David Beckham will never be treated just like "any other player" as long as he is making the league so much money.

There's been a lot of talk about David Beckham lately...and it's not just about his vicious bender free kicks. Fans are wondering if the league is offering him special treatment?

Of course they are!

The "star" treatment is nothing new to American sports...does LeBron get lots of calls? If you rough up Tom Brady you think you won't draw a flag? Was Roger Clemen's strike zone a bit bigger than others?

Yes, yes and YES!

Beckham brings butts in the seats. He doesn't just make the league money...he prints money!

He can do NO wrong from an investment standpoint. But from a league perspective standpoint he has done plenty wrong.

He berates referees on a regular basis and most other players would be red-carded for many of his outbursts. He talks a lot of smack to other players considering he is not the biggest guy in the world and you'd be hard-pressed to find out the last time he was in a real fight.

His antics against San Jose when he kicked a ball at an injured Sam Cronin should have cost him MULTIPLE games, not just one!

But nobody cares, because he is making the league so much money! I'm not the first to say this, but money talks and B.S. walks.

It's not right, but it's the way it is. This is pro sports. Major League Soccer has the most recognizable image in the world as its employee (Beckham) and they aren't about to screw it all up by telling him that he can't do something.

Is is a case of the tail wagging the dog? Absolutely! And everyone is happily wagging their tales all the way to the bank.

QUESTION - In regards to discipline, should David Beckham be held to the same standard as every other player in MLS?
 

Mark Vincent Lincir is the author of THE GIFT OF STOPPAGE TIME and writes daily at www.markvincentlincir.com