December 2006 Archives

Pat Riley accused Kirk Hinrich of dirty tactics that led to Dwyane Wade's injured hand. Considering Riley doesn't criticize James Posey, who's considered one of the dirtiest players in the league, does he have room to talk?

Playing a meaningless game against a lousy team can be a recipe for defeat, but the Bears pulled it out the way they have many games this season: inspiring as much doubt as confidence.

As I've said before, White Sox GM Ken Williams has earned some trust and respect for winning the World Series last year, but his latest trade is somewhat curious.

I love Lions fans. They're planning on walking out of Sunday's game against the Bears en masse in the second quarter to protest the mismanagement of the team. To what team should Chicago fans send a message?

The last two games of the regular season mean nothing to the Bears, who have home field locked up throughout the NFC playoffs. So should Lovie Smith rest starters like Rex Grossman and Brian Urlacher http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/181593,CST-SPT-rest21.article?

Nobody knows what lies ahead for Tank Johnson, but as I watched the news conference, I admired his composure and apparent sincerity. And I appreciate the fact it wasn't an easy decision for the Bears. Was it the right one?

Sun-Times football expert Mike Mulligan is quoting sources saying the Bears will keep Tank Johnson and perhaps play him in the postseason http://www.suntimes.com/sports/mulligan/177719,CST-SPT-mully19.article. Is that a wise move?

I think it's pretty obvious from Lovie Smith's news conference and Jerry Angelo's letter that the Bears are going to release Tank, and they're making sure they don't violate the CBA. At the very least, I don't think they're going to play him again.

Just ask New Orleans.

The Bears clinched home field throughout the playoffs Sunday. That's about all they did, other than perhaps rediscovering the tight end.

Instead of just taking it easy and trying to stay out of trouble for at least a short time (I don't know, maybe a week or so) while prosecutors decide whether to charge him with violating his probation, Tank Johnson goes out to a bar with his severely troubled friend, a fight breaks out and his friend is shot and killed.

Another weapons violation? Should the team wait for the league to act or act on their own and sit Tank Johnson out for Sunday's game.

There haven't been many electric players in Bears history. Being too young to remember Gale Sayers in his prime, I'll say Devin Hester is the most exciting Bears player I've ever seen.

Nobody was second-guessed in this city last week more than Lovie Smith, and his faith in Rex Grossman was rewarded.

At the Cubs news conference introducing Alfonso Soriano to the local media last week, Jim Hendry tugged on my coat and said "Down in front.'' But it's going to take more than someone standing in front of Hendry to put him in the background this offseason.

Leave Kyle Orton out of the mix for now. Pick Griese or Grossman and tell us why.

There's only one emotion Bears' fans should take away from that victory over the Vikings, and that is the offense is not Super Bowl-caliber.

Another extremely entertaining college football season is coming down to this: a matter of opinion. It's ridiculous.

During the most awkward hours of the recent headband flap with Ben Wallace, Bulls coach Scott Skiles said the situation ultimately may benefit his team. Four straight wins later, his perception appears accurate.