For years, George Foreman has been selling his widely popular cooking grill.
But now he’s trying to sell something different, and it will be interesting to see who, if anyone, buys it.
Nearly 34 years after his Rumble in the Jungle defeat at the hands of Muhammad Ali, Foreman claims in his new book, “God In My Corner,” that his trainer might have drugged him just before the title bout.
Understandably, some view his revelation as an excuse for his loss.
But Chicago isn’t above blaming scapegoats — or billy goats — for its sports failures. Here’s a look at Chicago sports franchises and their excuses — past, present and future.
Bulls
Recent failure: Second-round playoff exit against Detroit. After three straight first- and second-round playoff exits, fans fear the team has hit a wall (a.k.a. the Detroit Pistons) and that the Bulls may not have the right components to win a title.
Former scapegoat: Ben Gordon was singled out for his inconsistent offense and his consistently suspect defense.
New scapegoat: The ex-Piston theory. Was Ben Wallace sent here as a spy?
Why it works: The 4-2 series loss to Detroit says it all. We’re watching you, Wallace.
Blackhawks
Recent failure: The same as it’s been for most of the last decade: The team isn’t even close to making the playoffs.
Former scapegoat: Management. The Hawks were named the worst franchise in pro sports by ESPN in 2004, and the team has the longest Stanley Cup drought in the NHL at 46 years.
New scapegoat: Some things just never change, and this is one of those things.
Why it works: Does it matter if it works? If Chicagoans even care about hockey, they probably are more interested in the AHL’s Wolves anyway.
White Sox
Recent failure: The team had all the right pieces to defend its title last season. With that said, Sox fans had to be disappointed when the team fell short of even reaching the 2006 playoffs.
Former scapegoat: When the Sox won the World Series in 2005, the team’s strength was pitching. But last season, the pitching looked anything but strong.
New scapegoat: Karma’s payback for using Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” as their song during their ’05 title run. Not to mention inviting Steve Perry to Chicago to sing it during the city’s celebration of the Sox.
Why it works: How else can one explain finishing third and missing the playoffs with pretty much the same team that swept Houston out of the World Series?
Bears
Recent failure: Coming up short in February’s Super Bowl.
Former scapegoat: Rex Grossman. QBs always will garner the most attention, as they’re the easiest to credit when things go well and the easiest to blame when things go wrong.
New scapegoat: Don’t be surprised if we hear three decades from now that the Bears offense was drugged during that game.
Why it works: The Bears looked as if they were playing in slo-mo against the high-octane Colts.
Cubs
Recent failure: By recent do we mean over the last 100 years? Or just the 2003 playoff debacle?
Former scapegoat: Steve Bartman.
New scapegoat: Bartman. Be honest, Cub fans. Have you really let that excuse go yet?
Why it works: Because nothing else has.
