US Soccer Kicks Off Player For Breaking 'Bubble' Protocol

One sure way to get the boot from your soccer team is to break COVID protocols. Up-and-coming U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Weston McKennie learned that the hard way.

McKennie has been thrown off the team for leaving the team's "bubble" in Nashville, where the squad is training. Players were not allowed to leave or invite anyone inside the bubble.

McKennie apparently did both.

For McKennie, the long-term consequences are yet to be determined. Given that he's one of America's best players, it's doubtful he'll be gone for long. They need him.

"Really the biggest consequence that could and will potentially come McKennie's way is that he won’t be called up to the next World Cup qualifying matches," wrote Mario Perez of Blast. "If the team continues to struggle, though, McKennie might get a callback despite his antics.

"For now, McKennie is essentially free to travel to Italy and rejoin his regular team. The US men’s national team has not announced if it fined McKennie or what his status will be moving forward. Chances are though, it’s going to be a while before he gets another chance to play for the United States."

That's too bad for both McKennie and the USMNT. Moral of the story? When things are going well, try not to burst your own bubble, bro.