Rumors, speculation, and innuendo about David Beckham?

No way!

Peter Vagenas, maybe… But Beckham?

Well, of course. He is, after all, one of the most famous men in the world of soccer.

Famous as a player, that is, but perhaps not for long…

According to published reports, CBS 60 Minutes is set to air a profile of Beckham that reveals that he and his agent, Simon Fuller, have an option to purchase an MLS franchise after his contract with the Galaxy expires in 2011.

That’s right. Beckham, the club owner.

Now, Beckham and Fuller definitely have the pounds to get the deal done (and I’m not talking about the kind around Clint Mathis’ waist). Beckham is one of the richest footballers (or athletes for that matter) in the entire world, and Fuller was making American Idols long before he brought DB to the states. 

Hypothetically, the deal would be done like so: (1) Beckham builds MLS’ credibility for three more years playing for the league’s most popular team (fans of other squads, don’t get mad at me, the Gals had the highest attendance even before landing Posh’s boytoy), (2) then in 2011 instead of jumping ship to another squad, Beckham buys the entire ship and takes the wheel, (3) proceeds to sell a gazillion of his team’s newly designed jerseys, and (4) gets to keep ALL the profits this time (instead of just the ridiculous percentage of them he gets with LA now).

So long as MLS is profitable by 2011 (and the trends appear to point towards that being the case), Beckham becomes an even richer man.

Imagine if Becks decided to coach as well. Player/Coach/Owner has a nice ring to it.

MLS refuses to comment on the story as of now, which is typical of their clandestine B.S. approach to promoting the league. MLS may be a private company under the law, but leagues are supposed to cater to their fans, and some confirmation regarding Beckham’s possible ownership could create international headlines for the league.

The Galaxy are also not commenting, but probably because they don’t want fans thinking Beckham is on his way out before he ever really gets a chance to play regularly.

Even Beckham’s spokesman isn’t commenting, but then again, why would he? A rumor is as good as the truth nowadays anyways and if someone wants to write a story about how rich and powerful his client is, then who is he to stop them.

Some members of the media have already noted that Beckham would be just shy of 36 years of age in 2011 and might not being playing well enough at that point to spur his new squad into the top tier of the league. Tell that to the Fire though, who brought in 35 year old legend Blanco last season who willed the team into the playoffs before leading them to the semis.

My bet is Beckham will have enough left in the tank to play until 2013. Assuming the rumor is true, he will have three years to sell some jerseys for his squad and use the resulting windfall to bring in some of his old mates from jolly old England (who by then will be ready to call MLS home due to their advanced age).

Imagine it, a Beckham-owned MLS side.

At least they didn’t promise him he could own the entire league. Though in all fairness, that rumor could just be a day or so away as well.

On another note, it appears Beckham will be getting his historic 100th cap against France next week. Though I am often quick to poke fun at Becks, one has to admit that 100 caps for a squad like England is beyond impressive. Though international success has eluded the English, they clearly have one of the deepest fields of fine national team players.

To receive 100 caps in so deep a talent pool is quite a feat, and though he probably will not start the match against France, I am betting that when he comes on in the second half, even the notoriously cold French fans will have to give Beckham a warm welcome into England’s history books.