Opinion

Not Bad for a “Disabled” Goalkeeper

Tim Howard... Ever hear of him? Not many had at least on this side of the pond, at least until the World Cup. Tim Howard is the goalie for the U.S Soccer team. He reached star status in 2003 when he became the goalie for Manchester United, the worlds most famous soccer team. Howard has had great success as an elite goalie in Europe and his great play continued into the World Cup where he propelled the U.S into the second round. Tim Howard has arrived! Anyone who watched a few minutes of the World Cup now knows his name.

Here is what a lot of people don't know........ Tim Howard has Tourette Syndrome a neurological disorder characterized by physical and verbal tics. Living with Tourette's was not easy, but Howard focused on athletics and he was able to excel.  As he was set to join Manchester United he got the royal treatment from the English Press: "United want American with brain disorder" -- The Guardian "Manchester United trying to sign disabled goalkeeper" -- The Independent "We swear it's true: Tourette's sufferer target for United" -- The Mirror Talk about labels and Tim will tell you he has been named them all. Says Howard: "I'm not going to talk to you about electrons and neutrons because I don't know about that. If I did, I'd look like an idiot. Same way for people who talk about TS who don't know. They look like idiots." Hmmm... I guess that sums it up.  3MPHB95XTS8J