I realize it’s only the third game of the pre-season, but if last night’s victory over the Denver Broncos’ is any indication, the Bears should perform well once the NFL season officially begins.
What impressed me the most about last night’s effort was that the Bears’ offense, defense and special teams all contributed to the victory. It was a well-balanced effort and one that bodes well for the rest of the season, regardless how Brett Favre and the Vikings play.
Jay Cutler also proved that he is worthy of the franchise quarterback tag that many have put on him. The five-minute, 98-yard drive to end the first half was particularly impressive and showcased his leadership skills. He may have put to rest any lingering doubts people had about the Bears trading for him. Cutler also faced a hostile crowd, but managed well despite hearing a chorus of boos. If he can handle the pressure of playing in front of an angry crowd in his former home stadium, then Cutler can handle anything that comes his way.
That said, let’s not overlook the fact that the Bears did play the Denver Broncos, which proved to be a team that’s not quite ready for the regular season. Kyle Orton, the Broncos’ starting QB, left the game in the second quarter with an injured finger on his throwing hand which could affect his play down the road.
However, the Bears still have some issues in the secondary. Denver marched down the field in the third quarter to for a quick touchdown, burning a couple of Bears’ safeties in the process. And while the offensive line is much improved over last season, will it hold up after 17 weeks? Injuries are another question mark. As long as players stay healthy, the Bears could return to the playoffs as the NFC North champs.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Women’s Ski Jumping and Figure Skating Gain Support and Exposure
Several weeks ago in this column, I expressed hope that the International Olympic Committee would approve women’s ski jumping for the Winter Games. U.S. women ski jumpers have been fighting this uphill battle for some time. But there may be some hope on the horizon.
According to the New York Times, Jacques Rogue, president of the IOC said women’s ski jumping is being added to a Winter Youth Olympics in 2012 and has a “strong case” for being part of a future Olympics. While it maybe too late for the Vancouver Olympics in 2010, there's still hope for 2014.
In other Olympic news, NBC has extended its broadcast deal with the U.S. Figure Skating Association through the 2014 Winter Olympics in Solchi, Russia. The network will provide live coverage of the national figure skating championships and Skate America. That's good news for the sport which has had declining viewership and attendance in recent years.
Let's hope that NBC provides the coverage on its parent station and does not bury the event on its Oxygen network, like it did for the World Figure Skating Championships in Los Angeles last March. Some cable companies do not carry Oxygen, or if they do, it's at a premium, and many households don't have access to it. Despite this minor issue, the extended contract guarantees that figure skating will continue to have some exposure to American audiences.
According to the New York Times, Jacques Rogue, president of the IOC said women’s ski jumping is being added to a Winter Youth Olympics in 2012 and has a “strong case” for being part of a future Olympics. While it maybe too late for the Vancouver Olympics in 2010, there's still hope for 2014.
In other Olympic news, NBC has extended its broadcast deal with the U.S. Figure Skating Association through the 2014 Winter Olympics in Solchi, Russia. The network will provide live coverage of the national figure skating championships and Skate America. That's good news for the sport which has had declining viewership and attendance in recent years.
Let's hope that NBC provides the coverage on its parent station and does not bury the event on its Oxygen network, like it did for the World Figure Skating Championships in Los Angeles last March. Some cable companies do not carry Oxygen, or if they do, it's at a premium, and many households don't have access to it. Despite this minor issue, the extended contract guarantees that figure skating will continue to have some exposure to American audiences.
Cub’s Lee Wins Heart and Hustle Award
Chicago Cubs’ first baseman Derrek Lee has been honored with the Heart and Hustle Award, voted on by players in the Major League Baseball Alumni Association. According to MLB.com, the award is presented to the player who demonstrates “passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game.”
It’s a tremendous honor for Lee, who has been the most consistent player for the Cubs this season. On a team that has suffered a lot of injuries and distractions on and off the field, Lee is very quietly having a solid season, batting .293 with 25 homers and 86 RBIs. If Cubs’ GM Jim Hendry has any brains (and sometimes I question if he does), he should waste no time in extending Lee’s contract, which expires at the end of the 2010 season.
It’s a tremendous honor for Lee, who has been the most consistent player for the Cubs this season. On a team that has suffered a lot of injuries and distractions on and off the field, Lee is very quietly having a solid season, batting .293 with 25 homers and 86 RBIs. If Cubs’ GM Jim Hendry has any brains (and sometimes I question if he does), he should waste no time in extending Lee’s contract, which expires at the end of the 2010 season.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Cubs’ Bradley Says Fans Verbally Abuse Him
Milton Bradley has had a rough season so far with the Cubs since signing a three-year, $30 million contract last winter. The pressure of trying to perform up to the standards of his contract must finally be getting to him. But then again, most of us knew that Bradley is a bit of a loose cannon when he arrived on the team.
This week, the Cubs’ outfielder says he has been the victim of ‘racial abuse’ by fans at Wrigley Field, according to the Chicago Tribune. But when pressed to provide examples, he declined to give specifics. He also added that this behavior has happened before and is quite common, though he gave no anecdotes to support his point.
How can any of us believe Bradley's story if he doesn’t back up his claims? I suspect that whatever Bradley hears from fans is not nearly as bad as he makes them out to be nor are the comments racially motivated. He isn’t the first Cubs player to accuse Chicago fans of racial abuse; Jacques Jones and LaTroy Hawkins also expressed their frustration with fans several years ago. Both were experiencing subpar seasons at the time.
The truth is fans are going to jeer, criticize and make fun of players at the ball park; that’s all part of the game. Most players know that and take the comments in stride.
Perhaps that’s part of Bradley’s problem; he’s paying too much attention to what’s happening in the stands and not enough attention to what’s happening on the field.
Bradley could learn a lesson or two from his teammate Alfonso Soriano, who gets booed as much as any other player and has learned from experience to simply tune out the fans. It’s time Bradley does the same.
This week, the Cubs’ outfielder says he has been the victim of ‘racial abuse’ by fans at Wrigley Field, according to the Chicago Tribune. But when pressed to provide examples, he declined to give specifics. He also added that this behavior has happened before and is quite common, though he gave no anecdotes to support his point.
How can any of us believe Bradley's story if he doesn’t back up his claims? I suspect that whatever Bradley hears from fans is not nearly as bad as he makes them out to be nor are the comments racially motivated. He isn’t the first Cubs player to accuse Chicago fans of racial abuse; Jacques Jones and LaTroy Hawkins also expressed their frustration with fans several years ago. Both were experiencing subpar seasons at the time.
The truth is fans are going to jeer, criticize and make fun of players at the ball park; that’s all part of the game. Most players know that and take the comments in stride.
Perhaps that’s part of Bradley’s problem; he’s paying too much attention to what’s happening in the stands and not enough attention to what’s happening on the field.
Bradley could learn a lesson or two from his teammate Alfonso Soriano, who gets booed as much as any other player and has learned from experience to simply tune out the fans. It’s time Bradley does the same.
Hawks’ Kane Apologizes,
The Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane and his cousin, James, pleaded guilty to a non-criminal charge of disorderly conduct today, the Associated Press reports. The judge gave them conditional discharges, meaning they can avoid further penalties if they stay out of trouble for a year and apologize to the Buffalo cabdriver they were accused of beating over cab fare.
This is a far cry from the original charges of felony assault, which a grand jury dismissed, and misdemeanor charges of assault, theft of services and harassment. Essentially, Kane and his cousin got a slap on the wrist. Kane is very lucky that he did not land in jail. He says he’s ready to move forward and putthis episode behind him, and I think most Hawks fans are too.
This is a far cry from the original charges of felony assault, which a grand jury dismissed, and misdemeanor charges of assault, theft of services and harassment. Essentially, Kane and his cousin got a slap on the wrist. Kane is very lucky that he did not land in jail. He says he’s ready to move forward and putthis episode behind him, and I think most Hawks fans are too.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Retirement Poses Difficult Transition for Athletes
Those who follow baseball may remember Doug Glanville, who played for the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers from 1996 to 2004. He is writing a series of articles for the New York Times providing his insights into the sport.
The latest column “The Forgotten” shows how he and other athletes, like former Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair, found it difficult to transition from professional sports to the real world. I think many of us assume that pro athletes have it made, that the money they made as an athlete will help them survive in retirement. That is far from the truth, writes Glanville, who describes his own struggles as he found a new life after baseball.
What I found astounding were the statistics he quoted from the Professional Sports Wives Association. More than 80 percent of athletes are divorced and are a quarter of a million dollars in debt after they retire.
I know at times it’s difficult to be sympathetic toward millionaire ball players like Alex Rodriguez who divorced his wife recently, but Glanville’s article shows that in many cases, there is often more to their personal story than what fans see or read in the paper.
The latest column “The Forgotten” shows how he and other athletes, like former Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair, found it difficult to transition from professional sports to the real world. I think many of us assume that pro athletes have it made, that the money they made as an athlete will help them survive in retirement. That is far from the truth, writes Glanville, who describes his own struggles as he found a new life after baseball.
What I found astounding were the statistics he quoted from the Professional Sports Wives Association. More than 80 percent of athletes are divorced and are a quarter of a million dollars in debt after they retire.
I know at times it’s difficult to be sympathetic toward millionaire ball players like Alex Rodriguez who divorced his wife recently, but Glanville’s article shows that in many cases, there is often more to their personal story than what fans see or read in the paper.
Women's Boxing in, Softball Out of Summer Olympics
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted last week to include women’s boxing to the 2012 London Olympics, the New York Times reports. It also recommended golf and rugby to be added to the 2016 games. Five other sports were rejected: baseball, softball, karate, roller sports and squash.
Of the 26 sports at last year’s games in Beijing, boxing was the only one that did not include women. Many opponents feel the sport is too dangerous for women. However, by adding it to the program for 2012, one of the biggest barriers in Olympic sports has come crashing down.
Other women’s sports have already been part of the Olympic program. Women competed in judo for the first time in 1992 and in weightlifting in 2000. However, if the IOC is truly serious about including more women’s sports, then softball should have been voted back in. Softball had been part of the Olympic program since 1996 until 2004 when the IOC board voted it off.
I am still hopeful that women’s ski jumping will be added to the Winter Olympics program for 2014.
Of the 26 sports at last year’s games in Beijing, boxing was the only one that did not include women. Many opponents feel the sport is too dangerous for women. However, by adding it to the program for 2012, one of the biggest barriers in Olympic sports has come crashing down.
Other women’s sports have already been part of the Olympic program. Women competed in judo for the first time in 1992 and in weightlifting in 2000. However, if the IOC is truly serious about including more women’s sports, then softball should have been voted back in. Softball had been part of the Olympic program since 1996 until 2004 when the IOC board voted it off.
I am still hopeful that women’s ski jumping will be added to the Winter Olympics program for 2014.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Bucket List of Sports
Writers at Sports Illustrated shared their “bucket list” of sports events – events they want to see before they die. That inspired me to share my own list.
I’m proud to say I’ve witnessed several exciting sports events in my life – White Sox-Mariners playoff game in 2000; the memorable “black-out” play-in game between the White Sox and Minnesota Twins last October; the 2006 World Figure Skating championships in Calgary; 2008 and 2009 national figure skating championships in St. Paul, Minn., and Cleveland; and the second round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the United Center in 2007. But there’s plenty more I want to see.
1. Kentucky Derby – Mint julep, anyone? I love a good horse race, and while I’ve been to Arlington Park Race course in suburban Chicago, it probably doesn’t compare to the tradition and excitement of the Derby.
2. Baseball World Series – I missed the opportunity to watch the White Sox in the 2005 Series, but I’m hoping for another chance.
3. Wimbledon – I watched a women’s pro tournament at the UIC Pavillion in the mid-90s, including Venus and Serena in a doubles match when they were mere teenagers. If I’m going to see a pro tournament, it might as well be the grandaddy of them all – Wimbledon.
4. NHL playoffs – With the Blackhawks reaching the Western Conference finals in the playoffs this year, my love of hockey has been reignited. With their young, talented team, there is no reason why the Hawks shouldn’t make a return trip to the playoffs over the next few seasons. The trick will be to get my hands on what is sure to be the hottest show in town.
5. Michael Phelps – As long as he continues to swim competitively, my desire to see him compete is alive and well.
6. Olympics in Chicago – If Chicago is named the host city for the 2016 Olympic Games, I will have a smorgasbord of events to choose from – diving, rowing, gymnastics, basketball. Even better would be to attend the opening ceremonies and the parade of nations.
7. Chicago Fire or Red Stars soccer – The Fire and Red Stars are Chicago’s two pro soccer teams (men’s and women’s soccer, respectively). I watched some soccer while attending a small college. The team was one of the best in the nation, having won eight NAIA titles in 13 seasons. I’m eager to see the Fire and Red Stars at Toyota Park.
8. WNBA – Rumor has it the WNBA is struggling and could be the next league to fold after the Arena Football League suspended operations last week. If that’s the case, then I should check out the improved Chicago Sky this season. Runner up: NBA playoff game featuring the Bulls. Again finding a ticket for the pro game is tricky.
9. Snowboarding – I was fascinated watching the snowboarding competition during the 2006 Torino Olympics on TV. These guys and gals look like they’re having a blast, and it must be even more fun to watch them in person.
10. Gymnastics – When I was in high school, I had to learn to do a routine on the balance beam and uneven parallel bars, and I’m not athletically inclined. I have a tremendous appreciation for what these young men and women do on these apparatuses.
I’m proud to say I’ve witnessed several exciting sports events in my life – White Sox-Mariners playoff game in 2000; the memorable “black-out” play-in game between the White Sox and Minnesota Twins last October; the 2006 World Figure Skating championships in Calgary; 2008 and 2009 national figure skating championships in St. Paul, Minn., and Cleveland; and the second round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the United Center in 2007. But there’s plenty more I want to see.
1. Kentucky Derby – Mint julep, anyone? I love a good horse race, and while I’ve been to Arlington Park Race course in suburban Chicago, it probably doesn’t compare to the tradition and excitement of the Derby.
2. Baseball World Series – I missed the opportunity to watch the White Sox in the 2005 Series, but I’m hoping for another chance.
3. Wimbledon – I watched a women’s pro tournament at the UIC Pavillion in the mid-90s, including Venus and Serena in a doubles match when they were mere teenagers. If I’m going to see a pro tournament, it might as well be the grandaddy of them all – Wimbledon.
4. NHL playoffs – With the Blackhawks reaching the Western Conference finals in the playoffs this year, my love of hockey has been reignited. With their young, talented team, there is no reason why the Hawks shouldn’t make a return trip to the playoffs over the next few seasons. The trick will be to get my hands on what is sure to be the hottest show in town.
5. Michael Phelps – As long as he continues to swim competitively, my desire to see him compete is alive and well.
6. Olympics in Chicago – If Chicago is named the host city for the 2016 Olympic Games, I will have a smorgasbord of events to choose from – diving, rowing, gymnastics, basketball. Even better would be to attend the opening ceremonies and the parade of nations.
7. Chicago Fire or Red Stars soccer – The Fire and Red Stars are Chicago’s two pro soccer teams (men’s and women’s soccer, respectively). I watched some soccer while attending a small college. The team was one of the best in the nation, having won eight NAIA titles in 13 seasons. I’m eager to see the Fire and Red Stars at Toyota Park.
8. WNBA – Rumor has it the WNBA is struggling and could be the next league to fold after the Arena Football League suspended operations last week. If that’s the case, then I should check out the improved Chicago Sky this season. Runner up: NBA playoff game featuring the Bulls. Again finding a ticket for the pro game is tricky.
9. Snowboarding – I was fascinated watching the snowboarding competition during the 2006 Torino Olympics on TV. These guys and gals look like they’re having a blast, and it must be even more fun to watch them in person.
10. Gymnastics – When I was in high school, I had to learn to do a routine on the balance beam and uneven parallel bars, and I’m not athletically inclined. I have a tremendous appreciation for what these young men and women do on these apparatuses.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Kwan Won’t Compete in 2009-2010
Amidst all the excitement of the baseball trading deadline last Friday, I nearly missed a major announcement from Michelle Kwan who decided not to compete in the 2009-2010 season. Instead, she will start grad school for a master’s degree in international affairs.
The announcement comes after much speculation about whether she would try to compete for her third Olympics in Vancouver. But at age 29, she has not competed since 2006 when she had to withdraw from the Olymics in Turin because of a hip injury, so she is probably not in the best competitive condition. While Kwan has not officially announced she is retiring, her decision not to compete this coming season essentially puts an end to her illustrious figure skating career. There will never be another skater quite like her.
The announcement comes after much speculation about whether she would try to compete for her third Olympics in Vancouver. But at age 29, she has not competed since 2006 when she had to withdraw from the Olymics in Turin because of a hip injury, so she is probably not in the best competitive condition. While Kwan has not officially announced she is retiring, her decision not to compete this coming season essentially puts an end to her illustrious figure skating career. There will never be another skater quite like her.
Peavy Deal Makes a Splash
White Sox GM Kenny Williams sure likes to make a big splash at baseball’s trading deadline. Last year, for example, he picked up Ken Griffey, Jr. in a deal that left many fans scratching their heads.
This year, in a last-second deal, the Sox acquired Jake Peavy from the San Diego Padres in exchange for four young pitchers, including lefties Clayton Richard and top prospect Aaron Poreda.
Peavy refused to waive his no-trade clause two months ago in Chicago’s first bid for his services, but a lot has changed since then. The Padres have since fallen well out of contention in the NL West, and the Sox are in second place, 1 ½ games out of first place in the AL Central. It didn’t take long for Peavy to figure out that it was a waste of his time and talent to stay in San Diego.
At first glance, the deal looks very risky. Peavy has been on the DL with an ankle injury since early June and may not be available to pitch for the Sox until Sept. 1 at the earliest, if at all. In the meantime, the Sox have a gaping hole in their starting rotation with Richard gone to the Padres. The Sox will need to fill that hole with either middle reliever D.J. Carrasco or bring up someone from the minors. They have some tough series ahead, including a bear of a road trip at the end of August that takes them through Boston, New York and Minneapolis with a final stop at Wrigley Field for a make-up game against the Cubs. If the Sox can stay close to the Detroit Tigers in the divisional race and if Peavy can return to the mound by the end of August, things could get interesting in September.
The Sox also took a risk financially. Even Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf hesitated to sign off on this deal because of concerns about Peavy’s salary -- $8 million remaining for this season and $52 million between 2010 and 2012. As contracts for Jim Thome, Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko expire in the next couple of years, the Sox might get a little more breathing room with their finances to take on Peavy’s salary.
Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal says the risk may be worth it, especially for the long term. If this deal pans out, the Sox rotation could be set for the next two years at least. Imagine a rotation that includes Peavy, Mark Buehrle, John Danks and Gavin Floyd. That’s a lineup that can compete with any team in the major leagues.
This year, in a last-second deal, the Sox acquired Jake Peavy from the San Diego Padres in exchange for four young pitchers, including lefties Clayton Richard and top prospect Aaron Poreda.
Peavy refused to waive his no-trade clause two months ago in Chicago’s first bid for his services, but a lot has changed since then. The Padres have since fallen well out of contention in the NL West, and the Sox are in second place, 1 ½ games out of first place in the AL Central. It didn’t take long for Peavy to figure out that it was a waste of his time and talent to stay in San Diego.
At first glance, the deal looks very risky. Peavy has been on the DL with an ankle injury since early June and may not be available to pitch for the Sox until Sept. 1 at the earliest, if at all. In the meantime, the Sox have a gaping hole in their starting rotation with Richard gone to the Padres. The Sox will need to fill that hole with either middle reliever D.J. Carrasco or bring up someone from the minors. They have some tough series ahead, including a bear of a road trip at the end of August that takes them through Boston, New York and Minneapolis with a final stop at Wrigley Field for a make-up game against the Cubs. If the Sox can stay close to the Detroit Tigers in the divisional race and if Peavy can return to the mound by the end of August, things could get interesting in September.
The Sox also took a risk financially. Even Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf hesitated to sign off on this deal because of concerns about Peavy’s salary -- $8 million remaining for this season and $52 million between 2010 and 2012. As contracts for Jim Thome, Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko expire in the next couple of years, the Sox might get a little more breathing room with their finances to take on Peavy’s salary.
Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal says the risk may be worth it, especially for the long term. If this deal pans out, the Sox rotation could be set for the next two years at least. Imagine a rotation that includes Peavy, Mark Buehrle, John Danks and Gavin Floyd. That’s a lineup that can compete with any team in the major leagues.
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