Focused Hawks get physical, even
May 9, 2011
ATLANTA — With 1 minute, 26 seconds left in the Bulls' 100-88 loss Sunday night to the Hawks, coach Tom Thibodeau went nose-to-nose during a timeout with referee Bennett Salvatore.
-
Bulls at ease with Watson
May 8, 2011
ATLANTA — On his first day with the Bulls last summer, C.J. Watson looked forward to everything except Joakim Noah remembering the 2006 Tennessee-Florida matchup when Watson knocked out Noah's left front tooth.
-
The eyes have it, and Rose sight to behold
May 7, 2011
ATLANTA — Spend enough time around somebody and you notice little things other people miss.
-
Ailing Boozer should go to bench — in suit
May 6, 2011
Expecting Carlos Boozer suddenly to manhandle the Hawks inside beginning Friday night in Atlanta is like thinking, this time, the ant will crush the shoe.
-
Rose provides necessary inspiration for Game 2 triumph
May 5, 2011
From the moment Derrick Rose hoisted his MVP trophy into the air Wednesday night and told the United Center crowd, "This is for the city of Chicago," you sensed it.
-
For Rose, winning is job 1
May 3, 2011
When Derrick Rose rhetorically asked aloud last fall why couldn't he win the NBA most valuable player award he received Tuesday, the rare boldness took Simeon coach Robert Smith back to one March day in 2007.
-
Johnson plays like an MVP as Hawks stun MVP Rose, Bulls
May 2, 2011
On Tuesday afternoon, Derrick Rose will humbly accept the NBA Most Valuable Player trophy as the league's youngest recipient ever.
-
Bears kicker suffers from foot-in-mouth disease
May 1, 2011
Usually when Bears kicker Robbie Gould makes news with his foot it's not for sticking it in his mouth.
-
Carimi good start for Bears
April 29, 2011
News that Bears players would be back on the job Friday morning created excitement that spread fast among their fans.
-
This time, Hawks come up one goal short
April 27, 2011
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Add Canucks winger Alex Burrows to the list of Chicago sports villains after his game-winning goal 5 minutes 22 seconds into overtime Tuesday night at Rogers Arena sent the Blackhawks home 2-1 losers.
-
Game 7s both thrilling and chilling
April 25, 2011
Nothing gives the Blackhawks confidence returning to western Canada with their season on the line more than two words that practically were forbidden to mention last week in Chicago.
-
On night of surprises, Smith's OT goal the sweetest
April 25, 2011
Flat on his stomach, Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo just lay there.
-
Bulls fail, again, to inspire
April 24, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS — Every raucous boo of a questionable call against the Bulls from the Conseco Fieldhouse crowd bugged Pacers forward Danny Granger. Every chant of "M-V-P!'' for Derrick Rose made Granger wonder, WTH?
-
Some of Bulls' magic missing against Pacers
April 22, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS — Supplying the ending that seemed inevitable the longer the Pacers procrastinated Thursday night, Derrick Rose penetrated for a left-handed layup with 17.8 seconds left to score his only field goal of the second half in the Bulls' ugly 88-84 victory.
-
Where have these Hawks been?
April 20, 2011
Scan the scoresheet from the Blackhawks' impressive 7-2 victory Tuesday night over the Canucks and Dave Bolland swears you won't find the main reason they won their first game of the series.
-
Notre Dame must wise up: Everybody involved in Sullivan tragedy acted with a disregard for safety
April 18, 2011
In death, as on the final day of his life, Declan Sullivan's voice again was ignored by those at Notre Dame entrusted to listen.
-
Hawks salute double-amputee soldier
April 18, 2011
Minutes before the Blackhawks began a night they needed inspiration as badly as they needed a power-play goal, a wheelchair rolled Sgt. 1st Class John Masson off the United Center ice.
-
Bulls show they have room for improvement
April 17, 2011
Apparently the Pacers will have to amend the Rose Rules of defense to include clotheslining and maiming if they want to faze the Bulls' MVP — their Most Victimized Player.
-
Heavy lifting for Bulls, Blackhawks and UC crews
April 16, 2011
If you dread your weekend to-do list, consider Terry Savarise's.
-
Synergetic and energetic describes Bulls top to bottom
April 15, 2011
One night last July, when Bulls general manager Gar Forman stayed late at the Berto Center as the phone wouldn't stop ringing, the ball started bouncing.
-
NU's Phillips scores again with Notre Dame deal
April 14, 2011
They don't have such a thing but I'd like to nominate Northwestern athletic director Jim Phillips for the first Big Ten AD of the Decade award anyway.
-
Granger more accurate than offensive
April 14, 2011
Don't give Pacers forward Danny Granger grief over his comments about the Bulls. Give Granger a studio seat and some air time after his Pacers lose in five.
-
It's too early to give up on Thornton
April 13, 2011
Speaking with the authority of an anchorman and making direct eye contact, White Sox reliever Matt Thornton volunteered to pitch seventh innings if it helps.
-
Given new life, Hawks should thrive in playoffs
April 11, 2011
On the list of players the Blackhawks needed to rely upon most to get into the playoffs Sunday, not sure about you, but Antti Miettinen didn't make my top 10.
-
Liberty has some advice for Richmond
April 10, 2011
Jereme Richmond, meet Marcus Liberty.
-
Bulls will be top seed but don't count out Celtics
April 8, 2011
An hour before the Bulls' convincing 97-81 victory Thursday night at the United Center, Celtics coach Doc Rivers walked down the hallway to visit old friend Tom Thibodeau.
-
Hawks can't kick about victory
April 7, 2011
All this inconsistent Blackhawks team needed was a good kick somewhere.
-
NCAA tournament better than ever — for participants
April 4, 2011
Tell me again why Butler and Connecticut didn't really determine the best team in college basketball Monday night in the national championship brickfest.
-
Plenty to dislike — and like — about Cubs' loss
April 4, 2011
After explaining how he blew his first save of the season Sunday in the Cubs' 5-4 loss to the Pirates, stand-up closer Carlos Marmol extended an invitation to the curious mob surrounding his locker.
-
For Konerko, the pressure's always on
April 3, 2011
CLEVELAND — In the corner of the visiting White Sox clubhouse, Paul Konerko stood alone with his thoughts.
-
Quentin's bat could end up being Sox's biggest
April 2, 2011
CLEVELAND — If it were up to Carlos Quentin, we would break down the White Sox's 15-10 victory Friday at Progressive Field by examining Lake Erie wind patterns and the effects of a long pregame tribute to late Indians' legend Bob Feller.
-
City's two aces: Guillen and Quade
April 1, 2011
Opening Day marks the rare time all Chicago baseball fans usually agree on one thing. It's too early to put away the ice scrapers.
-
VCU coach draws inspiration from late grandfather
March 29, 2011
Before the college basketball world started screaming about Virginia Commonwealth, back when ESPN pundits still considered VCU a four-letter word, Shaka Smart spoke softly to the man who helped give him a strong voice.
-
Attitude adjustment sets Butler on another magical Final Four ride
March 28, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS — On the team bus in New Orleans after Butler beat Florida to return to the Final Four and America's consciousness, coach Brad Stevens had a question for his players.
-
Deng NBA's MUP
March 27, 2011
Of all the sound strategic decisions Tom Thibodeau has made in Chicago, one of the best came before he had coached a game.
-
Cubs GM thinks club can win this year
March 25, 2011
Every start Cubs pitcher Carlos Silva makes comes at the expense of a promising prospect such as Andrew Cashner who needs experience in what looks like a developmental season.
-
With some help, all would benefit if Cubs increase in value
March 24, 2011
The underachieving Cubs stand in fourth place.
-
Bears, fans biggest losers with new kickoff rules
March 23, 2011
I agree with Devin Hester. This is ridiculous.
-
Pushing himself too hard just Peavy's nature
March 23, 2011
We pester Jake Peavy for not showing enough caution.
-
Notre Dame's stellar season comes to abrupt end
March 21, 2011
It was supposed to be different this time for Notre Dame.
-
Purdue's Moore a fine example beyond basketball court
March 19, 2011
E'Twaun Moore hasn't forgotten the pain he felt attending his best friend's funeral 18 months ago. And Moore hopes he never does.
-
Irish nearly fail first NCAA test
March 18, 2011
By the time Notre Dame coach Mike Brey walked into the locker room at halftime of Friday's 69-56 NCAA tournament victory over Akron, his players were taking this autonomy thing a little too far.
-
Notre Dame's Brey does it his way
March 17, 2011
When a Notre Dame teammate blew a routine layup midway through practice Thursday at the United Center, guard Ben Hansbrough barked as if the miss cost the Irish a trip to the Final Four.
-
Results of state investigation don't tell whole story of Notre Dame videographer's death
March 15, 2011
When a Notre Dame student videographer reported to work Oct. 27 on a day gusty enough for the National Weather Service to issue a wind advisory, he claimed video coordinator Tim Collins informed him practice would be outdoors "contrary to his judgment.''
-
Finn not so fantastic this time against Hawks
March 15, 2011
During the first period of the Blackhawks' 6-3 victory Monday night over the Sharks at the United Center, the Jumbotron played a video tribute to last year's Western Conference finals clincher over San Jose.
-
Notre Dame's toughness, teamwork to be on display in NCAA tournament
March 14, 2011
Sixers coach Doug Collins left a message the other day for Mike Brey after watching his old friend's Notre Dame team play.
-
Union chief's ego gets in way as he overplays players' hand
March 13, 2011
In trying to absorb the avoidable antitrust lawsuit filed Friday under Tom Brady vs. the NFL that preceded the league's first work stoppage in 24 years, one thought won't go away.
-
BYU should be applauded for adherence to principle
March 6, 2011
On some college campuses where sports matter they talk about integrity. Too few these days act in a way that defines it.
-
Surgeon confident in Peavy's recovery schedule
March 3, 2011
Every time I read a headline about Jake Peavy turning up the intensity this spring, I hope Ozzie Guillen is lurking somewhere near a switch to turn it off.
-
Toews the whole package — spelled MVP
March 1, 2011
Jonathan Toews contends the impact of his leadership gets exaggerated in Chicago.
-
Bears cut ties with Harris
February 28, 2011
My favorite memory of covering Tommie Harris begins with him answering the phone huffing and puffing one week before his first Bears training camp in July 2004.
-
Friend recalls signs of Duerson's despair but he never put them together
February 27, 2011
Ray Ellis played safety in the NFL for seven seasons with the Eagles and Browns. He made a good living reading keys.
-
Bulls prove again they belong with best
February 25, 2011
Spotting up with Dwyane Wade's hand in his face with 1:06 left in a one-possession game Thursday night, Derrick Rose elevated to nail a jump shot from just inside the 3-point line on the right wing.
-
Hawks assistant does some heavy lifting
February 24, 2011
He lost nine inches off his waistline and now comfortably fits into size 35 pants. His neck size shrunk from 19 to 16.
-
Even with Anthony, Knicks can't beat Bulls
February 22, 2011
After awhile, the Nuggets just stopped calling the Bulls back.
-
Sick shootout goal caps tumultuous week for Kane
February 21, 2011
This was one snapshot in time Patrick Kane was proud to explain.
-
Purnell has DePaul crawling out of its shell
February 20, 2011
Before DePaul blew a chance Saturday to win its first Big East home game in more than a year, before Villanova pulled out a 77-75 overtime victory his Blue Demons deserved, Oliver Purnell put into perspective the satisfaction his program craves.
-
It's no longer surprise when Bulls beat one of NBA's elite
February 17, 2011
After Derrick Rose put the finishing touches on a Jordanesque fourth quarter in a 109-99 victory Thursday night over the weary Spurs at the United Center, it was fair to ask.
-
Moreland knows the territory
February 17, 2011
One day during the magical 1984 season, Cubs outfielder Keith Moreland was wrapping up an interview with late WGN-AM personality Bob Collins when the Chicago radio legend offered some advice that nearly made the red-headed Moreland blush.
-
If Pujols gets to market, Cubs shouldn't worry about money
February 16, 2011
For perhaps the first time in its angst-ridden history of anticipation, the Cubs organization stands within hours of spending this year waiting till next year.
-
Bears, Cutler can learn a lot from Rodgers
February 7, 2011
Other than Pittsburgh, no other football city endured a longer Monday than Chicago.
-
Packers' title a true team effort
February 7, 2011
ARLINGTON, Texas — On the play Sunday that initially put Wisconsin in a state of anticipation during Super Bowl XLV, Packers defensive lineman Howard Green burst through the line of scrimmage and laid a hand on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's shoulder.
-
Fearless approach drives Steelers' Tomlin
February 6, 2011
FORT WORTH, Texas — Facing third-and-6 at the Jets' 40 with 2 minutes left in the AFC championship game they perilously led 24-19, the Steelers made a call that reminded everybody why Mike Tomlin was the one making it.
-
Players have more to lose than owners in labor squabble
February 4, 2011
ARLINGTON, Texas — At the beginning of Thursday's NFL Players Association news conference to address a potential lockout, a powerful 60-second commercial showed a padlock on a chain-link fence before flashing images of a vacant football stadium and empty locker rooms.
-
Packers' Raji wants chance to dance again
February 3, 2011
DALLAS — These Packers are hard to hate. But any Bears fans in search of a villain for years to come needed to look no further than the south end zone of Soldier Field in the fourth quarter of the NFC championship game.
-
Super Bowl: Why not in Chicago?
January 30, 2011
As I pack layers for a chilly week covering Super Bowl XLV in North Texas and leave the shorts and sandals at home this year, one thought comes to mind: Bolo tie or no bolo tie?
-
Kane wants Hawks to pick up pace
January 28, 2011
Back in June when a TMZ photographer caught up with Patrick Kane hoisting a large silver chalice in the parking lot of a nightclub in Southern California, he hardly minded.
-
Don't question Cutler's toughness
January 24, 2011
Before you join the inane antisocial media movement questioning Jay Cutler's toughness via Twitter, Facebook or your unfriendly neighborhood blogger, pause before you hit "Enter."
-
Four key meetings brought Bears to brink of Super Bowl
January 23, 2011
Besides "Can you still feel your toes?'' one question will float in the frigid air Sunday before Chicago's most significant pro football game at Soldier Field since the first one there Nov. 11, 1926.
-
What if Clements had come to Bears?
January 21, 2011
Much has been made lately about the Packers drafting rookie James Starks in the sixth round only after the Bears changed their mind as their former scouting director was congratulating the running back on the phone.
-
Bears put trust in rookie Webb
January 20, 2011
As offensive coordinator of the Rams in 1999, Mike Martz presided over the historically rapid development of quarterback Kurt Warner from former grocery-store stock boy to Super Bowl MVP.
-
Cutler's playoff debut a dandy
January 17, 2011
Not only did Jay Cutler complete 15 of 28 passes for 274 yards and two TDs on Sunday, he completed entire sentences too.
-
Pressure calling
January 16, 2011
Nothing illustrated the relaxed mindset the Seahawks bring to Chicago better than coach Pete Carroll playfully answering a reporter's cell phone earlier this week.
-
Rose rises to occasion
January 15, 2011
Back in his hometown Saturday night at the United Center, Dwyane Wade heard the loudest, lustiest boos of any Heat player.
-
'06 Bears coached their way to Super Bowl loss
January 14, 2011
From my view in the press box of Sun Life Stadium at Super Bowl XLI that unforgettable day in Miami Gardens, Fla., the Bears outsmarted themselves as a coaching staff more than they were outplayed by the Colts.
-
Bears better hope Cutler's nonchalance is just an act
January 13, 2011
One answer at a time Wednesday at Halas Hall, Jay Cutler did his best to change the national perception of Chicago into the city of shrugged shoulders.
-
Long journey takes new direction for Leshoure
January 12, 2011
Mikel Leshoure only looks like he was born to play running back.
-
Say Cheesehead, Bears fans
January 10, 2011
All those Bears fans who celebrated loudly after Packers cornerback Tramon Williams picked off Michael Vick in the final minute to clinch Sunday's NFC wild card playoff win over the Eagles, brace yourself.
-
Angst over Bogans shouldn't disturb Bulls fans
January 9, 2011
When Bulls starting guard Keith Bogans was introduced Saturday night at the United Center, what sounded more like groans than boos emanated from pockets of fans. When Bogans drained a 3-point shot, a smattering of mock applause mixed in with genuine approval.
-
Bears' Smith poised to cash in
January 7, 2011
As the Bears broke Thursday for a three-day weekend, the biggest unanswered question revolved around potential playoff opponents. But another one loomed awkwardly around Halas Hall as general manager Jerry Angelo took the podium.
-
The good news about the bad Bears: Now they're ready for the playoffs
January 3, 2011
GREEN BAY, Wis. — As Lovie Smith finished rationalizing the Bears' 10-3 loss Sunday to the Packers at Lambeau Field, a familiar cry of Cheeseheads could be heard through walls thinner than sliced cheddar.
-
It's important for Bears to play to win
January 2, 2011
My unofficial Bears most valuable player ballot goes Jay Cutler, Julius Peppers, Brian Urlacher and Devin Hester.
-
Hawks hope trip can be one their mothers can love
December 31, 2010
Having missed seeing son Niklas win the Stanley Cup in person because of a stroke last spring back home in Russnas, Sweden, makes traveling with the Blackhawks to California all the more special for Ewa Hjalmarsson.
-
Oney Guillen's Tweeting harmful to Sox
December 30, 2010
If I am Adam Dunn and new to the White Sox clubhouse, I am remaining guarded during any private meetings with manager Ozzie Guillen.
-
Brotherly bond of McNauls ties us all together
December 29, 2010
It was 4 a.m. Christmas in Baraki Barak, Afghanistan, when U.S. Army lieutenant Austin McNaul conducted a video chat with his little brother Bryce, a junior Northwestern outside linebacker.
-
Davis makes key play in win over Jets
December 27, 2010
Rashied Davis' mama didn't raise a dummy.
-
Cutler should steer clear of Revis Island
December 26, 2010
Lost in our preoccupation with Rex Ryan's bizarre appreciation for pedicures this week was the way Jay Cutler gently stuck his foot in his mouth.
-
NFL departs from safety first
December 17, 2010
Without hesitation I can harp on how the NFL made a misguided, contradictory statement during the year of player safety in allowing Monday night's Bears-Vikings game to be played on the frozen pond that will be TCF Bank Stadium.
-
Bears should welcome Brett Favre to any playing field
December 16, 2010
With Brett Favre's throwing hand presumably still too numb to text, moving Monday night's game outdoors turns TCF Bank Stadium into a building with a giant window of opportunity for the Bears.
-
Cold comfort: Bears still in 1st but don't measure up to Pats
December 13, 2010
Of all the Bears brain freezes on a day ideal for the Iditarod, the most painful came with 5 seconds left in the first half after the Patriots had established who the real cold-weather team was.
-
Time ripe for brilliant tactical move from Smith
December 12, 2010
Football visionary that George Halas was, it makes perfect sense that he was the first NFL owner known to invest a dollar in Bill Belichick.
-
Brady vs. Urlacher gives Patriots-Bears extra buzz
December 10, 2010
Four years after Tom Brady faked Brian Urlacher out of his Nikes, there is nothing phony about Urlacher's unparalleled respect for the Patriots quarterback.
-
Konerko deal satisfying for both sides
December 9, 2010
Safely inside Jerry Reinsdorf's home sits the baseball that produced "the most emotional moment of my life,'' the White Sox chairman once said.
-
After poor first half, 'angry' Smith sends message
December 6, 2010
DETROIT — By the time Lovie Smith arrived home Sunday night, maybe he agreed that his defense's awful first half was the best thing about the Bears' 24-20 comeback win over the Lions.
-
Marinelli may be real star of Bears defense
December 5, 2010
When Matt Millen studied videotape of the Bears defense in preparation for the NFL Network's telecast of the Bears- Dolphins game last month, the person who jumped off the screen wasn't even on the field.
-
Cubs lost heart of their organization
December 4, 2010
On the day WGN-AM hired Ron Santo in 1990, he relaxed on a couch in then-general manager Dan Fabian's office as Fabian described a job Santo already relished doing for free.
-
Huskies reflect Kill's no-frills approach
December 3, 2010
Every day, Jerry Kill rose before sunrise to make the doughnuts at the grocery store. He was 21, and his 19-year-old wife, Rebecca, had a job at a flower shop. Together the newlyweds lived happily in a trailer in Winfield, Kan., and all Kill worried about as his weary head hit the pillow each night was working harder tomorrow than he did the previous day.
-
Let the adjustment period begin for Boozer
December 2, 2010
In the middle of the Bulls' locker room an hour before Wednesday's tipoff against the Magic, Carlos Boozer plopped down in a chair to prepare for his first game in seven months.
-
Cutler takes command
November 29, 2010
With gusto in his defining game as a Bear, Jay Cutler extended his right arm to emphatically signal first down after finding crafty receiver Earl Bennett to convert another third-and-long.
-
Difference-making QB Sunday will be Cutler
November 28, 2010
Forget all the weeklong hype over America's most famous ex-con. Sunday's Bears- Eagles game at Soldier Field will come down to the other quarterback.
-
Answers in short supply from Notre Dame in alleged attack
November 22, 2010
After the fourth Tribune reporter asked Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly a question Sunday regarding the allegation one of his players sexually attacked a 19-year-old woman who later apparently committed suicide, Kelly cracked wise.
-
Illini claim title as Chicago's team
November 21, 2010
Of all the public-relations problems surrounding Saturday's 48-27 Illinois victory over Northwestern at Wrigley Field, the one that most impacted the outcome came from a marketing campaign that had nothing to do with bad planning or field dimensions.
-
NU and Illinois: headed in opposite directions
November 20, 2010
As the purple paint dried on the Wrigley Field marquee and the best college football idea to hit Chicago since the annual All-Star game sunk in, anybody else notice Northwestern already leads Illinois by two touchdowns if we're scoring enthusiasm?
-
NCAA needs to address violence – against women
November 18, 2010
Inside NCAA President Mark Emmert's office in downtown Indianapolis on Wednesday, a meeting of the minds addressed one of college sports' biggest problems that has nothing to do with a football playoff or Cam Newton.
-
Bears get over the hump, make Favre look over the hill
November 15, 2010
Without instant replay or a tape measure, it is impossible to know whether the width of Lovie Smith's smile Sunday in the fourth quarter represented his season best.
-
Sunday will set course for future of Bears and Vikings
November 14, 2010
We will find out Sunday at Soldier Field if everybody in Chicago can stop arguing about the Bears.
-
Quenneville isn't afraid of shaking things up
November 12, 2010
It was much more fun when Chicago worried about Blackhawks star defenseman Duncan Keith needing a good dentist rather than a sports psychologist.
-
Talented QBs need to be cool under pressure
November 11, 2010
Let's agree that this whole gunslinger comparison between Jay Cutler- Brett Favre makes a nice TV promo for the Bears-Vikings game but has no real connection to what's currently happening to both quarterbacks. It's a bit tired and very 2009.
-
Road of regrets
July 12, 2009
Whenever Missouri State Rep. Don Calloway Jr. hops onto Interstate 70 heading west out of downtown in "Baseball City USA," the nickname Cardinals fans prefer, he immediately intersects a personal crossroads of responsibility and regret.
-
'Midget' remark may loom large
September 12, 2007
Rubbing his upper right arm as if it still hurt, Rex Grossman recalled the jolt his body felt when Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips sacked him Sunday on the Bears' second offensive play.