Special thanks to Tommy T for posting a link to a Tribune story on Truth and Rumors. That got me started on this blog...
Brian Urlacher has been taking a beating on Truth and Rumors and in the Chicago newspapers lately. It's probably well-deserved because Urlacher's been unwilling to deal with the media since the middle of last season AND he's complaining about his contract.
Check this out:
4/18/08 "Brian Urlacher situation is tricky business for Bears. Agents ask Bears for trade while LB threatens retirement" is written by Mike Mulligan of the Sun Times.
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/mulligan/901866,CST-SPT-bear18.article
Urlacher says he never said anything about wanting to be traded or retiring in a story by the Tribune. Here's the opening to that story...
PHOENIX - Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher disputed a report that he threatened to retire if the Bears don't reward him with more guaranteed money.
``I never said that I was going to quit,'' Urlacher told the Tribune early Friday morning. ``That's just a gossip column. Reports like that are why I choose not to speak to the media.''
...
I think that last statement is the key. Urlacher hasn't been speaking to ANYONE in the media for a while now. He's "the face" of the most beloved sports team in the city of Chicago and no one in the media has had access to him for six months (give or take). So, it's probably safe to say that Vaughn McClure of the Tribune struck gold when he got his break. Now scan these stories...
...
4/18/08 "Bears' Urlacher: 'I never said that I was going to quit.' Linebacker disputes report that he wants a trade or will retire" is written by Vaughn McClure of the Tribune.
4/19/08 "1 more year isn't enough for Urlacher. BEARS | Linebacker says he's received offer but wants longer extension of current 9-year deal" is written by Mike Mulligan of the Sun Times.
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/903858,CST-SPT-bear19.article
4/20/08 "Brian Urlacher's protest could lead to more money-hungry Bears" is written by David Haugh of the Tribune.
4/20/08 "Bears' Brian Urlacher, pushing for new deal, enjoying Arizona retreat. Urlacher takes refuge from fans and critics" is written by Vaugh McClure of the Tribune.
4/22/08 "Angelo won't budge on Urlacher's demands. If unhappy Urlacher wants an extension from Bears, Angelo's current offer is as good as it's going to get" is written by David Haugh of the Tribune.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-080422-brian-urlacher-chicago-bears-haugh,1,3513984.column
Note the tenor of the articles. Only McClure is writing about Urlacher with a positive spin. This is probably due to the fact that McClure is the only writer who's been granted unfettered access to Urlacher. The media doesn't take kindly to athletes who make themselves unavailable for interviews, or answer in one-word sentences during press conferences.
The conclusion that I'm coming to is Urlacher's camp has been using McClure to paint a positive picture of Urlacher because they are a little shocked that Chicagoans are displeased with the linebacker's "holdout" for a new contract. A recent poll by WSCR in Chicago showed that 95% of Bears fans have no sympathy for Urlacher in this situation. The media has been going after Urlacher since last season's infamous press conference when Urlacher answered all questions with "Yes" or "No" answers, then heaped on a general attitude of petulance on everyone. Now Urlacher needs a friend in the media, and he invites McClure of the Tribune down to Arizona for an exclusive interview. That's all it takes, folks.
To tell the truth, I am more than a bit disappointed in Urlacher myself. I don't disagree that, on paper, he had a very good season last year despite "disappearing" for entire games. However, he is getting older and showing signs of injury problems. He will get older and slower and gimpier every year from here until the end of his career.
Furthermore, the Bears have entered rebuilding mode in earnest. If ever there was a time when Bears fans wanted to hear Urlacher say "I will restructure my contract to bring some offensive talent to the Bears," it's now. And what does Chicago's favorite son say? "I want more money even though I'm only half-way through my 9-year deal." Where is the team player now? Why has his attitude changed?
Well, for one, the retirement talk has started just like I suspected it might: http://fannation.com/blogs/post/77223.
Even though the retirement talk is being spun as negotiation tactics by Urlacher, the thought of retirement has crossed his mind. How long did it take Brett Favre to finally decide to retire? Four years after the first rumors surfaced? I don't think Urlacher will drag it out that long. I highly doubt Urlacher will make his goal of playing 12 years in the NFL. That's why he's pushing for more money now. The light is at the end of the tunnel, and Urlacher wants his big payday. He's eight years in now, and I will go on record to say he will retire after his 10th season with the Bears.
Urlacher is still one of the best defensive players in the NFL, and the best MLB, there is no question about that. I like the term "Once in a generation player" (OGP) because I do think Urlacher is that special. Here are Urlacher's stats from 2007:
92 solo tackles, 31 assists (rank among NFL MLBs = 6)
5 sacks (rank among NFL MLBs = 2)
17 passes defensed (rank among NFL MLBs = 1) (overall NFL rank = 22(t))
5 interceptions (rank among NFL MLBs = 1)
2 fumble recoveries (rank among NFL MLBs = 2)
7 forced turnovers (rank among NFL MLBs = 1)
Now that I've said that, let me say this: Urlacher leaving will not be as devastating as many Bears fans think. Yes, he's an OGP, but some of that big salary is desperately needed on offense. The Bears have done an excellent job finding young talent at LB, and Lance Briggs might do well in the MLB while Jamar Williams steps up to fill Briggs' spot at OLB. If Michael Okwo develops into a strong player, he could be ready to fill the spot by the time Urlacher retires. Who knows? The Bears might even find another middle round gem (like Briggs) in the draft...
The bottom line is that, no matter how good you think Urlacher really is, he is merely one of eleven on the field for the defense. I know it sounds like sacrilege to say it, but if Angelo plays his cards right, Bears fans won't spend too much time lamenting the departure of Urlacher, because his absence will mean more money to spend on other positions. Sure there will be some "growing pains" when a new starter has to fill those big shoes, but life (and the Bears) will go on. Just as life went on after Gale Sayers, Dick Butkus, Walter Payton, and Mike Singletary retired. The difference being that I don't recall any stories about those players complaining about not making enough money during their careers.
Faces at the U.S. Open
Comments (60)
Sneaky!!!
PackBrew42 is Truffle Shufflin | 04/24/08, 10:45 AM
Report Offensive CommentSo this is where everyone's at... or not
i B4 e:Happy FNversary 2 me | 04/24/08, 11:43 AM
Report Offensive CommentVery insightful my friend. You may be right, I may be crzay, oh sorry. You may be right, Urlacher appears to be looking for his golden parachute, even though he has already made a jillion dollars.
i B4 e:Happy FNversary 2 me | 04/24/08, 11:50 AM
Report Offensive CommentNo, you were right... You ARE crazy! :P
Thanks for reading, guys! :)
Sneaky Pete | 04/24/08, 12:09 PM
Report Offensive CommentPETEMAN!!! Where you been? Trying to get an interview with Urlacher?
It's All Mine! | 04/24/08, 12:19 PM
Report Offensive CommentHELLO SNEAKY PETE & FELLOW BLOGGERS, I WAS BORN & RAISED IN CHICAGO. I HAVE BEEN A DIE HARD BEARS FAN FOR 35 YEARS! I AM A HUGE FAN OF URLACHER.BUT,THE WAY THINGS ARE GOING WITH HIM.AND HIS TREATMENT OF THE TEAM IS BULLSH_T! THE BEARS REALLY HAVE BEEN GOOD TO HIM,FOR HIM TO BE TREATING US THIS WAY.HELL,THE BEARS EVEN OFFERED HIM MORE GENEROUS MONEY,WHICH HE DECLINED. BUT YET HE STILL GOES PUBLIC WITH IT & CREATES CONTROVERSY,EVEN WITH 4 YEARS LEFT STILL ON HIS BIG DEAL!! I AM A FAN OF THE TEAM 1ST!! PLAYERS COME & GO, & ARE TOO GREEDY NOWADAYS TO GET TOO ATTACHED TO ONE GUY.IT IS A BUSINESS,AND I WANT MY BEARS TO WIN,REGARDLESS OF WHO WE TRADE OR PICK. IF WE CAN BETTER THE TEAM,THEN TRADE HIM NOW,BEFORE HIS HEALTH SHOWS & HIS VALUE DECLINES.WE JUST MIGHT GET SOMEONE TO GIVE US A 1ST & 2ND RD PICK IN THE DRAFT FOR BRIAN.THAT WOULD GIVE US 2-1ST RD PICKS,2-2ND RD PICKS,& 2 3RD RD PICKS.WE COULD FILL ALL OUR NEEDS WITH YOUNG QUALITY PLAYERS! PICK TWO TOP O-LINEMAN WITH 2-1ST RD PICKS.RUNNING BACK & QUARTERBACK WITH 2-2ND RD PICKS.W-RECEIVER & SAFETY WITH 2-3RD RD PICKS.ADD DEPTH WITH OTHER 7 PICKS! PLUS WE GAIN VALUABLE CAP SPACE TO GET OTHER GUYS SIGNED.WE COULD REALLY SCORE FOR THE TEAM WITH A DEAL LIKE THAT.PROBABLY WONT HAPPEN THOUGH! YOU ARE RIGHT SNEAKY PETE.IT IS A FACT HIS PLAY WILL DECLINE FROM NOW TILL HE RETIRES.WITH HIS HEALTH CONDITION, I SAY TWO MORE YEARS FOR HIM.BY GIVING BRIAN MOST OF WHAT LITTLE CAP MONEY WE HAVE,WITH SO MANY NEEDS, WONT HELP US WIN GAMES.WE NEED AN INFLUX OF YOUNG TALENT AT MANY NEED POSITIONS.NOT LINEBACKER? BRIAN KNOWS IF HE RETIRES FROM INJURIES,HE GETS TO KEEP THE MONEY! THATS WHY HE WANTS SO MUCH UP FRONT NOW.MANY PEOPLE DONT REALIZE,BRIAN HAS AVERAGED OVER 9 MIL A YEAR ON THESE FIRST 4 YEARS OF HIS BIG DEAL,WITH THE FRONT ENDED MONEY HE GOT.HE HAS NOT BEEN DEPRIVED OR UNDER-PAID AT THIS POINT! HE JUST TURNED DOWN A GENEROUS OFFER OF OVER 10 MIL THE BEARS OFFERED FOR HIM.THE BEARS DID THIS,EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW HIS PLAY WILL DECLINE AS WELL.WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK OF BEARS MANAGEMENT,REALLY? DO WHATS BEST FOR THE TEAM & TRADE HIM NOW! GET TOMMIE HARRIS,HESTER & GOULD SIGNED.WITH WHAT LITTLE CAP SPACE IS LEFT.YOU CAN BET HARRIS & HESTER WILL TAKE MOST OF IT.YOU CANT REALLY SAY THE BEARS ARE CHEAP ANYMORE! THEY WILL USE UP THE CAP AGAIN THIS YEAR.THEY EVEN PAID BIG FOR COACHES, LOVIE & ANGELO! SORRY THIS IS SO LONG,& MY GRAMMAR SKILLS ARE SO BAD,BUT I TRY.HEY AT LEAST I CAN SPELL GOOD.TAKE CARE EVERYONE. GOD BLESS. GO BEARS!!! GO CUBS!!
#1bearfan | 04/24/08, 12:23 PM
Report Offensive CommentTHANK YOU FOR READING! ;)
Sneaky Pete | 04/24/08, 12:36 PM
Report Offensive CommentPETEMAN!!! Where you been? Trying to get an interview with Urlacher?
It's All Mine! | 04/24/08, 12:19 PM
Yes, but that d@mn McClure guy beat me to the punch. I've been plotting my revenge ever since... :P
Sneaky Pete | 04/24/08, 12:37 PM
Report Offensive CommentUrlacher's nuts to want a lengthy extension when his body is visibly falling apart. There's no way any owner would give it to him. And boycotting the media is a terrible idea; the media owns public opinion.
Fortunately, the media doesn't own my opinion, and I still love the guy. He's just making some bad choices right now.
Great blog, Pete.
Dan TM is Stupendous Man | 04/24/08, 12:44 PM
Report Offensive CommentHello Pete. Just to let you and everyone know, I live in central Illinois and have been a Bears fan (follower) for about 1 decade.
Just to clarify a few things. I think Brian is a HOF caliber linebacker, and arguably the best middle linebacker from his first full season of starting until the Bears superbowl year. Last year Brian had some of his high caliber play mixed in with some very poor play by him and his defensive teammates.
Pete, As you have pointed out in the T&R section, last year the Bear's D-line left alot of large holes and I recognize that losing the entire starting secondary to injury at one point hurt the overall D performance. How much of the lackluster D play deserves to be spread around to the various on the field players is a tough assessment to make. I **** that Brian was the second best linebacker on the team behind Lance, but I can clearly see how other's can **** differently. I think Lance had a more consistently good year. Making a comment that Hunter's linebacker play last year was overall stronger than Urlacher's was admittedly going to far and I retract that comment. Also, admittedly I did not see or pay alot of attention to the Bears in their last 3 games, so if Urlacher did have a late season resurgence to his play, I did not personally see it.
Bottom line is I think we all agree that if Urlacher can get realitively heathly again, he, Lance, and Hunter will be one of the best Linebacking groups in the NFL again.
I am not hating on Urlacher or the Bears D, nor am I a fan to the point that it hinders a realistic assessment of play. I believe I am just calling it as I see it.
Thank you for the forum, and have a great day.
PileOfCrepes | 04/24/08, 12:58 PM
Report Offensive Commentgood blog pete!
Foosball | 04/24/08, 12:58 PM
Report Offensive CommentDAN TM!!!
It's All Mine! | 04/24/08, 01:02 PM
Report Offensive CommentThe stat that really jumps out at you is the 5 interceptions by a MLB...guage that against. a quality DB like Asante Samuel who had 6 last season..it tells you Urlacher is always in the right place and keeps his eyes open.
Bye the way How goes it Pete ?
Harry C is Mr. Jimmy Page | 04/24/08, 01:03 PM
Report Offensive CommentYes, but that d@mn McClure guy beat me to the punch. I've been plotting my revenge ever since... :P
Sneaky Pete - NIU
It wasn't Troy McClure was it?
i B4 e:Happy FNversary 2 me | 04/24/08, 01:06 PM
Report Offensive CommentFortunately, the media doesn't own my opinion, and I still love the guy. He's just making some bad choices right now.
Dan TM is Stupendous Man | 04/24/08, 12:44 PM
And it's not the first time in his life either [cough] Paris Hilton [cough] :P
...
Thank you for the forum, and have a great day.
PileOfCrepes | 04/24/08, 12:58 PM
Thanks for coming by and checking out my blog after our [ahem] discussion yesterday... ;)
...
The stat that really jumps out at you is the 5 interceptions by a MLB...guage that against. a quality DB like Asante Samuel who had 6 last season..it tells you Urlacher is always in the right place and keeps his eyes open.
Yes it does. The one that got me was 17 PDefs. That's why I noted that he was ranked 22nd OVERALL in the league, including safeties, and cornerbacks!
Bye the way How goes it Pete ?
Harry Callahan | 04/24/08, 01:03 PM
Good! I'm busy with a new job, but things are looking up! :)
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It wasn't Troy McClure was it?
i B4 e: duck hunting | 04/24/08, 01:06 PM
I love the obscure Simpsons reference... ;)
Sneaky Pete | 04/24/08, 01:20 PM
Report Offensive CommentI don't know why you wandered into T&R, but at least you got a blog idea out of it. It's shameful the way the media holds a grudge against players and tries to destroy them like that. When you laid out the titles of the articles one after the other the way you did, it really showed their petulant little-kid bias for what it is. Wow.
Thanks for the blog. Good stuff.
Curly Lambeau | 04/24/08, 01:25 PM
Report Offensive CommentT&R is a great place to go when you want to pitch a few snarky comments at someone, then bail... ;)
Thanks for reading, Curly! The lesson here is, DON'T JACK WITH THE MEDIA RIGHT BEFORE YOU ENTER CONTRACT RENEGOTIATIONS!
Sneaky Pete | 04/24/08, 01:29 PM
Report Offensive CommentT&R is a great place to go when you want to pitch a few snarky comments at someone, then bail... ;)
I love doing that also..It's fun isn't it ?
Harry C is Mr. Jimmy Page | 04/24/08, 01:31 PM
Report Offensive CommentHit and run, baby... ;)
Sneaky Pete | 04/24/08, 01:38 PM
Report Offensive CommentT&R is a great place to go when you want to pitch a few snarky comments at someone, then bail... ;)
Sneaky Pete - NIU |
Yeah, I guess I could see that. The Packers Journal/Sentinel online blog is where I do my drive-by snarking.
Curly Lambeau | 04/24/08, 01:40 PM
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