Ochocinco, locked out, to try out with MLS team

(CBS/AP) As the reality of the NFL lockout settles in, some players are sounding off to the media.

Chad Ochocinco, however, is looking to play a different kind of football.

The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver (and ballroom dancer and reality TV star) is set for a four-day tryout with Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer starting Tuesday.

The club said Wednesday that after the tryout, it would determine whether to extend the trial period.

"We're always searching for players who can help our team and bringing in new talent," Sporting Kansas City manager Peter Vermes said. "We know that Chad is an exceptional athlete and that he loves the sport of soccer, and he did play a lot when he was younger. We're excited to see how his skills will translate once he arrives next week and begins training with our team."

Ochocinco apparently started playing soccer at age 4 but chose to focus on football in high school. Now a 33-year-old football veteran, he does boast some relevant experience - he uses a soccer ball to warm up for NFL practices and games.

"Due to the NFL lockout, I'm excited to be able to follow my childhood dream of playing for a Major League Soccer team," Ochocinco said.

Clearly this is not on the level of Michael Jordan leaving the top of the hoops world to try to hit a baseball. But it will be interesting (or entertaining, at least) to see if the 6'1" 192-pound player has any skill on the soccer field. Given his knack for racking up NFL fines, one can only imagine how many red cards are coming his way.

At least we know he's a true fan. Ochocinco is friends with such big names in soccer as Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. In January, he visited Ronaldo, Kaka and the rest of Real Madrid's squad and was introduced to manager Jose Mourinho.