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Former Columbus Crew SC defender Tyson Wahl announced his retirement from professional soccer in September 2016, due to complications from repeated concussions. He was regarded by teammates and coaches for his professionalism on and off the pitch, so much so that he was honored with a retirement ceremony late in the 2016 season. Wahl made 74 appearances for Crew SC and proved serviceable during his four years in Central Ohio.
On Monday afternoon, Wahl’s professionalism was called into question, with the former Black & Gold defender making an appearance in an MLS2ATX promotional video.
MLS2ATX is a campaign financed by Precourt Sports Ventures, which is owned and operated by Crew SC investor/operator Anthony Precourt. This group is focused on relocating the Columbus-based club from Central Ohio and taking his business to Austin, Texas.
Things haven’t gone well for PSV since it announced its intention to relocate. The group has met more opposition than expected from local citizens, certain city-council members and other investors looking to pay top dollar for a McKalla Place site, the third and current site PSV is hoping to build its Austin soccer-specific stadium.
Looking to drum up support for the campaign, PSV released a video on Monday afternoon on its social media feeds. This video featured “former Major League Soccer player” Tyson Wahl.
Ten days until #ATXCouncil. The support is there. The time is now. Let's bring #MLS2ATX. pic.twitter.com/FmyZf0anMi
— MLS2ATX (@mls2atx) June 18, 2018
Once the video was discovered by Crew SC fans and Save The Crew supporters, many took to social media to renounce the former defender.
Had to add another X to the Wall Of Shame #SaveTheCrew pic.twitter.com/lxsTsgqMl2
— Danny #SaveTheCrew (@danny_castle30) June 18, 2018
Tyson Wahl... how much did they pay you? That cannot be a genuine endorsement. PSV got to him. Disgusting. #SaveTheCrew pic.twitter.com/QGo17ZAK5Z
— Tom Davis (@tomuky) June 18, 2018
Perfect day to continue vaguely remembering the name Tyson Wahl
— Astroheader (@Astroheader) June 18, 2018
I see Tyson Wahl told Landon Donovan to hold his beer. Goodness.
— Josh Hoff (@HoffSpur) June 18, 2018
Wow- Tyson Wahl is a sellout.
— Curt Marsch (@curt_marsch) June 18, 2018
"I'm Tyson Wahl, former Crew SC bench-rider, and I'm ready to collect a PSV paycheck again." #SaveTheCrew
— Paul Jennings (@pjennings6) June 18, 2018
"Hi, I'm Tyson Wahl. You may remember me from such videos as..."
— Flick (@mikeflick) June 18, 2018
Oh, man... Wasn't expecting the Tyson Wahl-Landon Donovan heel turns this weekend.
— Cody Sharrett (@CodySharrett) June 18, 2018
Tyson Wahl locked up his spot as my least-favorite Crew player of all time years ago ... and then somehow he went and extended his lead. Amazing work! #SaveTheCrew https://t.co/f3aMUG9ZBY
— Austin Ward (@AWardSports) June 18, 2018
Worth noting that Tyson Wahl actually has an Austin soccer connection. But it still feels quite gross.https://t.co/kapEnRDq5i
— Andrew King (@AndrewKingMLS) June 18, 2018
Two thoughts:
— J.D. Smith (@DegenerateTBone) June 18, 2018
1. Former Crew player Tyson Wahl is dead to me.
2. The passion on display in this video doesn't seem like the kind that's going to support a team for 20 years, but what would I know... https://t.co/Ba2yI5WpCA
Tyson Wahl may have been a journeymen in MLS, but he called Columbus home for four-plus seasons. Hew now resides in Austin as the the youth development director and a head coach for the Austin Texans Soccer Club.
While Wahl is now based in Austin, it’s hard to believe he is unaware of what PSV’s attempt to move Crew SC from its original home has has done in Columbus. Fans who have been supporters of the team since the beginning have put blood, sweat and tears into this club and now are doing everything they can to keep it in Central Ohio. It’s understandable why this feels like a backstabbing from the first former player to show any sort of public support for PSV’s move of Crew SC from Columbus.