The Salt: Happy Thanksgiving

Hello, everyone!

We’ll keep this short and sweet this year. It’s been a long year for everyone, and for Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals and Real Monarchs supporters, it’s been an even longer one.

But even with all this chaos and wanton negativity that’s surrounded our club, I thought I’d share some of the things I’m thankful for around Real Salt Lake, in spite of all that.

Dave Checketts

Without Dave Checketts nearly 20 years ago, there would be no Real Salt Lake with which to bother ourselves; it would be little more than a distant glint in an eye. Would we have eventually landed a Major League Soccer franchise? I have no clue. But I’m glad we did.

Nedum Onuoha

When the nonsense with Dell Loy Hansen went down, Nedum Onuoha was one of the first players on the scene to have said anything at all. The fortitude that took spoke volumes of his character as he helped shape the future of this club.

The good people at the club

We know there are good people at Real Salt Lake who have dealt with a toxic work environment and much worse. I am thankful there were — and remain — people at the organization who have been willing to speak out in a bid to affect positive change. Our club would be an empty shell without them.

A coach who doesn’t harass me on Twitter

I mean, this is mostly a joke entry, but still. It’s nice.

Soccer

Without all this, the community of people with which I engage on a daily basis would be completely different. Most of you are truly great. The rest of you know who you are. (This is a joke. You are all lovely people.)

Well, that’s all from me. I hope you all have a lovely Thanksgiving.

If you or a loved one stands in need of food, know that there are community resources available. The Utah Food Bank is one such an organization. We’ve made a donation there, and if you are so inclined, here’s a link so you can do so yourself.