Football

When Nicky Summerbee and Billy McKinlay appeared in the colors of the English Football League's Leicester City for its first game of the 2002-03 season against Watford last weekend, the two did more than merely suit up for a match. They also struck a dubious blow for the future of the sport — by becoming the first "amateurs" in the competition since the category was abolished in the 1970s. That's right. Summerbee and McKinlay — both footballers by trade but both currently without permanent contracts — played for free. "Obviously it's not ideal," Summerbee told the Guardian . "But I'd...

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