jenni_blog | Jun. 30th, 2011

Things have been interesting regarding the Mexican team lately. Or perhaps we should refer to them as the Mexico Under 22s, because 'El Tri', who won the recent Gold Cup in the United States, is almost a completely different team. It was the U-22s who were going to play in Copa America, while 'El Tri' (the traditional Mexican NT) just finished a major tournament.

But two things have happened. First, about 5 weeks ago, El Tri was involved in a scandal involving 5 players who were suspended after positive doping results. Apparently the substance involved was some sort of performance-enhancing drug, which the players said had been in some meat they had eaten without knowing. However, after an investigation and a second test, the Mexican authority still has kept those 5 players under suspension.

You can read about it here:

http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/item/174676-5-suspended-mexican-players-pass-2nd-doping-test

The current scandal involves 8 U-22 players, who had apparently invited prositutes into their rooms, but then reported that several of their personal items had been stolen. The resulting investigation uncovered the truth about the women.

An article is here:

http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=reu-copamexicobanned_tv

This is really crazy stuff! Fortunately for Mexico, their squad(s) are so deep that capable replacements could be found. In fact, I recognize some of these names as belonging to U-21 players who recently played in the Toulon Tournament in France, finishing fourth. The U-21 team is certainly worthy of playing in the Copa America.

So now on to the picspam from the Gold Cup.

( SEE PICS HERE )