can't say I didn't see something like this coming. if not now, then it would have surfaced in the future. ...big, bad economic development!

Did DCU also lie to the hispanic (or any other ethnicity) children in those wards as well?

Any idea what, if anything, set them off?

The press release said: "It is heart breaking to believe that this type of
racism still exists in 2007. This is why we are committed to stop that soccer stadium from being built."

So, so sad that these ministers have to play the race card, once again, when they feel slighted.

i don't know anything about the situation, and this press release doesn't add any facts. as a result, the individual who wrote it just sounds disgruntled. what was lied about?

"(1) DC United lied and
misled area ministers about their intentions to fund a
youth soccer league for African American children in
Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8. (2) DC United lied about their
commitment to the children of those Wards after a year
and a half of discussion"

Excuse me? The United Soccer Club program is fully up and running and fielding a U-10 team in the Captiol Hill Soccer League-- I volunteered at one of their games a couple weeks ago. Did they list any sort of contact information where they can provide more information to back up these claims of "lies?"

What exactly happened to make the leaders of this organization speak out? Did DCU in fact renege on their promises? It seemed like the plans for hiring guidelines and mixed-income housing were good enough for some in the ward, especially councilman Barry.

Apparently the DCBCI needs to save some money in their budget for a press release proofreader. Aside from the obvious spelling and punctuation errors, the grammar in this thing is horrendous. Makes it pretty hard to take this thing seriously when it looks so third-rate.

I'm not shocked to see it, I'm just reall disappointed to see that they're so easily throwing around a charge of racism. It's a dangerous and unkind charge to throw around, especially when I've seen no sort of racist tendencies coming out of an organization run by people of all colors.

If you're opposed, be opposed and let your voice be heard. But do so in a mindful and responsible manner.

Very disappointing, and very careless on the part of the DCBCI

Did Major League Baseball pay these people off? I'm sure DC's African-American owner is a racist. Right. These people are unbelievable.

Apparently DC United needed to bribe someone in the ministry hierarchy and didn't.

Wow, this is not good. Not good at all.

I thought that our principle owner/operator is black. I'm I wrong about this...if I'm right then how does playing the race card make any sense? There is clearly another issue here that set the organization off and it sounds like it has something to do with a youth soccer league. Setting up a youth soccer league for the city's wards is a great idea and clearly something United should be a part of for all kids. I'm confused with the article and think it's sad that the church in this case is playing the "race card". United should be offended/saddened by these accusations and hopefully will be able to clear up the issue for all involved.

How do you spell CORRUPTION? D.C.B.C.I.

Am I supposed to take seriously a press release with a typo in the freaking title??

What's the real story here? I thought DC had set up a league in Ward 8 years ago?

Goff, any idea from you or other members of the WaPo staff about the historical importance and various stances of the DCBCI?

What were the alleged lies? That isn't clear.

My understanding is that the DC United youth league is up and running. I know for a fact that the owners of DC United are an African-American and an Asian-American.

Are there any facts or cited sources from this organization to back up these rather slanderous charges?

I just want to know how they lied exactly. I have no problems with the race "card" if it's likely or justified, but I'm like to see a coherent argument first.

Is this some sort of late April Fools joke? What lies where made? I can't expect racisim to be a factor b/s the ownership of the team are minorities. It just does not make sense. Goff, what the hell happened here? Will DC now look to the 'Burbs to build the stadium?

Did the DCBCI weigh in on the Nat's stadium?

Quick Google showed that DCBCI was opposed to the Nats Stadium. Looks like they're part of a national coalition, and have only dug up their mother ship's website.

It's obvious they are disgruntled about the Pope "Eddie" being traded to the mormons.

This is just how things in D.C. work, they are looking for a payoff plain and simple. They know that the racism charge is powerful and will use it until they are personally appeased. This land is useless right now and without the development will remain useless. No developer is going to spend any money on Popular point without some form of return on investment. This is just the first shot across the bow but DCU and the city need to get the PR machine cranking and release info on the things they have done for the community.

They opposed the Nats Stadium as well:

http://washingtontimes.com/metro/20041004-112326-5823r.htm

Sorry for the WashTimes link.

They also opposed the opening of a gay bar in the Shaw neighborhood:

http://www.washblade.com/2006/3-31/news/localnews/bebar.cfm

I think they're fairly psychotic and radical. It sounds as though they oppose pretty much anything that doesn't directly line their own pockets.

What's happening, ladies and gents, is the timeless tradition of rattling the saber and passing the plate. All these "ministers" are concerned about is getting their slice of the pie. They're afraid that the city and United may come to some agreeement without involving them, thereby throwing them off the gravy train. I think they're scared, which may mean that McFarlane, Chang and the Fade to Balls duo might just be making a little progress on this thing. Remember, they managed to get things done in SF with Willie Brown as mayor, and that's no small feat.

Oops. Not "gay bar" just "gay owned bar." My apologies to Be Bar.

Everyone do the Sharpton Shakedown! I know, I know, Al Sharpton isn't involved but maybe he was consulted? It just seems like his playbook.

That is one of the worst pieces of writing I have ever read(and I regularly visit BigSoccer). The article would have been more credible if somebody replaced every "DC United" with "Washington Nationals" and "soccer" with "baseball". What does the DCBCI want at Poplar Point? What are there motives?

I agree with those who said that progress must be being made on the part of DCU and DC Gov, since we've now seen the WaPo article about Poplar Point and the response from DCBCI. I have to wonder if the Kevin Payne chat on Monday was seen by DCBCI as the opening salvo.

Sorry for posting so much, but the Blade article mentions how Rev. Anthony Evans, president of the D.C. Black Church Initiative, is inclined to stretch the truth, level unsubstantiated allegations, and exaggerate his influence. There's a wonderful quote from him on how Gay people "think they can go anywhere in the city" and how the DCBCI are telling them "no you cannot." The article's definitely worth a read.

The evidence I've seen suggests that the DCBCI is a cynical, bigoted organization that doesn't really represent the unified coalition of DC Churches it claims to.

Oh dear.

It seems we've gone from ZZZzzzzzzzz to a shrieking nightmare of negative PR.

Somebody is looking for a pay day and his name is Anthony Evans.

Send DCBCI back to hospital.

Unless MacFarlane greases Antony Evans (which is obviously what he is angling for) we might as well start calling this team VA United.

Did a DCU supporter go on the Imus show at some point recently? Shame on him/her! Now look at what you have done.

The Post has done a horrible job at highlighting what DCU has done for the community and even though tax payers will only be paying for infrastructure work the Post did about 1000x more for the Nats than United even though tax payers floated the entire thing.

Goff, enough of the zzzzz get some of your co-workers to write some articles on the things DCU and their owners are doing for local communities.

Geez -- these guys haven't even bothered to investigate United enough to learn that three of our four owner/investers are racial minorities -- and that two of the four are African-American. These guys simply can't be taken all that seriously even in the broad nature of reality that is D.C. politics.

"The DC Black Church Initiative DCBCI), a coalition of 800 African-American and Latino member churches works to eradicate racial disparities in healthcare"

what does this and opposing the opening of a bar by a gay owner have to do with their mission?

Bring that stadium to the burbs! Build some nice youth fields around it so my kids have a great place to play! I'm not in ward 3,4,5,6,7,8,9 10 or 20 for that matter but my kids play soccer on crappy local school fields, so bring that new stadium to Maryland! We can play on the nice fields and have a nice trip to united games....what a joke

As a purely side comment, it IS possible for a corporation or organization that is run by/headed by people of color to advance a racist/white supremacist policy. And I am pretty sure these ministers consider this kind of development gentrification, and thus racist.

Not saying I agree with the DCBCI in this instance, but the existence of McFarland or Chang as co-owners doesnt necessarily mean that the gentrification of that area will be any different than any other part of the city.

Beyond the fact that this horribly written release only makes baseless accusations, rather than provide detailed facts about why they're upset, accusing a minority-owned club of racism, only for the sake of getting your organizations name in the headlines, is beyond ignorant and borders on malicious.

To those crying to move the stadium to the suburbs, keep in mind that things worth doing are rarely easy.

Other commenters have made valid points about both the m.o. of the DCBCI and the DCU ownership. The point to take from this is that DCU has to sustain and probably increase its current efforts at community development and sponsorship of youth teams/leagues.

Getting the stadium and the development at Poplar Point will be difficult and contentious at times. DCU cannot simply rely on the race and business wherewithal of its ownership to see this through. A good faith effort is required here, and I think that DCU will make it. And as fans of the club, we have to do our part in helping and holding the club to account for it.

Moving to the suburbs would be the worst thing DCU could ever do, sorry.

HA HA HA! What a joke of an organization to come up with a horribly written, baseless statement. And they wonder why Ward 8 is what it is---because they elect former crack addicts to represent them maybe? Problem is this church organization seems to have some kind of power that we have to address---"NIP IT IN THE BUD"

Bigger question is how DC U and FENTY will respond to this idiot.

A lot of people have been asking, but it merits another go...WHAT LIES? I want a list of promises and when those promises were broken.

Also, Goffer, this was sent to you? by them?

I would love to see if any reporter looks at this press release and says 'wow, they have a pretty good argument here', and prints it with a bunch of (sic) added.

I don't remember them rattling their saber with the Nats stadium, perhaps they think DCU is easier to intimidate than the NATS ownership.

Regardless, we will now have a very interesting back and forth. I sure hope it is in public.

Even Kevin Payne recently reiterated that DC United belongs in DC.

So all the suburban city-haters can just move along now.

Admit it Steve, you're just looking to rival LaCa's comment count, right?

I have seen this many times before and that's why it is imperative to never trust them until they identify these alleged "lies" in writing.

My first reaction was to say, "f**k them, let's go to the suburbs", but the reality is that would only be helping the morons who authored this release. Their only goal is to be as divisive as possible, in order to consolidate their power and line their pockets. A new stadium and "gentrification" only takes power of poverty out of their hands. It's not racism or lying from United and developers, it's a change to their status quo.

We need to fight them tooth and nail. I think they'll be surprised with what they're prompting from the DC soccer community, we're a pretty motivated and ornery lot!

"Southeasterner: The Post has done a horrible job at highlighting what DCU has done for the community..."

Hopefully The Post will be an exception to what I have read in the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News regarding RSL's stadium and which is now beginning with the San Jose Mercury News' coverage of the proposed Quakes'/SJSU stadium. Once papers get their populist voice going it seems to be very difficult for them to present balancing facts. The news pieces seem to morph into opinion columns.

Hopefully The Post will rise above this...hopefully. I have faith in Len Downie.

Time for the shakedown!

The only surprising thing about this press release is that it wasn't released much earlier.

Has DC United responded?

Even if they are correct.

Why should DC United have to start up youth leagues, give free tickets to local kids, re-build an entire community without gentrification or displacing one resident, employ only local workers and basically build a community?

As far as I know the Nats, Captials, Redskins and Wizards have done none of the above.

DCU is making a major mistake by trying to cooperate with people who are so out of touch with reality. The touchy feely community stadium building is never going to work and is exactly why the Nats will be playing in a new stadium next season and DCU won't.

Best team in MLS over the long haul, the last DC sports team to win anything, a fan base better than the Caps and arguably more supportive fan base than the Wizards or Nationals......but the city can't get them their own stadium to play in. Would be best if they played in DC in a location that is accesible by fans from inside and outside the beltway, but seriously why should the team be stuck waiting? If the city doesn't get on the road to a stadium in a hurry the team should look outside the beltway if they have too.

I've seen better shakedowns on the Soprano's. These nimwit's should be ashamed. Their cause is so transparent it isn't even funny. Now is the time for Davis and McFarlane to step up.

This is race baiting of the highest order on the part of this 'organization' of churches, and should be seen as a disgrace, if their claims are untrue...

But... if Fenty, City Council, DCU and related developers cannot convince Anacostia residents that this stadium/development deal should happen and will benefit at least some of the people living in this area, then the deal should not happen, period.

"And they wonder why Ward 8 is what it is---because they elect former crack addicts to represent them maybe?"

This is exactly the kind of statement that anyone associated with DC United needs to stay away from. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but this will make nothing but enemies out of Ward 8 residents.

Barry is popular for reasons that most people reading this will never understand. And its not because all Ward 8 residents are stupid.

Say what you want about the DCBCI and their ideas, but please do not insult the people of Ward 8 and their neighborhoods. Last time I checked, everyone's got you-know-what that stinks in their neighborhood, and there are plenty of former alcoholics/druggies that are politicians.

This comes as absolutely no surprise to me. It's D.C. politics at its best. The point of it isn't to prove that D.C. United lied or stole candy from a baby, but just to make the allegation. Someone will read this who doesn't know anything about the situation and develop an opinion opposing the team and the stadium. Simple as that.

The problem with leaders like this is that they wear the mask of a defender of a poor, but don't have a care in the world about them. Their main concern is not to improve the community, but to keep it depressed in order to keep themselves in a position of power and respect.

As for the allegation itself, I don't really have any knowledge about the league D.C. United was putting together for the youth of the 5, 6, 7, 8s, but if DCBCI is spreading ill will for their own benefit, then I feel truly sorry for those people who they represent. After all, how can bearing false witness, hate, and discontent ever be a tactic of an organization who claims to represent the Church? (Granted, it certainly has been used by the people who represent Church before.)

Of course, maybe I'm wrong to assume that these churches are in any way affiliated with Christianity, Judaism, or Islam. They all have an interpretation of the Ten Commandments at their core. But, who am I to pass judgement.

Anyway... I'm pretty sure that those people who are involved with the team and project won't spend much energy with this insignificant charlatan.

This is one of sorriest things I've read in a while (grammer and choice of words). Am I wrong in thinking this DCBCI might be opening themselves up to serious scrutiny?

I'm curious to see how the press handles things like this.

"This is exactly the kind of statement that anyone associated with DC United needs to stay away from. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but this will make nothing but enemies out of Ward 8 residents."

A very good point. The DCBCI need to be isolated from the residents of Ward 8. Grouping them together will only fuel the fire which the DCBCI hopes to start.

Hopefully DC United's FO will figure out a quick counter to this.

Checketts didn't in Salt Lake, let the media run the story with rotten facts that convinced the populace that the rich were, one more time, screwing them, and paid for it...the RSL stadium had to be rescued by the governor.

It's easy to see where this could wind up. A quick counter is absolutely essential.

Great insight Teddy. Best on this sorry ass topic so far...

Southeasterner,

MLS isnt MLB. MLS cant strongarm the DC Council into doing its bidding, and the current mayor is a lot more committed to working with neighborhood residents and organizations (you know, those of us who actually live here and have lived here for years and pay taxes here) that the former mayor.

I don't want to dignify this as being newsworthy, especially when it is so horribly written.

Hopefully DC sends them so money all of which can then be used to send whoever wrote this press release back to 3rd grade.

Can we even confirm that this is in fact from the DCBCI and not just a poorly written hoax?

"tcompton:Anyway... I'm pretty sure that those people who are involved with the team and project won't spend much energy with this insignificant charlatan."
But they do need to spend enough energy to head off what our local media might do with this if not countered some way. Our local TV stations could quickly build this charlatan into heroic status.

It certainly has the makings of a juicy story. It shouldn't allowed to become a one-sided one.

To all of you advocating that DC United look to the suburbs have no idea what you're talking about. All you need to do is look at FedEx field and see what a disaster that would be. Horrible traffic, only worsened by the fact that you have to drive there and can't use public transportation. What would become of people like myself who live in the city or don't have cars and use the Metro to get to games? DC wants the first true inner-city soccer stadium in the US and we should support that whole heartedly. It will also gives the stadium much more character, be a part of the DC legacy.

Ugh.

Well at least SOMEONE is talking about building a new stadium in DC. Right, Goffer? zzzzzzzzzzz no more! (at least for now)

Wow I think Payne's online chat really pushed someone's button. I wonder how this group is going to respond when DCU brings out its owner and he says "What racism? I'm black!"

This is pure politics and everyone wants some of the pie. I think either they want to make sure they get something before the final deals are cut or they are trying to ask for more then what was asked already. Payne said DCU hoped to have a stadium built in 2008 or 2009 if he is being honest about that then he must feel a deal is close to being cut.

Please God don't let this turn into an RSL situation.

...that's what I've been talking about...the RSL FO screw-up.

Situation could be solved by throwing around lots of $$$$. Is it worth it for the owners? I don't know. Also, how much support will Fenty lend to the team at the end of the day?

Hey, Goff, let me ask you something. Though you cover the team, and I guess are a fan, you seem to take sadistic pleasure in rubbing our noses in all of the difficulties associated with the stadium issue. From your "ZZZZZZZZZZZ" posts to the cute little "Enjoy!" you pasted on the end of your header, it seems like you enjoy this. Do you want us to have a stadium or not?

It's not Steve's role to be a fan. It's not Steve's role to want a stadium or not. Steve's role is to feed us internet trolls information, which he has done.

Rocko - come out to the suburbs, it's nice! ;)

This doesn't scream of politics does it. Minority owners who are racist; of course they are..... ;) It's not like DC United has a substantial minority fan base.... ;) The racist card really rings a sincere tone with this one. What morons!

What's the deal with your comment "whats the deal." You really need to lighten up. Go smoke something, it'll give you a reason to post comments like these...

What's the deal? You should take journalism 101

G-Dub, you can take Metro to FedEx Field.
I get your point but just sayin'

Posted by: Mountaineer Pride | April 10, 2007 12:18 PM

"Unless MacFarlane greases Antony Evans (which is obviously what he is angling for) we might as well start calling this team VA United."

I'll disagree. Anyone who lives in the District knows that these churches talk a mean game, but come vote day they have no votes since most of their patrons live in Maryland.

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/display.php?id=1085

Some highlights:

"Mayor Adrian Fenty has never claimed to be a holy roller.

During the 2006 election campaign, when a D.C. ministers' group asked the mayoral candidates to introduce themselves at a forum and state their home church, Fenty stood out from the pack.

He told the clergy that he wasn't a member of any church."

...and

"The big congregations in town got no more attention from Fenty the campaigner than did your average Randle Highlands homeowner. The mayor is a political pragmatist and knows churchgoers who commute in from Maryland don't produce a lot of votes on Election Day."

What "lies" are these people talking about? Not only haven't they substantiated their claims, but they haven't even identified what it is they are claiming. How can anyone take that seriously?

THis looks like something from the Marion Barry school of politics.

A thoughtful, factual response from DC United will (hopefully) put this press release where it belongs. You can't just throw out a bunch of allegations and then not back it up, although, unfortunately, this is just the sort of thing local news will pick up and run with without any followup.

It must be in response to the Post's article over the weekend about the development of Poplar Point. But, I don't get where all the claims about lying come from. And, what the heck is so wrong with the developers making a profit?

This whole thing just doesn't make any sense.

Times are changing quotes the city paper in saying: "The mayor is a political pragmatist and knows churchgoers who commute in from Maryland don't produce a lot of votes on Election Day."

Well, soccer fans who commute in from Virginia and Maryland dont get many votes either.

I'm fairly confident the Mayor is on our side on this, but I worry about the residents of Ward 8 and what implications a grass-roots anti-stadium campaign could have on our stadium prospects.

i think i understand where the DCBCI people are coming from. dc has had a very neighborhood-oriented feel for as long as i have lived in the area (about 15 years) and concerns about the character of developments are brought up every time a new building is proposed.

i'm sure the affected residents feel like the neighborhood belongs to them and "the man" is trying to take it away. i think the DCBCI is responding in a juvenile fashion to the sentiments of their congregations, but i think the feelings behind this letter or article are genuine and need to be dealt with. a stadium will change the character of the neighborhood.

soccer, a traditionally middle-class suburban sport in america is being dropped into the potentially volatile waters of a lower-income urban neighborhood. i think this situation is indicative of the status of the MLS and soccer, where we (the dcunited supporters) wish it was and how far we have to go.

Neither of the ministers listed in this "press release" from "DCBCI" have congregations in Ward 8 - both of their churches are in Ward 4.

http://www.firstsdachurch.org/
http://www.mtzbc-dc.org/index.htm

I think it's fake. Too many errors and inconsistencies. I am curious to see what the repsonse from United's front office will be.

Moses, you are well named. How a population feels and sees the world has to be addressed. It can't and shouldn't be ignored.

This is not a black/urban vs white/suburban issue. That is where the true racism lies here. DC United has a very loyal, supportive and substantial Hispanic following which I don't sense is being recognized by the church leaders or by numerous postings on this blog.

JkR & Chico-

Goff has an outlet for his journalism, it's called the print edition of the Washington Post. This is his blog. Where he posts non-printworthy stories, as well as his opinions & such, get it? There is no requirement that he be impartial here, and if he wishes to stir the pot with his comments, then he can be questioned about the positions he holds. And Chico, while in Journalism 101, I learned to capitalize proper names and use periods.

I've never heard of the organization writing the press release. How active are the local ministers in the group and how big are their churches. Now if a group that had some real clout like Washington Interfaith Network was opposed, I'd be concerned.

Yes you can Metro to FedEx, theoretically, just like you can Metro to Dulles. Have you ever tried taking metro to FedEx and catching one of the infrequent and totally packed shuttle buses? Nightmare! That's part of why I turn down offers of free Reskins tix that come my way -- not worth the hassle to get there.

"The Cheat

MLS isnt MLB. MLS cant strongarm the DC Council into doing its bidding, and the current mayor is a lot more committed to working with neighborhood residents and organizations (you know, those of us who actually live here and have lived here for years and pay taxes here) that the former mayor."

I'm also a long time resident (hence the name) which is why I know that once you get involved with the local community down here you will fail. You have so many different demands and opinions to address that no private entity will ever make everyone happy.

It is the city's job to improve the conditions in Southeast, which is why we pay taxes. It is DCU's job to play soccer. DCU and its investors should help the community but they should not be building it from the ground up or be held responsible for employing everyone who needs a job and housing everyone in affordable homes.

I spend my weekends cleaning up trash in my neighborhood and at the local schools. The local community (that I am part of) is severely hypocritical. They say they care about the community but they do nothing to show it...I pick up condom wrappers, 40oz bottles and crack baggies on elementary school grounds, is that type of trash on a playground a sign of a community that cares? When I see DCBCI doing some positive things around here then I might buy their garbage about supporting the local community until then someone needs to put them in check.

The best way to shut these idiots up for good is to provide better healthcare for minorities, if one wants to go by their mission statement. If Kevin Payne should somehow read this, three words, sir: free flu shots. ;)

Racist? But our jersey's are black!
This is just another example of my numerous problems with organized religion. Their corruption and self-serving methods have completely destroyed their original intentions. Yet, they still succeed in misleading the ignorant masses.

Typos??? Maybe "Church An Youth" is just some church you've never heard of! Maybe "An" is martian for "Saint"! And "Youth" is martian for "Idiot"!

MOVE TO CRYSTAL CITY NOW!

This is totally believable. Which is why Poplar Point currently is a sh*thole - why don't the members of the 800-plus churches get together and go down to Ward 8 and do a community trash pick-up day?

That's right - they don't really care.

What a crock.

I'm of the same opinion of everyone on here that this is a shakedown. I live in Crystal City/Potomac Yard area and do think that Abe Pollin got it right and JK
Cooke got it wrong. DC teams need to stay in D.C. for all the right reasons, affiliation, international recognition and pride, transportation access and contribution to the economy. That said, I would not give a penny to the coalition and the churches, but DC United should set up and support a tangible and palpable rec soccer league of 7-10 year-olds with DC United players mentoring the kids. That would be a win-win effort, regardless of the stadium outcome. Setting up such a developmental league is the right thing to do and should not be linked to the stadium negotiations with the gang of 800 or the City Council or the Mayor. (I wonder if the Kastens had to promise to support a DC area baseball rec league. If not, this still is the better thing to do.)