Full Court Press

I think these guys are unhappy for the same reason the rest of us are unhappy: subpar quarterback.

Wouldn't it be that we, the sponsors and fans, are made of Teflon?

Only Urlacher can straighten this mess out by speaking out publicly and clearing the air once and for all. It's interesting that Mulligan reports this because your competitor publication at the other side of town has reported the exact opposite about retirement and trade demands. If Urlacher says he's healthy and 100%, then I'll believe him and see what happens during the season, but performance and production says it all. If the trend is on the downside, then questions will always remain. You don't reward someone on declining production.

As for Lance Briggs, this is inexcusable if the OTA's were mandatory.

Regarding Robbie Gould, can't blame him for taking a stance and requesting a raise, but let's not go overboard here. You're still a kicker only!

If Urlacher is trying to hold us (The Bears organization and serious fans) hostage by saying he wants a trade or will retire if his contract is not renegoiated, LET HIS UNGRATEFUL BEHIND RETIRE! He agreed to a contract that was very lucrative and now he doesn't want to honor it? Bye!
I have always been supportive of him but if this is true, I no longer think much of him. I wonder if he is injured to the point where he knows he will have to retire soon anyway and is simply trying to leave after receiving a huge signing bonus that will be nonrefundable.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-brian-urlacher-chicago-bears-080418,1,7634249.story

How about making a poll about "responsible members of the media" making crap up in order get attention.

Speaking of which, what ever became of the inevitable Mark Buehrle trade that was reported for three straight weeks last summer?

They should really consider changing the name of the paper to the Star or Enquirer.

Roman responds: Great post. And we all know that Brian wouldn't lie about it.
And our Sox writer reported on the negotiations, which always go back and forth. If you don't want to know what's going on until it's official, there are other papers.

When players sign long term deals they say thay are so happy with it. When they play like crap or get hurt, they continue to be happy getting paid well. When they play well, they always want more money. What is the purpose of signing a contract if you are always going to want to re-negotiate it? How many players re-negotiate to a lower salary when they get hurt or play like crap.

Screw Urlacher. You made your bed, now lay in it.

So now we can lump Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs into the same group with Terrible Owens and Chad "the sky is falling" Johnson! As a former 25 year season ticket holder and lifelong Bear fan, I'm done with the NFL. Too much money, too many crybabies, and not enough interest in the people that pay the way for all of the jackasses. Entertainment my #%!!.

I love it...there isn't a front office..GM..and a yes man of a coach who deserve it more than the Halas Hall boys..

and you're right, Julie...subpar QB...

If they woulda committed to the guys who won the last two games of the year...this would be a different story, I think

I'd faint if Lovie or Jerry said anything that alluded to either of them owning a pair...

I can't lie, tho....I love it... and I hope it gets so bad...Angelo..Lovie...buh-bye...and take RexandCed with ya

GIT CHOE MONEY! And that counts for all of the players! I get sick of folks hating. This is AMERICA - home of the Capitalists. No one tells the phone company, gas company or cable to STOP going up on their rates! Just Athletes! Get PAID like the Clintons!

first of all, let's all calm down! this whole Urlacher thing is just what the teams needs. the future of this team is the following: Tommie Harris,Devin Hester,Robie Gould and Lance Briggs. We have seen the best of Brian Urlacher AND I for one would like to see who and or what the Bears could get in trade!!
NOW, a trade is not likely and i'm sure the Bears will extend his contract. the Bears will also sweeten the deal with incentive bonuses. but still, additional draft picks and player in exchange for a unhappy and hurt Urlacher, sounds good right now!!!

Things aren't looking very good right now are they? My thoughts are that Brian Urlacher needs to do quite a few things.First he needs to clear the air publicly because things are getting reported that could or could not be true. It's his jobs to say what is true. The second thing he needs to do is understand that he has 4 years left on this deal and it isn't exactly the best time for him to be making contract demands. He is 30, has documented neck and back problems, and is coming off a pretty down season. The final thing he needs to do is be who he says and wants us to believe he is. He says and wants to believe he is a leader and wants to win. If you want to win Brian, let the Bears lock up younger players who are very important to our future and give us a chance to win this year. Be reasonable and make your demands at a less critical year and when you have at most 2 years left on that contract. With Briggs, I have no idea what that guy's issue is. I'm still an Urlacher fan even though right now I'm finding it hard to be but when it comes to Briggs, I just plain don't like him. At one time I was beginning to like Briggs more than Urlacher but after last season's bull**** and now after signing a new contract he doesn't report to any workouts (even though they are voluntary), I can't stand the guy. We should have traded him last year for Washington's 1st pick last year, that way we could've gotten LaRon Landry to solve our problems at safety and still could've had Greg Olsen. Briggs needs to MAN-UP and start doing the right things. That's all I've got but before I go, I just wanna say thank you Tommie Harris for being a man and not being a distraction to this team and just allowing things to work themsleves out. Harris and Brown are the real leaders of this team and should be everyone's favorite players.

As far as Briggs is concerned the contract the Bears gave him had to have been the best contract offer he recieved or else he wouldn't have signed it. Since he signed it he must of thought it was a good deal at the time. For Urlacher - he is out of his prime even though he is a good player he is replaceable. There are some good linebackers available in next years draft that can take his place so let him play his game if he wants. As for the draft we need to stay pat with the picks we have. We could have had Eric Wedle last year, who was a supurb safety for San Diego, and not signed, slower than most tackles, Archulletta. Phillips and Angelo need to be evaluated for the job they have been done the this last year and this year instead of being patted on the back for good decisions years back. Chicago deserves a quality winning franchise every year and we all know the organization has the $$ t make it happen.

Urlacher has come public and stated that he has no intention of retiring. He did not say anything about requesting a trade, but he has stated that he is not going to retire. He also claimed that skipping training camp and staying in Arizona has given him more time to spend with his kids which is respectable.

Roman responds: He did, and maybe he's telling the truth.

I about moving BRAD BRIGGS and MIKE MULLIGAN to the Offensive line....instead of the sideline?

Everytime we get a super player in this town we try to run them out with "UN-NAMED SOURCES", reliable sources and drain the city with prospects. If Brian can earn a few bucks more and the Bears are willing to re-negotiate his contract let his agent and the Chicago Bears work that out. I never heard this guy complain about his injuries or bad mouth anyone of his team mates. We need all the good players we can in this rebuilding team. Go Urlacher get well and don't shut the fans out because you're mad at the media.

I'm still reeling from D. Wilson's claim that the future of the Bears is: Tommie Harris, Devin Hester, Robbie Gould and Lance Briggs.

So our future is based on kicking field goals and returning kicks for touchdowns and a defense that might play half of the games, but bitch the entire time because they're underpaid?

Can I buy season tickets to that mess?

I would like to see the Bears' "brain trust" exit Lake Forest and Soldier Field. You know, Lovie's record is beginning to look very similar to Dick Jauron's. Perhaps the lesson we should learn is that it's the entire Bears organization that is screwed up, not just the head coach.

As Charles Barkley recently torched the Bulls' "talent," maybe it's time for John Madden to do the same to the Bears' talent. He has tried, in so many words, to question Benson's ability and Rex's. I know it's hard for Madden to not like Rex. Rex is a prototype Raiders quarterback. He can throw the long ball -- just like Plunkett and Stabler. The main difference between the three is that Plunkett and Stabler were good at other aspects of the game. Rex is fortunate just to hold onto most snaps.

Why are we talking about this? Shouldn't this team want to get into camp and make a another run for the Superbowl? I'm so sick of these players wanting to get paid. For what? At best a team of Superbowl losers. Chicago is one of if not the best places for a good player to make money, but only if the team is doing well. How many Eric Kramer commercials where there? I saw Rex and Mushin. I;m not sure, but isn't Brian and LAnce's contract fair, if not player favorable? Plus again if the team does well the chance for endorsment deals. Hester is tricky. He is a game changer, but only if they kick to him. Work hard as a receiver and get the pay day you deserve. Gould is a luxury, like a/c in car, so don't over pay. Maybe the Bears should trade a couple of these unhappy players. I'm so frustrated with the players, they haven't accomplished anything as a team, oh we have no quarterback boo hoo, maybe if you showed up more you wouldn't let anybody score on you.

the bears did NOTHING in free agency! what they heck they thinking? they'll never satisfy their needs strickly through the draft at running back or wide receiver. i don't care what they call it but as far as i'm concerned if you're trying to address that many needs through the draft not only are you cheap you're rebuilding.

I don't care what they do anymore. They can skip all of the work outs they want to from here till training camp on the way to their 6-10 season.

Get rid of Lovie and Angelo and all of this goes away.

Who exactly do you think screwed all of this up to begin with?

Why would any player on the Bears be happy with these rank amateurs running the team?

Just keep playing Grossman and Benson braintrust, it has worked so well these last few years, hasn't it.....?

hey guys out some of the blame on the league and Upshaw where it really belongs. Givr these guys garuanteed contracts like every other major sport in this country and the problem goes away. A team can cut a player anytime and owe him nothing if he has a down year but that seasons pay the rest of the years are void and they do every it year and call it salary cap casualties, but if a player wants more or and an extention he is not loyal well where i'm from loyalty goes both ways. But the real kicker is when a player wants to retire they go after his signing bonus so the only thing close to garuanteed really is not. This is one of the most abusive sports and these guys has the least amount of stability when it comes to contracts. So while they may seem selfish the league has put many in that position because of the way contracts are not honored by the teams.

Urlacher is one of the few tradable guys we have, and we have many, many weaknesses. If we can fill some holes by trading him, then we really should do it. It's called addition by subtraction. I'd rather remember his successful seasons past instead of what's turning into a lot of BS from this last year. But the BS is starting to predominate. I'm starting to think of him as a whiner and that's not indicative of the stud middle linebacker we've enjoyed for the last 8 years. His relationship with the Chicago media is already ruined. The sooner a trade happens, the better at this point as far as I'm concerned. I'd hate to see him completely alienate his multitude of fans as well.

Urlacher goes into my personal Pantheon of "All Time Greats"
He could never play another down..to lose him would be a sad day for Chicago.

you know you idiots it's not Lovies fault that Brown Dusty Tillman Vasher Briggs Urlacher Grossman Olsen R.Brown John Tait all got hurt last year. You are absolute morons for turning on him so fast. He got us to a Super Bowl won coach of the year and brought us back to respectability, Dick Juoron? please! Dont compare the two, it not the same. Angelo sucks i know, and i hope we get Mendenhall, if and I know IF they get healthy this team can play, it's not that bad. Get into camp and get ready stop whining. Urlacher doesn't know what it't like to be a Bears fan. He needs to lead and be loyal.

Oh believe me, I'd be really sad to see him go, just like I was really sad when Frank Thomas left town. But you know what, I was at Big Hurt's first game back - he got a standing ovation, and then that was it. I'm over it. I remember the good years he gave us, but it was time to say good-bye. We'll get over Urlacher too.

The 54 Bears Jersey was the top-seller in the NFL in a down year for the Bears. What does that tell you about Urlacher's "real" market value?

Simply put, the Bears could use that "jersey" money to sign him to a 2 yr extension with a nice signing bonus & still have plenty left over. Urlacher knows this as well so he's smart to leverage for it.

Contracts in the NFL are mostly subject to making the cut each year. So the Bears aren't risking much by doing this.

As for precedent, it's not a bad precedent to have. Call it the "top seller" precedent. If any future Bear ascends to "Urlacher" status it would make sense to extend him as well.

Keith...are you posting under Julies name?

I knew it!!

i say, get rid of Lovie! I like........ Scott Skiles for the job! And if we can't get CHOE, maybe Pip can play a little WR? Yeah, DO IT Pax, I mean Jerry!

* * * You DONT Trade #4 for #21 * * *

The top-selling jerseys from April to August, according to the NFL:

Rank Player, position, team

1. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers

2. Brady Quinn, QB, Browns

3. Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys

4. Brian Urlacher, LB, Bears

5. Peyton Manning, QB, Colts

6. Reggie Bush, RB, Saints

7. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots

8.Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings

9.JaMarcus Russell, QB, Raiders

10.Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions

11.Troy Polamalu, DB, Steelers

12. Brett Favre, QB, Packers

13.Frank Gore, RB, 49ers

14.Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles

15.Shawne Merriman, LB, Chargers

16. Terrell Owens, WR, Cowboys

17.Jay Cutler, QB, Broncos

18.Vince Young, QB, Titans

19. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers

20.Eli Manning, QB, Giants

21.Chad Johnson, WR, Bengals

22. Randy Moss, WR, Patriots

23.Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers

24.Shaun Alexander, RB, Seahawks

25.Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks

Hey, Kieth-LSS why dont you take the capitalists with to another country,We Americans still belive in Values,Honoring your contract,not missing camp and being there all the way to get chemistry.Unlike those rotten Capitalist who dont care about anything but money,just like you and Briggs and Urlacher and 75% of our GOV and people,Thats why are country is in a recession.Were paying athletes millions and people are starving the U.S. Dollar ist worth anything and Our Soldiers are makeing less risking thier lives and DYEING!!!WHY I ASK????

I sincerely doubt a straight-up trade would happen. But if we can fill some gaping holes by trading our #4 Jersey-Seller, then we should do it.

Happy 4/20 everyone! Now go see what's good in the ol' medicine cabinet.

So Urlacher is whining about wanting more money because of… Rex Grossman!
Please! Is paying Urlacher more money going to turn Grossman into John Elway?

As embarrassing as it is for me to say this you are starting to sound like Packer fans here.
Defend your guy with the top selling jersey while ignoring his shortcomings and passing the blame to an easy scapegoat teammate.

That is the very same thing they did in cheese land with Favre and you know that you thought that they were idiots for doing it.
Halas help us if the Bears fans become just like Packer fans or even… Cub fans!

After looking at this list, I wonder how it validates your point anyway. I mean, Brady Quinn is #2 - how many downs has he played in the NFL exactly? And seeing Shaun Alexander on this list at all is surprising. I'm not saying it's a bogus list, but it has zero to do with talent level or trade value. But it's interesting to me because it's really about shopping, which is my 2nd, actually maybe 3rd, favorite hobby.

OH GOD PLEASE....IF I COULD HAVE ONE WISH...IT WOULD BE TO KNOW WHO JUST POSTED THAT LAST PIECE OF 5th GRADE LEVEL ENGLISH CRAP!!

DYEING?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? YOU HAVE TO BE A SOX FAN!!

Secondly...idiot....whoever you are..and im guessing I know who this is, but secondly....

Honoring your Contract is the FOUNDATION of Capitalism..

Getting into a binding, mutual agreed upon contract is the very essence of Business...

Dont confuse...just plain old greed with Capitalism. I would go into it, but the capitalist in me says...that instead of just giving away my Truths..and Knowledge for FREE...I should Charge you for it.

I am curious Anonymous...what do you do for a living?

and do you give it away for FREE? or does what you make or what you do cost money? Do you get paid?

Then my friend...YOU ARE A CAPITALIST TOO!!!

Unless you live on a self sustained commune in Texas with a bunch of wives with bad hair do's, then you are part of the system brotha!

WELCOME TO THE MACHINE!

"Sad" if he leaves? Please...would love to see the Bears pick up an xtra 2nd round pick by trading him and his trailor trash girlfriends.
He's the ultimate meathead and the latest in a long line of players who need to renegotate when they get to the latter end of their contract, but somehow don't think they should give money back to the team when they under-play a contract.
The media seems to think that the Bears will fold up the tents if they trade him or he holds out.

Isn't it Urlacher's agent's responsibility to figure where the Bears salary cap will go over the course of a player's multi-year contract? I would think so.

So now Urlacher wants to renegotiate because his agent wasn't smart enough to figure out how to tie Urlacher's contract to some kind of salary cap escalating factor.

Sounds like Urlacher needs a smarter agent -- and a muzzle on his mouth.

Honor the contract, dude. You signed it.

I know I would be crying over all those millions. Crying all the way to the bank.

I find it interesting that prior to the beginning of last year's NFL season two of the top five selling jerseys belonged to players who had done little or nothing up to that point in their careers, and that four out of the five were white.

The Bears can't trade Urlacher but they also can't give him another contract. The NFL should give guaranteed contracts to these guys. Who can blame Urlacher for wanting more money up front. They could cut him tomorrow and it wouldn't make a difference to them. I blame the NFL for this outbreak of player selfishness. These guys take a lot of punishment for an unsecured future. That being said, Briggs and Urlacher are ass-wipes that need to stop acting like petulant children.

The Brady Quinn jersey @ #2 is startling...

it says either..the Power of ND alumni is scarier than we could possible imagine...or that there are so many lame chick football fans who are only fans of good looking QB's.

JaMarcus in top 10 makes sense, because Raiders is the Top Selling Team of all team, so Raider fans are Jermaine Dyeing for any glimmer of a good player.

PalamouAUAUA didnt make sense at first, but then i thought about how Steeler fans are such Jokesters...and nothing is funnier than a huge long Hawaiian name on your football Jersey when your Mining for COAL.

Big feature in the Trib today about Urlacher and the most striking thing about it to me was where he said he's happiest when he's with his kids, two of which, by the way, live in Arizona. And he only gets to see his son one week a month. Dude, maybe you shouldn't have so many out of wedlock if that's the case.

Nice one, BC - you sure kicked the crap out of Anonymous. BTW, I heard that even some of the polygamists have jobs in the real world, not just making pilgrim dresses all in the same pattern for their sisters, er I mean wives. And if you're going to wear a pilgrim dress, why the work boots? Sorry, but I get really annoyed with bad fashion. Haven't these people ever heard of Prada? Yes, it's true, I'm a Greedy Capitalist. But hey, it's hard work teaching the stiff and inflexible to touch their toes.

Hey Villano, How about players like Reggie Bush and JaMarcus Russell being in the top ten jersey sales while doing little or nothing?

I guess that because they are not white you just skipped right over that on your way to starting some silly race thing.

Mr. Culz, I am both an ND alumna(e) and a lame chick football fan (and a Sox fan with a pink hat but that's for another post). I believe the Brady Quinn thing is star power + economics. He's a good football player w/potential who gets a boost from being a Domer. Most Domers and Domer lovers spend money on ND merchandise and wear it. But whatever....

I have followed Chicago sports teams for 20 years and I'm trying to remember when ANY of them made a personnel move that was inconsistent with the bottom line--which is making money. Perhaps someone can point to an example. I can' t think of one. It would surprise me if the Bears unloaded Urlacher, but they could be