The Gooch Says Let's Go Another Year

Oguchi Onyewu is one of the key cogs on the US World Cup team but has been out for most of the past season thanks to a ruptured patellar tendon suffered during Cup qualifying. The AC Milan defenseman has two more years left on his contract with his club team, but he went to the club asking them to add another year onto his deal.

Normally when a player seeks an additional year on his contract he's expecting a nice little raise to get tacked on too. Onyewu went another way. Disappointed in himself for not being available this season, Onyewu asked the club for the additional year so that he could play for free.

The club released a statement reading: "Onyewu, who has been out for virtually the whole season due to injury, but who at this time is getting ready to face the World Cup adventure in South Africa with his national team, has become a star today with a significant gesture from a personal and professional standpoint.

"Onyewu has requested and obtained a contract extension from June 30, 2012 until June 30, 2013. With respect to that year, as was his wish, which has been appreciated by the club, Onyewu has asked not to receive any type of wages. This is an exemplary gesture that deserves our sincere congratulations.''

AC Milan couldn't fall over itself fast enough to accept this offer. I bet Onyewu's teammates will be less than psyched for the precedent though.

[ESPN]