The Sun-Times Carol Slezak brought it up first, but it's a powerful argument. The facts or at least the perception of the facts depending on your viewpoint suggest potential racial overtones in the Lovie contract debacle. That coupled with Briggs situation can lead a Bears fan, black, white or brown to begin to question the McCaskeys' even-handedness in dealing with players and coaches of color.
One needs only to compare the Lovie situation with the Jaron deal of a few years ago. As Slezak points out, the Bears doubled Jaron's salary after his one good season in a four-year deal that only spelled disaster for the hapless family-owned business. A similar comparison can be drawn between the Urlach and Briggs matters. With two years still remaining on his contract, the McCaskeys forked out a staggering $56.65 million for franchise player, securing his services through 2011. On the other hand, as has been well documented on this blog, Briggs who is a two-time pro-bowler, has yet to be given his due.
Would a white NFC Champ coach or a white pro-bowl linebacker have been treated this way by the McCaskeys? Recent history clearly says no.
Carol, you're right, it certainly does make you wonder.
2 comments:
it seems like carol was afraid to really go there in her article. that being said, i think the only color the bears care about is green.
yes, but that doesn't explain the difference in treatment between white and black players/coaches
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