The new King of sports -- Beckham

That's right I said it. Somebody had to say it.

You may agree, you may disagree -- but the truth is, King James is no longer our King.

Just the mention of the name Beckham generates some type of discussion. Whether it is positive or negative, it doesn't matter. Just the fact that people in America are talking about soccer is a major accomplishment on his part.

But a lot of people say that he does not matter, soccer will never be huge in America and a Brit named Beckham ain't gonna make it happen.

The fact is -- he already has.

The L.A. Galaxy helped the New York Red Bulls pull in 66,000 people to watch its match up. That's only about 54,000 more fans than the Red Bulls normally pull in.

Soccer will never take the place of our already established pastimes such as football, baseball or basketball, but at least now it's being mentioned in the same sentence.

Like another famous sports figure with the No. 23, Beckham has become more than just an athlete, he has become a phenomenon.

Just like Jordan, Bird, Magic -- just the mention of the name Beckham conjures up all kinds of hocus pocus.

Like his goal from mid-field for Manchester United when just a teenager, his signature Beckham bend that is still keeping his opponents baffled or his ability to make every player he plays with better.

For years, King James reigned supreme over our sporting realm, but the day has come and the old must make way for the new.

Beckham has arrived -- all hail the King.