Just asking
Is it true that Bears offensive line coach Tony Wise called all the running plays last season while offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh called the passing plays?
If true, who thought this was a good idea?
And is this one of the things that Erik Kramer demanded be changed before he would return?
Then again
Even if that wasn’t totally the scenario, you could believe it, couldn’t you? That’s how messed up the Bears were.
And still might be.
The process
Here’s one reason I think the Bulls’ coaching decision keeps going and going–and the big reason that Chairman Reinsdorf wants to make it public that Michael Jordan will have input:
Because Chairman Reinsdorf doesn’t want to look like the guy who forced Jordan out of the game by approving a coach whom Jordan obviously wouldn’t play for.
Jordan and Phil Jackson spent a lot of time talking about this. The blame game is big here, believe me.
Labor pains
Steve Kerr is on the phone from Hawaii after the NBA players union finished meetings on the league-inflicted lockout. Kerr is thousands of miles away, just like the NBA and the players union.
“It’s going to be ugly,” Kerr said. “It’s going to go on for a long time. They’re adamant about getting rid of the Larry Bird exception (paying your own free agents as much as you want) and we’re adamant about keeping it–and our union is a lot stronger this time. Until they come off that demand, there will be no movement.”
That’s good to know if you’re re-upping for a United Center luxury suite, no?
More labor pains
The NBA owners claim 14 teams are losing money. The players’ auditors claim no more than four teams are unprofitable.
“If I don’t see them sharing revenue to help out the small market teams,” Kerr said, “then I can’t take them seriously.”
Revenue sharing, an unwillingness to help out the teams that are allegedly losing money–this sounds a lot like the soundtrack to baseball’s labor talks.
“Yes,” Kerr agreed, “it does.”
Chairman Reinsdorf sure has the touch, doesn’t he?
Angel in the infield?
You have to believe that the Angels will come after White Sox third baseman Robin Ventura, and soon, because failed Angels third baseman Dave Hollins’ option for next year kicks in at the end of this week.
Just Asking
How bad a defensive player is Glenallen Hill, the left-fielder the Cubs picked up on waivers from Seattle?
Well, the Mariners just moved Russ Davis to left–after 25 errors at third base.
At the beep
Voicemail from Peg Wolfe of Chicago: “The White Sox sent me a letter urging me to buy their team video called `Heart and Hustle.’ What will they call the one next year, `Voyage of the Damned’ “?
Tough
Tough guy defenseman Murray Baron signed with Vancouver. Tough guy defenseman Bob Rouse signed with San Jose. No tough guy defenseman has signed with the Blackhawks. Neither has another puck-carrying defenseman. Neither has a winger who can score 30 goals.
You precious “season-reservation holders” have less than a week to fork it over.
Quotable
From comedian Paul Rodriguez: “Don’t call hunting a sport. In a sport, both sides should know they’re in a game.”
