Moving forward

awesome blog roman, i like the quick updates. Only time will tell if the bears made the right decision roman. If tank goes out and makes a defender fumble and it catapults the bears to the superbowl, he will be the hero in this town and this incident will be just a whisper in the wind. I just hope and pray that he gets his life in order.

Roman-
I am going to say that this is the right decision. Yes, time will tell. But, in watching the news conference, you can't help but think that this young man has been deeply affected by the recent tragic events in his life. He has the support of his teammates and organization, and it's certainly up to him now to make the most of it, as he indicated himself. Will he be successful? The opportunity is there for him. Other people have been given a second (third?)chance in similar situations, maybe even worse circumstances. So why not this. Again, time will tell whether the Bears organization made the right choice, or a mistake. Personally, I am pulling for him. I hope others feel the same way.
Lifetime Bear fan in VA.

What did the Steelers do when Joey Porter was shot a few years ago? They won the Super Bowl the following year and he played a part.Did the Penn. newspapers want to see him hung from the highest tree or were they supportive? What do people expect that football players do in their spare time KNIT? Give him a break.On Sundays no one is complaining when they try to knock someones head off. Why do Chicago newspapers hate their sports teams? Why doesnt anyone look for positives in any Chicago team?

As "Moving Forward" is the title of this blog, I'm going to say something that most Bears fans have thought unconsciously. The Bears need to trade Brian Urlacher as soon as possible. The team has given up loads of yardage on defense this season and Urlacher has become a major crutch for the bears on defense. The Vikings knew this last week and they disarmed Urlacher by simply clogging up the middle of the line so that he couldn't find the running back. The fact that the bears are still lethal in the red zone, that hasn't been as much of a problem as it could've, but that might not be the case in the playoffs.

I always felt that Urlacher should've left before Jauron did. We need to trade him to a better team so that he has a better shot at getting a ring and so that we can start building up our secondary more.

Roman it's good to see someone admit that they had made a mistake and I feel you may grow from it ...oh did you think I was talking about Tank lol Tank will be fine you will see I trust the people who know him best (his coaches and Team mates) and they say he is a good man so then I will take their word for it

Roman, thanks for updating the blog.

So here's something no one expected; new facts that are apparently in Tank's favor. As reported elsewhere, the registration issue may actually be a non-issue. Tank did register the firearms in Arizona, where he has legal residence, and is unable to get an IL firearms registration until he secures an IL valid drivers license, which apparently he can't obtain until 2008. I would expect these charges to be dropped due to the other-state registration.

So, now it appears the "irresponsibility" issues with Tank are down to:

(1) temporarily housing your best friend, a convicted felon, in your house with kids (hey, I have friends who have had legal problems too; I haven't dumped them just because they ran afoul of the law once);
(2) going out to a bar the night you said to your bosses you'd stay out of trouble (truth be told, I was in plenty of bars at age 25 til 3AM without getting in trouble; who goes to a bar expecting that someone is going to start shooting a gun? Totally unanticipated, and unreasonable to expect a 25 year old to think that going to a bar is "asking for trouble" - no one said he was an alcoholic; and
(3) having the guns laying around (bad choice, no real defense for this one, he should have locked them up). A one game suspension is fine.

Now, Tank, grab this chance to not flirt with the border of the law but run so far from the edge that you're a role model. Get rid of the guns, get rid of the pit bulls, get a haircut, donate to charity, marry your girlfriend, and do an interview on nationwide TV where you say, "I'm grateful, watch me, I will give back to the community in appreciation for your support of me, and I will make you proud to have me as a Bear."

Oh, and one more thing, Tank. Go out there and kick some major butt in the playoffs; turn this into a feelgood story. You will be so happy you did.

As far as Lovie and Jerry, very well done. You've supported guys from Dusty to Ricky to Brian to Tank. This will pay huge dividends in player loyalty to the Bears. Red Auerbach said it best. Auerbach defined his secret of coaching in a 2004 book co-written with sports writer John Feinstein, “Let Me Tell You a Story: A Lifetime in the game.� “Players are people, not horses,� Auerbach said. “You don’t handle them. You work with them, you coach them, you teach them, and maybe, most important, you listen to them.� Tank said he'd change, and they listened.

Roman responds: As an avid animal lover, I'd like to point out there is nothing inherently wrong with pit bulls. The problem lies with the idiots who train these dogs to attack. I've encountered many pit bulls that are docile and friendly. But too often, people want to be perceived as tough by being surrounded by vicious dogs. I know there was talk of a "cruelty to animals" charge with this, but I never heard the basis.

Mick, I'll tell you why. Big media knows that negativity sells. The more negative the story, the more papers they can sell, TV ratings they can get, etc... The media is jumping over the Tank Johnson scandal as well as the Miss USA one to sell more papers and drive traffic to their web sites. Sadly, the FCC is considering axing cross-ownership rules, meaning soon, a newspaper can own a TV and/or radio station. If this happens, big media is going to declare open season on anybody and everybody, including Chicago's sports teams -- no matter how good they are.

Tank should change his name to Miss USA and all of his woes would be forgiving. Zip...Nothing and welcome back into the warm arms of the press and the Chicago mob with a kiss and a hug. Better yet change his race.

Roman responds: I actually laughed out loud at the first part of that post. But c'mon, remember when Vanessa Williams was Miss USA and got busted for all those lesbian pictures? We welcomed her back with open arms. I think it has something to do with looks.

I personally do not see what caused such a stir concerning Tank. Are people forgetting that we have a Second Amendment in our U.S. Constitution that allows our citizens to "bear arms?" Tank is not a felon to the best of my knowledge, so therefore he should be guaranteed the right to own firearms. In our state, there is a restriction on firearms ownership (that a lot of other states do not require), which mandates that the owner of such firearms must possess a firearms identification (FOI) card. By owning such guns and not having the "FOI" card is analogous to a person hunting without a license or fishing without a license. How is this such a big deal with some of the fans and the media? It is not like Tank assaulted anyone, like Carmelo Anthony just did against a New York Knicks opponent. Will the Denver Nuggets cut Carmelo loose because of his "assault?" I would answer NO!
Since there is no evidence that Tank had anything whatsoever to do with the homicide of his good friend, I believe everyone should "cut some slack" for Tank! I am shocked that the Gurnee P.D. raided his home the way they did, which involved breaking down his door. I had spoken to a friend of mine, who works as an agent for ATF, who said that if they were handling the Tank situation, they would have merely knocked on his door, as opposed to breaking it apart to gain entry. I believe Tank will put this whole traumatic experience behind him, by learning from it, allowing the healing process to mend the pain and guiding himself accordingly in the future.

Roman responds: Maybe the guns in the house wasn't such a big deal, although DCFS might disagree, but the fact is he was on probation and may be facing resentencing for it. That's a big deal.

Tank is a young man and he made some foolish choices, but do we brand him for life?
I think not, he's human remember!?!?!
The Bears made the best decision for both parties involved and he will be a better person, not just a better player but a better person for the faith they have shown in him. I hope he does go to counseling for the loss of his friend and for the other issues that he is facing. One game is fair and I hope the media doesn't continue to "make" this a top news story, but they allow him to get better in his own time.

Roman responds: For the last time:
A. Bears are 12-2 and own the city's sports universe.
B. One of their starters, who's been arrested twice before, gets pinched for having guns in his house. He's also living with a convicted armed robber.
C. Bears say they'll give him one more chance.
D. Player and convict go out clubbing. Someone bumps into player on or near dance floor, convict comes to defense and gets shot and killed.

IT WAS A BIG STORY, OK?!?! You can debate opinions columnists take, but don't say it wasn't a big story. It was.

Roman, you've done something I've never known a columnist to do without pressure. You admitted that you can have somewhat a change of heart. Like I've said you're a nice guy and you know that means you have absolutely no chance at making the money you say that Jay makes. Just kidding. I think you've earned a lot of respect from me and a lot of people who saw how you reacted to it initially and took into consideration that maybe there was more to it than to just leave him out in the cold. I know you still have your doubts but now I know there is at least a shred of humanity left in the media. I am really looking to put this whole episode behind us. Enough about Tank,Please!!!!! GO BEARS!!!

That was the classiest thing the Bears have ever done. The guy just lost his best friend, been vilified by the media, and is already facing weapons charges (which will probably be reduced to probabtion). He's already been punished enough.

The Bears have made blunders over the years, but they have always had the best intentions, no one has ever doubted that. This is an example of the Bears doing the right thing under the circumstances. The guy already was suffered through the loss of a friend. Suspending him for one game is a mild punishment (slap on the wrist), but they draw attention to his mistake. At the same time, they stand by this man during one of the most horrible moments of his life. I salute the Bears for their decision and for handling this with sound minds. They didn't let the media cloud their judgement. If Tank Johnson pulls out of this and learns from his mistakes, for the rest of my life I'll remember the 2006 Bears organization (coaches included) as one of class.

I think that you are a idiot an a follower who only goes by what other people think get a mind of your own ....also stop being jealous of what this young man make, maybe if you was more of a man you would have had the ability to play football, and make as much...

Did anyone REALLY think that the Bears would get rid of a player when they have the Super Bowl in their sights? It's money over matter.

I know (not think) the soon to be world champion bears did the right thing in regards to Terry "Tank" Johnson's situation. Society's jealousy and misunderstanding of these millionare young men has grown to ridiculous porportions in this day and time. Remember these are kids with a lot of money at a young age, and no person is exempt to the trials and tribulations of life. Jay Mariotti are you perfect without flaws, and did you grow up in the ghetto to know how difficult it is to get out of that mentality. Yes Terry needs some growing to do but so do you! Go Bears, Go Tank!

We don't know all the specifics surrounding Tank and the changes he must make. We hope he realizes how lucky and talented he is just to make an NFL team and develop into a starter. I just can't imagined him not being the best player in the league at his position. He has that potential for greatness that so very few people have. It is a team sport and to be part of a team like this one is totally unimagineable. Tank is blessed to be surrounded by so many elite players. The Bears organization showd a human and poised approach to the situation. I believe they should be commended for the decision. I believe Tank will turn this into a very positive thing and I hope he becomes a leader by reaching out to kids and show them how he become a role model.

TANK WHO?

GIVE HIM A BREAK, AND SEND'EM TO THE LEFT COAST; EITHER SAN FRANCISCO OR OAKLAND; HE'LL FIT RIGHT IN.

now lets draft players from university of miami they will fit in with bears he broke probation doesn't matter in sports now the guy can buy some more guns he's guilty

Situational ethics. If Tank were a 3rd string guy what would the response have been. For one, it wouldn't have been as big of a story. I like to the think the Bears would have responded the same way. Telander's column today is garbage. Who is he to judge. He took an easy angle for an inflammatory story. The Bears had several options, they evaluated them and took one. You can read into it whatever you want. I think they were compassionate.

A thug is a thug. And Tank is just a punk thug. He should get out of football and do what all of his thug kind do... Try to be a Rap star. It's funny though that the Bears are nothing but a team made up of pretty boys (Rex), and thugs (Tank).

i think that the sincerity in jerry angelo's comments are just as important as tank's...and time will tell that as well...it would set a wonderful precedence that we don't often see in sports, let alone society: loyalty from an organization. according to what jerry said, they not only want tank to turn his life around, they want to help him do so. if those words were sincere from jerry, he's building the bears organization into a family...

A discussing thug..Papa Bear is rolling in his grave about now over the stupid decision by Angelo, Smith, and the McCaseys. Nothing like a felon to be on the Bears team to make the fans proud. There is absolutely no moral fiber in any of Bears management. I can only hope Wrex and the Tank go one and out in the playoffs.

The media always seems to look for the negative in everything. I guess that is what makes headlines and sells papers. Did anyone think that Tank may have already had those guns when he was arrested before and at that point could not bring them up because it would have caused a bigger bru-hah then? I'm sure most of the ones saying to run him out of town have bigger skeletons in the closet, they have not gotten caught yet. I pray that Tank really has learned his lesson this time, look what he has lost. What about Posey? Nothing has been said except he was killed. This man had a life and family. The Chicago media can be real cold at times. And I'll bet most of you guys are "baked couch potatoes."

Roman responds: Start reading the paper. We've had several stories about Posey's family and background. In fact, some would say we shouldn't have written about him because we included his legal problems. But it's easier to blame the media. At least Tank had more sense. He knows that his decision to go to the Ice Bar led to his friend's death. Tank didn't say "It's the media's fault." And I'm sure the victim of Posey's armed robbery is saying "Why isn't my story being told. The media just talks about Posey because he's the friend of a Bears player."

One game suspension is still too much. Why did the police RAID that man's house? Tragedy happens all the time, especially with Black sport stars. Nothing new. The media trying to rid the Bears of a scandal won't help them achieving their goals. They are still scrubs - and is NOT ready for the SUPERBOWL. Moreover, instead of jumping on this man's head - have some compassion for his best friend getting killed.

Maybe you people need to lose somebody close to you in your household to FEEL what he's feeling.

Here's the real motive, though no one will admit to it. Slap the Tank with a one game suspension and give him "one more chance". He conveniently returns just in time for the playoffs with a remorseful and powerful attitude that is will allow him to play his position at the highest possible level of motivation for one month. A brilliant move by the Bears to get the most out of him. What happens after that is anyones guess. But you can't change a zebras stripes.

I'd make a terrible football GM. All through this latest Tank Johnson saga, I was looking at the guns, the drugs, the felon, pit bulls, blatant disrepect for authority - all those issues.
Jerry Angelo and Lovie were looking at game film of Sunday's second half.
And that's why I'd be a worse GM than Matt Millen. You have to know the priorities.
Go Bears.

Yes, the Bears made the correct decision. I am glad the organization was able to think this through and make the right decision. Personally I thought two games would be sufficient, because Tank really needs time to heal and get himself together, and then return for the playoffs. It’s amazingly funny to me how many people all of a sudden want to stone this man. How many times have athletes done stupid things, and then been hung from a tree by fans, especially black athletes, but then become idolized once they do good again? Role models or not, their just men like the rest of us, and they make mistakes. Part of being a role model is confessing your fault and making up for it, if I’m not mistaken. In addition, part of being a devoted fan of the Bears and the sport is to be forgiving, if I’m not mistaken. When are we going to wake up in America, Tank Johnson is no different than anyone else that has guns in his possession. If an ordinary citizen had been found with guns in his possession illegally (which by the way an ordinary citizen would not have had his home raided by SWAT), the result would be equal if not better. It’s amazing to me how many people think athletes are supposed to behave like saints since their millionaires, it’s so funny. This just goes to show how Black athletes can be exalted in one minute but then executed in the next, but I’m glad the Bears organization has some good sense, unlike the many idiots that write these articles.

Tank may have shown that he makes some inadvised decisions; but did he kill anyone? Did he physically harm anyone? What is his real crime except not to fit the established norm of a lot of conservative people? He is not atypical of the pro athlete. He comes from a checkered past, has been coddled by coaches because of his athletic prowess and now everyone expects him to act like a mature, well-adjusted adult.
What we should demand is that all professional sports teams give professional help to every maladjusted member of their team.
And one slam at the ignorant sports writers and broadcasters out there: Stop judging people when you don't know the facts, especially when your comments and statements are immature and in many cases slanderous.

Either I see the world through orange and blue colored glasses or the two major newspapers in this city have been overreacting in calling for Tank's immediate departure. Are the sportwriters too cynical or are my tainted Bear eyes deceiving me, thinking this guy ought to be given a second chance? The truth probably lies somewhere in between the hearts of Bear fans and the sportswriters' easy, cynical, abrupt condemnation.

I believe fans and sports writers are too critical of the entire situation. Everyone acts like they have never done anything wrong in their lives and want to be so quick to judge. Yes the gun situation was stupid since he already had charges before. The club incident no one knew how that was going to play out but God. More than likely they went there to relax from the previous day and his friend ends up dead.
I feel from the news conference that the Bears made the right decision. To let him go at his lowest point in his life the Bears would have been in the wrong. I respect how he was able to maintain his composure during the conference and understands changes need to be made. Tank needs to take some real time to re evaluate his life, attend grief counseling for his friend and begin a spiritual journey.

Sounds to me like there are a lot of people in Chicago who are willing to let a criminal off the hook when it serves their purpose. Would you be willing to give a guy from Cabrini Green the benefit of the doubt if this happened? Nope, because he has no part in helping the Bears. You all are being dishonest with yourselves. What would you think if your brother-in-law was on probation and the police found 6 unregistered loaded guns in his house along with a convicted felon with an ounce of pot? What about your sister and your neice and nephew? Would you be concerned? What would you think of your brother-in-law? Would you want to give him another chance with your sister and her kids? You all are just so superbowl nuts that you can't think straight. And for Ricky Manning to come out and say "I don't even know why I'm on probation. I feel like I did nothing wrong." Do you agree with him because the Bears need him? I guess that guy at Denny's went in there to pick on Manning and his buddies. The Bears are hypocrites and so are the fans who agree. Turn your head and look the other way just like all cowards.

I honestly believe that Tank has learned his lesson. Now, I think that the Chicago media should let up on condemning him including you, Mariotti. They did enough of that last week. God bless, Tank!

The decision to not sit him for the rest of the year is not surprising. It goes well beyond Chicago and into other sports where pampered millionaire punks and thugs get a light swat on the ass for their indiscretions. The Bears had an opportunity to set an example that REPEATED criminal behavior will not be tolerated. Instead, they are all about winning the grand prize. When they lose in the playoffs, Bears fans will point to this distraction and the woes of Rex as excuses. All that said, I feel Johnson's remorse was sincere and that he will turn his life around. If seeing your best friend shot and killed doesn't wake your felonious ass, well what then? The bottom line is that his punishment is akin to a timeout for a child. I'm 46 years old now and when I was a kid, they didn't have timeouts. I could see the one game suspension for everything that went down at his home, but when you go clubbing 24 hours later, you are a damn fool. How many chances do we give people? He's on his 4th chance now. Let's hope for Johnson and society this behavior ends with losing his convict pal.

What's up Roman?
The great thing about life is that nobody realy knows anything about what will happen the next day or year.
I did say last week that everyone has a bottom to hit or have that moment of clearity before they understand the full nature of what they have done to others and themselves. I believe this is what will or already has happend to tank. NOW LET'S GO WIN THE SUPER BOWL!!!!

As a life-long Bear fan living in rural Western PA, I don't see what the big deal is concerning Tank's ownwership of six firearms. I guess he should have been more diligent in obtaining the Illinois, state-issued permission slip allowing him to exercise his 2nd Ammendment rights. If Tank is such a bad guy, how do you explain the overwelming support he seems to have from his teammates? I think the Bears made the correct choice in giving Tank the chance to get his act together.
I would also like to second the opinion of another poster concerning the views of Chicago sport's columnists. It seems no matter what the Bears do, it's never good enough for these guys. By the way, did I miss the story about Tank testing positive for drug use? It looks like Rick Telander must have some exclusive info given his "pot-smoking" adjective to describe Tank in the opening line of his column today.

"What do people expect that football players do in their spare time KNIT?" No, but then again I don't expect them to fire off guns in their back yard or treat their neighbors to second-hand reefer smoke -- particularly when there are children in their home. To give Tank another chance is one thing (which I agree with), but making excuses and enabling him to continue to make stupid decisions because he is a professional athlete is another matter entirely. Under that ignorant line of reasoning, Mick, he can do pretty much anything he damn well pleases and he'll be exonerated in the court of public opinion - as long as he wins, of course. Pretty pathethic not to hold our athletes to the same standards as everyone else.

I have read eye witness accounts of the events at the bar that stated Tank was "standing" near the dance floor when a guy bumped into him. If true, then Telander surely knows it, and chooses anyway to lie about it at least twice in his column by saying that Tank "shimmied", "boogied", or "was carousing". One has to wonder if guys like Telander and Mariotti would prefer that Johnson were a "Saint". The guy has made mistakes and for that they want to take away his livelihood and are willing to mischaracterize events in order to provoke people like me into writing in so they can prove to their advertisers that someone is actually reading their rag. Speaks to the character of these guys and the company they work for in my opinion. What a shame.

It's better to save a soul than to destory it.

I suggest all the people who support the Bears decision to do nothing to Tank Johnson read Rick Telander's and Greg Couch's columns today. Maybe after reading their columns you morally bankrupt people will acquire some integrity and morals? Because if you don't acquire these qualities, you may find yourself down in the gutter slumming around with people like Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith. The behavior of the Bears organization makes it embarrassing to be a Bears fan. By the way, if O.J. Simpson were a little younger maybe the Bears could pick him up to provide depth at the running back position. Because hey, anything to win a playoff game, right!

Roman responds: Ok, let's take a breath here. O.J. Simpson is believed to have killed two people. Tank hasn't hurt anyone.

Football is a side issue right now. First my deepest sympathys to Mr. Johnson and the Posey family.

Second, as a person who has made mistakes and has had people that stood by me I know why you helped out your friend. No one can say you did anything wrong.

Lastley, you made some mistakes that may cost you a price. Take the punishment and get back to what matters most, your family.

As a law-abiding member of Gurnee-area society, how would I like a 300-pound man with a violent past to spend his time: taking out his aggressions during football practices, or wandering the streets of Chicago-land trying to figure out how to spend his time? My thanks to Mr. Angelo and the Bears for doing what is best for the rest of society - something no one in the press seems to be considering as they self-rightously condemn the Bears' decision.

Who cares. Tank will probably be dead within a year or two. He's thinks he's some kind of gansta and it WILL get him killed. Just like it did to his best buddy. Just wait and see. If thi moron wasnt a fottball player amd of you stiffs on here would be saying fry his butt.

The evil empire (Chicago sports newspaper media and Chicago sports radio talk) has been struck a blow. The Bears organization has not kowtowed to their negativism and opinions. I love it.

Tank is not a model citizen but "innocent until proven guilty" is the way its done in America. Remember that Chicago sports press.

The Bears got it right. The people who have all these negitive things to say need to go get counsuling. We don't even know the guy. How can you pass judgemnet on him and throw him out like that. I am glad that these people are not judges. Look Tank is young and he his learning and growing right before our eyes. he will get himself together and be part of a superbowl team. Let the courts decide on his legal matters and let the man play football. Everyone is human and humans are not perfect. All this kick him out the leauge stuff is a bit much. He has not done anything that malicous. Lets talk about the 12&2 record or the home feild through out the playoffs. I know he is a public figure but come on leave his private affairs be. I think after all that has happened to him he is handiling this better than most of us would. Go Tank I'd put him on my team any time. Go BEARS SUPER BOWL CHAMPS!!!!

Of course O.J. is much worse than Johnson. I was just trying to make a point that the Bears do not care about character or integrity. To Peter Crist, you did miss the story about Johnson testing positive for pot. Before the 2004 draft at the NFL combine he tested positive for marijuana. Now the Bears surely knew this but drafted him anyway.

all this business about "give him a chance". he had chances that's why he was on probation. after the raid, his response was that he'd done nothing wrong(doing what a man has to do)-yeah, he did, he broke the law. he even had the cops drop charges against him when he threatened them(i wonder if they'd do that for me-and believe me, i'm not the physical threat he is). he has also abused his animals. if winning, no matter what, is the goal, maybe we could get some big guys from joliet to help us out on sundays.
i am so surprised that a family-owned business with a reputation to honor would allow this to happen. well, we were already on a slippery slope with manning. nice lesson, i guess i shouldn't be so naive. money talks. angelo is a garbage picker.

The other day John Jackson fantasized a trade sending Tyrus Thomas to the Knicks to return Eddie Curry to Chicago. First of all if a trade to return any player back to Chicago could be made Elton Brand or Ron Artest would be a much better idea than the inconsistant (and often lazy) Curry. Secondly trading Thomas at this stage, especially fo the likes of Curry would be the worst trade since the Cubs traded Lou Brock to St. Louis.

The Tank Johnson situation just reinforces an unwritten rule in sports. The greater the talent or value to the team an athlete has, the greater margin for error or screwups that athlete has. Jimmy Johnson has been the only person man enough to admit this rule. Just look at the Chicago Bulls of the 90's. Jerry Krause was willing to put up with Dennis Rodman's antics until he no longer had a use for him. If the Bears were not so thin at defensive line, I think we would have seen a different outcome. The biggest crime an athlete can commit, according to the current state of ethics in pro sports, short of a capital or serious felonious offense, is to "play badly".

I look at it this way, if Tommie Harris was not injured the Bears would have kissed this bench warmer goodbye! As a Bears fan I am split. If the team was 2-11 then we would see the family run Bears dispose of Tank like they should. Because we all want to win so bad, they won't. I respect that, but it is prostituting themselves for a title. If they lose in the playoffs, then this will have been a mistake. guys like Tank are plentifull around the league and from college. If you send a clear message to them now, then it might get better as a whole. There was no punishment doled out here at all.

Can we all just say "Tank (Thank) you Chicago Bears" for keeping Mr. Johnson on the team in spite of negative criticism from the plethora of layperson's Judge and Jurist opinions?

Also, to all true Chicago Bears sports fans, send Mr Johnson a Good Luck card or email showing support. The young man will need it.

I think the Bears did a great thing by acting like caring human beings & choosing to support Tank, rather than condemn him like the majority of the media & middle America would have liked to. The young man made some huge mistakes, of course. But how many of us older, wiser gentlemen have made a few knockleheaded mistakes when we were in our 20's? I'm sure that more that a few of us have driven a car under the influence, maybe hung out with some unsavory characters that we called our friends, or even got in trouble with the law for one reason or another (or did something stupid, but didn't get caught). The guy just lost his best friend over what probably could well be the worst decision of his young life! That in itself should be a life changing event for him. So to all of those who thing that Tank is some kind of common street thug who will never change, just step back & look at your own life,or your teenage son's lives before you rush to judgement on someone who you only know thru the media!

ALL TANK...ALL THE TIME....

ENOUGH ALREADY

It is unbelievable that the town that produced Gayle Sayers, Walter Payton, Ernie Banks, and Billy Williams would support the actions of Tank. It is time that athletes, college and professional, step up and act as positive role models. Anyone can make a mistake but when a public person makes repeated ones of the nature of Tank then it is time to say adios. It says something to me about Lovie Smith when he cuts Anthony Thomas (A-Train after he had such good seasons and was recognized by the Tribune for his community service) but now keeps someone with Tank's record. Let's get back to basics-winning is not everything.

Charlie K

The Bears should have suspended Johnson for the rest of the season, including the playoffs. Let him get the help he needs and give him time to reflect on his life without football. If he stays out of trouble, then invite him back to training camp next summer. This should send him a strong message and make the do-gooders happy. Enough of this phony compassion. Giving a troubled young man a pass is NOT compassion.

Remember this, Tank violated his probation and he may be sitting in jail as soon as 48 hours from now. Which obviously would be the right thing to happen because he did not commit a "mistake" like I am hearing people say. Guns in his house was a violation, as was him not doing the community service he was supposed to do. He also has a revoked drivers license, yet drove to training camp in July in a vehicle with no plates on them. Those are not "mistakes", those are blatant violations of the law which he willingly chose to do. The more you learn about Tank the more you realize he has broken a plethora of laws. By the way, some on here have called Tank a "good guy". How do you know if you never met him?

Tank is a young, healthy and my I say RICH man. He is a magnet when it comes to attracting the wrong people. He has been taught right from wrong and sometimes young men make mistakes. Old men make mistakes. Let anyone who is critical of him think back when they were that age and if they were in that position of wealth would they have made the same mistakes? People just want to talk stuff about what should be done to him because they want him at their level.

I say this to Tank. Baby, I'm a grandmother who has grandsons' your age and the mistakes you have made hopefully will be the last ones. No one lives a perfect life, certainly not me. But, we do control what happens around us when we put ourselves in the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong people things happen that we have no control over. Your FAITH and hard work will carry you past this. You live in a glass house and everyone is looking in trying to see what's going on. Be smart, do it for you, your children, your family, Bears and personal, and also for those who love you and want to see you do well. The longest journey begins with the first step. May all your steps be in the right direction. A fan.

looks like cook county court will getthe last laugh as far as the "tank" goes. Seems to me tanker is on probation for weapons violations. I hope the courtshave the brass bbs to do the job lovie and the bears are afraid to do. Any one else in the same position would be in jail for along time. sorry

It should be a very moot point to let us know you are not happy with the decision. If you guys are no longer fans and think that sports and this team is all about money and are that disappointed of the outcome I have 3 words:get over it. As children when he had to get over the fact that there was no Santa Claus or tooth fairy or anything you believed- as a child. Maybe an actor or a polition was found to not be the person you expected them to be when you were an adult. The only thing we could do after the disappointment was to get over it. Why does Tank escaping the gillotines that you thought he should've received has you so up in arms? Were you ever as mad at Bush for the War that we're fighting for another country's freedom? Are you or were you ever upset at the senseless deaths that our armed forces has endured in this war? Have you gone to the VA hospital and told one of the maimed soldiers who returned how you appreciate his sacrifice and that they are America's back bone? If you haven't protested in their favor why waste so much time expressing your contempt for a pampered dumb jock who skirt the laws in it's various forms? Why haven't you said thanks to the ones who make it possible for the freedoms you enjoy? A lot of this speaks of jealousy. I wouldn't be so bitter and show so much anonymosity for anything like you people are showing if it had no direct affect on my life. This is a sports blog and you people have taken it upon yourselves to make it a blog about social commentaries. Please go and find a space that should cater to you in that regard. To continue to argue about something that became in the past 5 mintues after it happened is ridiculous. Do not be surprised if Tank's case in Cook County is continued past Friday. If you are not pleased ,then, don't come back on this sports blog and express your outrage. This has gone WAY beyond speaking about sports. Roman , can we get on with the topic of sports that has escaped our attention this week. You can beat a dead horse so long where eventually it turns into something other than what it started out being. Let's get back to having constructive conversations about SPORTS. O.K. I get it you're not happy with the outcome,get over it. But the title of this blog is MOVING FORWARD.. Some of you should. I know that people have opinions and in America you shouldn't impede on anyone elses but we don't even have our regular guys posting because they know it's not about sports. We're the ones being impeded on. THAT SAID,GO BEARS!!

This week 17 apologies were made to sports fans around the country by athletes for their negative visibility.

This has prompted the NBA and NFL to ask universities around the country to add Apologies 101 to their curricula.

TO THE GUY WHO WANTS TO TRADE URLACHER

ARE YOU MENTAL?
YOU OBVIOUSLY ARE OFF YOUR ROCKER PAL LOOK AT HIS STATS 6 TIME PRO BOWLER YEAH HE SHOULD GO....... NOT!!!!! GET A CLUE
WHY IS ANYONE SUPRISED ABOUT KEEP TANK?
ISNT IT EVIDENT TO EVERYONE HOW MINOR THIS WAS ANYWAY? BESIDES THIS IS THE NEW TIMES YOU CAN GET CAUGHT CHEATING AND BE SUSPENDED FOUR GAMES AND STILL GET IN THE PRO BOWL
WHILE GUYS LIKE REX GROSSMAN GET PASSED UP BY A GUY WHO DOESNT HAVE ANYTHING BUT 8 GAMES PLAYED WITH 10 INTS AND JUST BECAUSE HE HAS A HIGH PASSER RATING AND ISNT IN THE TOP TEN IN ANY OTHER CATAGORY HES IN PEOPLE HAVE STOPPED THINKING FOR THEMSELVES A LET THE MEDIA TELL THEM WHAT TO THINK I POSE THIS QUESTION IF THEY WOULD HAVE RUN ALL THOSE FEEL GOOD PAT ON THE BACK "LOOK HOW GOOD THIS GUY IS" STORIES EVERY SPORTS MEDIA OUTLET WAS CHURNING OUT ABOUT ROMO , IF THEY DID THEM ABOUT REX WOULD HE BE IN THE PRO BOWL?

Jerry,you are bonkers if you need a sports columunist to teach you morals and integrity. .GO BEARS!!!!

I read somewhere how Ditka said that the BEARS should've cut Tank. He also stated that DUIs are not as bad as Tank's infractions. Is he still SYBIL or what? The next time some drunk rams his car into a innocent victim and kills them we can get over it with the knowledge that at least they weren't shot. Get real. If you pick your poison either way you still die. A convicted drunk driver has no reason to throw stones. Ditka gave plenty of guys chances because he did the same thing they did. This is why you shouldn't throw stones because we all have skeletons. This man is still preposterous with his claims. He's the guy that told his team they weren't focused and they would go home and see 3 different commercials with him in it. I recently read a book called "The rise and self-destruction of the greatest football team in history" by John Mullin, and it stated that the 85 team split apart because of the jealousies about the commercials,the McCaskeys refusing to pay for anything (and actually taking hats and hiding them from the players that signified their championships). And not paying fair market for anyone. Along with Ditka telling his players to do as I say and not what I do. Ditka blames a lot of things on others but he refuse to take any blame. Why are the delusional never aware of their own actions? I guess the name delusional says it all.

Roman responds: Lovie Smith, to my knowledge, never has been arrested for DUI, but he sure befriended Leonard Little, who did kill someone in a DUI incident. Little should absolutely be in jail.

Absolutely,Little should be in jail. I would never condone a player who ended the life of another person. And I understand that he got caught again. There are times when the NFL should ban these guys for life. Any time someone get into a car after drinking and are caught the law should throw the book at them. That vehicle is turned into a weapon and it's no different than shooting a gun in the air. Either way someone could be killed. Neither wrong is right.

I think the Bears should focus on the more immediate tasks ahead. For the playoffs, that means re-establishing that front four pressure that the defensive scheme needs in order to continue to create havoc. I would propose the Bears offer a late round pick for Warren Sapp. Sapp knows coach Smiths defense to a tee. He is a perfect fit at DT or NT, he's showing that he still has it, and would put the Bears as a clear favorite to win the NFC.