That's Columbus technical director Brian Blisson the current state of contract negotiations between the Crew and the enigma that is Jeff Cunningham. It sounds like the Crew picked up Cunningham in a case of sentimentality (he had his best years in Columbus) and aren't going to worry too much if an agreement isn't made.We made an offer that was rejected and he made a counterproposal that was a bit far-fetched
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What’s more interesting is that the Crew also have failed to get a deal done with former KC player Aaron Hohlbein who was drafted in the first phase of the re-entry draft. By selecting Hohlbein in the first phase the Crew agreed to give him a bona fide offer. So either Hohlbein has a higher opinion of himself than he likely should, or there is something about Columbus that doesn't fit with his personal needs.
What's unclear is how either player benefited from being selected in the re-entry draft as Columbus now hold both players rights indefinitely. They may not play for another MLS team until that team provides Columbus with compensation.
So, they are in the same situation as they would have been before the new CBA was negotiated. Both players would have been better off not being drafted. Would there really be a bidding war for player Aaron Hohlbein if MLS just let him try to find a team? Maybe Cunningham gets a few more dollars outside of Ohio than the Crew are willing to part with, but every team is working with the same budget. Say what you want about Cunningham, but he shouldn’t be held hostage. No player should.
As an aside, the Crew only have 15 players under contract for 2011.