You probably have seen the reports Thursday about Blanco being fined. Indeed the other boot has fallen on the Blanco saga.

Way back on July 14, when someone from Chi-town tipped us off that the suspension and fine for Blanco was going to be large, many poo-pooed us, saying that someone was likely playing a joke on us. Well perhaps the joke is actually on them.


Let us review...



Our source stated that at the time USSF was discussing a 5 Game suspension in addition to his red card

"Hi, I wish to be anonymous but I can tell you I have a connection inside the USSF and that is where my info comes from. After reviewing video supplied to them by MLS and D.C. United, the Federation is going to suspend Blanco for five US Open Cup matches


Lo and behold he is suspended 6 games (5 games plus his automatic 1 game suspension for the red card he earned) or two years whichever is longer. Maybe they heard 2 and thought two matches in MLS rather than 2 years?

".. and fine him $5000."

Our source stated Blanco's fine would be $5,000. It ends up being $7,500. Critics of our source thought $5000 was too high so our source must have been suspect. Nope. If anything this proves our source had legitimate info.

Notice the similarity in the language of our source with that of Don Garber:

Source:
"Additionally MLS has been afforded the opportunity to take action as well and will suspend Blanco for 2 MLS matches as his violent conduct put the league in an unfavorable light and brought disrepute upon the Chicago Fire."


Don Garber on the Fine:
"Whenever MLS players participate in any competition or friendly match, they represent their club and the league and must conduct themselves in a professional manner on and off the field of play. We expect a very high standard of behavior from our players and we will hold them accountable for their actions."


The only thing our source got wrong is that Blanco would also receive an additional 2 game ban in MLS. Perhaps MLS decided to just tack on another $2000 or so instead of ban him in league play? Who knows. 2 of the 3 things we were told were pretty close to the actual thing that happened.

As Meatloaf said, 2 outta 3 ain't bad.