– Ex-quarterback Cade McNown was awarded a $220,000 settlement from the Bears in a workers’-compensation deal on the eve of a scheduled trial. McNown, who has been out of football for four years, now lives in southern California.
– If voting by coaches and players follows the lead of fan Pro Bowl voting on nfl.com, the Bears would have starters at every offensive line position. The special teams also have the No. 1 vote-getters at kicker, returner and coverage. Punter Brad Maynard is No. 2.
– Leon Joe (doubtful, hamstring), Todd Johnson (questionable, ankle) and Thomas Jones (probable, groin) were unable to practice Wednesday.
– Former Bears and Purdue quarterback Mike Phipps will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on Dec. 9 in New York.
– The Rush will begin defense of its ArenaBowl XX title in Kansas City March 4 against the Brigade. Chicago’s home opener against the San Jose SaberCats is March 9.
– Loyola University will play host to the Misericordia Tip-Off Day when the Ramblers meet Northern Iowa at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Gentile Center.
– Tyrus Thomas has played only 52 minutes in the last nine games. “We talked about it [Wednesday] morning,” Coach Scott Skiles said. “He has to keep his energy level up defensively, calm down on offense and maybe touch the ball two or three times before he tries to do something.”
