Jermaine Jones and Alexi Lalas Traded Barbs on Twitter Tonight

Alexi Lalas, it turns out, might not be the most popular ex-U.S. Men’s National Team player in the current locker room. Earlier this summer the ESPN analyst discussed Geoff Cameron on Twitter, prompting an angry response from the defender and a brief return volley from Lalas.

Thursday night Lalas, as is his wont, began musing about all things soccer on Twitter. This time the subject of Jermaine Jones came up. Jones, one of the best Americans earlier this summer at the World Cup, was linked to a move to MLS with his status in Europe unsettled after spending the end of last season on loan at Besiktas in Turkey. Nothing materialized — likely over money.

Lalas posted this tweet about the situation.

At this point, I’m not sure if @Jermainejunior realizes that he may need @MLS more than MLS needs him.
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) August 7, 2014

Jones, like Cameron before him, then took a swipe at Lalas’ soccer accumen, reminding him how he didn’t pick the U.S. to advance from Group G (aka the ‘Group of Death.’)

Thanks @AlexiLalas because your opinion and predictions are always right like saying we "will be kicked out in the club of death"! Hahaha
— Jermaine Jones (@Jermainejunior) August 8, 2014

Lalas responded with a somewhat unfair shot since English isn’t the German-born Jones’ first language (which he later addressed):

Honestly, I had no idea that @Jermainejunior was in a #ClubOfDeath. I take back everything I said. @MLS you need to save him! #SaveJermaine
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) August 8, 2014

And finally Lalas came up with a fair salary figure Jones would be worth in MLS, trying to smooth things over.

Relax, no problem with @Jermainejunior. Hope he signs for lots of $. He’ll give us plenty to talk about and @MLS needs more personalities.
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) August 8, 2014

At this rate, Lalas probably shouldn’t expect too many holiday cards from the current members of Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad come December.