version’ of America
Stay Updated!
Syed Talib Haider
(1039 Articles Published)