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Cubs Sign Free-Agent Pitcher Yu Darvish

By
Aldo Soto
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The Chicago Cubs have signed free-agent pitcher Yu Darvish.

Darvish, 31, is coming off his first full season after having Tommy John surgery as a member of the Texas Rangers in March of 2015. The four-time All-Star came back in 2016, made 17 starts and pitched 100.1 innings, with a 3.41 ERA and 1.12 WHIP. Finally being able to pitch a full year, Darvish finished the 2017 season with a 3.86 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. He struggled in the World Series against the Houston Astros, but that has been attributed to Darvish tipping his pitches.

Yet, Darvish proved to be a great addition for the Los Angeles Dodgers, making nine starts after his trade and posting a 3.44 ERA in 49.2 innings. Then, before the World Series disaster, the Japanese star tossed a combined 11.1 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Cubs, allowing a two runs, with 14 strikeouts and 1 walk in the NLDS and NLCS, respectively.

As you’ll see in the following chart, Darvish’s fastball velocity has gone up a tick since the Tommy John surgery.

You can check out more stats from FanGraphs here.

So, the Cubs starting rotation now looks A LOT stronger with the addition of Darvish, as Tyler Chatwood who was signed earlier in the offseason, will be slotted as the No. 5 starter behind Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, Jose Quintana and of course Darvish.

This also means that the Cubs bullpen gets better because Mike Montgomery isn’t going to be in the rotation, although he could still give the other guys an occasional day off and be a spot starter during the season.

So, what do you think Cubs fans, love the move, hate it? Wish Jake Arrieta was back? Let us know!

Bears Predicted To Do Something They Haven’t In Almost a Decade

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears business

GM Ryan Pace has conducted Chicago Bears business differently from past men in his position. Nothing proves that more than his investments at the quarterback position. After two years of working on the roster while sticking with Jay Cutler, he went all-out in 2017 by signing Mike Glennon in free agency and then drafting Mitch Trubisky second overall.

Glennon didn’t work out. Trubisky made progress as a starter. Everything points to him being the guy at least for the next couple seasons. Glennon will likely be cut given his lofty contract. On top of that, Mark Sanchez is also a pending free agent. This means Trubisky is the only quarterback the Bears could have on the roster at the end of March.

One would assume Pace goes after a potential cheap veteran target for depth. A similar strategy that yielded maximum results for Minnesota (Case Keenum) and Philadelphia (Nick Foles). There’s a prevailing belief that may not be the extent of it though. In fact, predictions are growing the Bears may have plans for the position in April.

Chicago Bears business could involve drafting another QB

ESPN columnist Jeff Dickerson was tasked with making a bold prediction for the Bears in 2018. His choice involved them taking a quarterback for the second-straight year in the draft. Something they haven’t done since 2010 and 2011.

“Last spring’s second overall pick, Mitchell Trubisky, is Chicago’s unquestioned starter heading into 2018, but the rest of the depth chart is fluid. There’s almost no chance that Mike Glennon returns for a second season. Not only is Glennon scheduled to make way too much money ($12.5 million), but he doesn’t fit the style of offense new head coach Matt Nagy is expected to run.

Third-string quarterback Mark Sanchez, who dutifully served as Trubisky’s mentor, is a free agent. The odds of Sanchez coming back are exponentially higher than Glennon’s chances of sticking around. Regardless, the Bears are definitely in the market for another backup.”

This time around would likely be more significant too. In 2010 and 2011 they chose Dan LeFevour and Nathan Enderle in the sixth and fifth rounds respectively. Neither amounted to anything in the NFL. In truth, this could end up being more like 2003 and 2004 when they chose Rex Grossman in the first round and then went after Craig Krenzel in the fifth the next year.

The idea is to get young, cheap depth at an affordable price. Somebody who might also become a possible trade asset down the road if they’re developed well. This 2018 draft class may offer some intriguing possibilities for Bears including names like Luke Falk, Kyle Lauletta, and Logan Whiteside. All have considerable talent but are likely to go in the later rounds due to various circumstances.

Depending on how the board falls, the Bears could be poised to scoop one of them up.

REPORT: Cubs Minor-League Pitcher Accidentally Kills Coach

By
Aldo Soto
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Horrible news coming out of Venezuela, where Chicago Cubs minor-league pitcher Williams Perez is reportedly under arrest after accidentally killing his former baseball coach.

The incident happened when Perez was handing over a gun to his coach Cesar Quintero. The gun accidentally went off, killing the 52-year-old man.

Via Yahoo! Sports.

According to reports out of Portuguesa, Venezuela, Perez was handing the gun to Quintero, 52, when it accidentally discharged. The initial report said that no foul play was suspected. It was later reported that the 26-year-old Perez had been arrested and was cooperating with the police investigation. 

Perez, 26, was the owner of the gun and had a permit to carry according to the police.

The incident took place less than a week before pitchers and catchers are due to report to spring training for the Cubs. Perez was a non-roster invitee after pitching for the Iowa Cubs in 2017. The right-hander made 23 starts in Triple-A last year, going 7-10, with a 5.01 ERA.

Perez began his career with the Atlanta Braves, making his MLB debut in 2015. He had a 5.18 ERA in 170.1 innings during his two seasons in the majors with Atlanta.

The Cubs have not made a comment as of yet. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to camp on Feb. 13.

Every Chicago Bears Contract That Could Be Cut Before Free Agency

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears contract

The Chicago Bears contract situation going into 2018 is fascinating. They have no fewer than 19 expiring deals. That means GM Ryan Pace will be busy trying to sort through the players set to leave to see who he may or may not want to keep. This makes it easy to forget that those 19 players aren’t the only ones who might find themselves out of a Bears uniform come the end of March.

With a new coaching staff, there is always going to be changes. Matt Nagy is not John Fox. What he wants in players is going to be considerably different. This means aside from a small handful of names, nobody on the current roster could be considered totally safe. Could Pace end up doing a major roster purge?

While it’s unlikely he goes deep like he did in 2015, the odds favor a number of notable names on the roster getting axed. The reasons for most will be simple:  they’re either too old, too expensive or both. Looking at the salary structure here are the names to watch and how their exit might impact the Bears’ free agency plans.

Mike Glennon (QB) – $11 million in possible cap gain

In the end, the Bears spent a lot of money for four games from Glennon. That’s how long he was able to keep Mitch Trubisky off the field. Not exactly what the team hoped for, but he was largely done in by a mix of poor coaching, poor surrounding talent, and his own mistakes. The Bears are not going to pay him starter money to sit on the bench.

Josh Sitton (OG) – $7.9 million in possible cap gain

He may not be the premier star he was five years ago but Sitton was still more than serviceable last season. Still, he’s turning 32-years old in June and is in the last year of his contract. Are the Bears willing to pay the hefty price tag out of hope he can give them one more good season? This might end up being their toughest decision.

Pernell McPhee (OLB) – $7.07 million in possible cap gain

When healthy McPhee has shown he’s quite the combination of run stopper and adequate pass rusher. Therein lay the problem though. McPhee has dealt with a myriad of injuries since he arrived in Chicago from knee to shoulder problem. Now he’s turning 30-years old on top of that. It’s becoming difficult to justify that large contract anymore.

Dion Sims (TE) – $5.66 million in possible cap gain

The Bears believed Sims could provide a significant two-way capability for their offense. Not only was he a proven blocker, he also showcased promise as a receiving option as well. Long story short he disappointed in the latter category, frequently dropping catchable passes. With Adam Shaheen emerging, his role on the roster will diminish or disappear.

Bobby Massie (OT) – $5.58 million in possible cap gain

He’s not a Pro Bowler by any stretch but people should ease up on Massie. Given his contract parameters and his play over the past two years, the Bears have gotten a decent return on their investment. He’s been decent as a blocker. The question is do they think they can do better in free agency or the draft? Odds say he’ll stick around.

Markus Wheaton (WR) – $5 million in possible cap gain

Probably a bigger bust of a signing than Glennon was, and that’s saying something. The Bears tried to sell Wheaton as the deep threat they’ve sorely needed. Nobody really bought into it then and were quickly validated for their caution. Wheaton barely made an impact at all on offense, suffering a multitude of injuries throughout the year.

Marcus Cooper (CB) – $4.5 million in possible cap gain

Things seemed to start out well for Cooper in 2017. He played adequate coverage on defense. However, things regressed in a big way for him after a near-disastrous mistake on special teams cost the Bears a touchdown. Since then his confidence appeared shot and his play on the field dipped significantly. Can he rebound? Is it even worth waiting to see?

Willie Young (OLB) – $4.5 million in possible cap gain

The Bears need pass rushers so the security of Young might be higher than it should be. Truth be told he’ll be 32 this year and coming off a season-ending injury. His peak days are long behind him. Keeping him aboard would be purely for depth purposes now. Retaining him is possible but could change if the Bears are able to find some younger options.

Jerrell Freeman (ILB) – $3.46 million in possible cap gain

He’s played well when on the field but therein lay the problem. Jerrell Freeman can’t stay on the field. Not only did he suffered a season-ending torn pectoral injury in 2017, he also got suspended for the second time in two years. With young bucks like Christian Jones and Nick Kwiatkoski emerging, it’s hard to see where he fits on the roster anymore at age 31.

Quintin Demps (S) – $3.26 million in possible cap gain

He suffered the cruel fate that happens to older veterans. He signed a semi-expensive deal, took over as the starter at safety, and made the mistake of letting himself get hurt. In his absence, Adrian Amos reemerged to have his best season as a pro. The odds heavily favor the Bears going with Amos moving forward, making Demps expendable.

Possible salary cap if all cuts made:  $99.6 million (overthecap)

Zach Lavine has arrived

By
Patrick Mooney
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zach lavine

All Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson wanted for their homecoming was a W, but Zach Lavine refused to let that happen.

In the Bulls only nationally televised game of the season, a game meant to highlight Butler and Gibson’s return to Chicago with former Bulls head coach Tom Thibedeau leading the charge for the T-Wolves, the man the Bulls traded Butler for ended up with the last laugh.

Butler was great, scoring 38 points on the night, but Lavine put up a season-high 35 points of his own and made more plays than Butler did down the stretch, which ended up being the difference in the game.

After Butler assisted Taj for a layup with 1:20 to go in the 4th, the Timberwolves had a 111-106 lead. Lavine answered with 8 points on the Bulls final three possessions while also stopping Jimmy Butler twice in the game’s final seconds, securing the Bulls a 114-113 victory.

Lavine started his 8-point run by doing what he does best, dunking the basketball.

The Bulls got the ball back after a stop, and Lavine wasted no time tying up the ballgame.

Lavine had missed all five of his 3-point attempts prior to that shot, so his quick release and immediate reaction show that the kid has quite the confidence.

Confidence wasn’t the only trait Lavine displayed Friday night, he also showcased some serious poise after he was fouled on a 3-point attempt by Butler with 17 seconds left, with the Bulls trailing by two. He hit all three free throws, and the Bulls wouldn’t look back.

Despite all of Lavine’s offensive heroics, the most encouraging part of his performance might have been what he did on the game’s final defensive possession: guard Jimmy Butler with a 1-point lead.

Lavine’s biggest question mark has been his ability to defend, with off the ball mishaps seemingly plaguing him too often.

However, his aforementioned confidence in his abilities gave Fred Hoiberg enough faith in him to let him guard Butler, and it worked.

Butler tried attacking Lavine off the dribble, but Lavine cut him off and a double by Lauri Markkanen forced Butler to pass it off to Karl Anthony-Towns for a three. After Towns’ miss was rebounded by the T-Wolves, Butler got the ball back on the left wing with about 4 seconds left. Lavine was right in his face as he caught the ball, forcing him to jack up a contested three that ended up just off target.

Tonight was supposed to be all about the former Bulls, not the current ones. Jimmy Butler almost made that a reality, but his replacement in Chicago made it clear that the Bulls aren’t likely to regret trading Jimmy anytime soon.

Bears Expected To Go All-In On This Top 2018 Free Agent

By
Erik Lambert
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top 2018 free agent

Thus far GM Ryan Pace isn’t known for throwing big money at a top NFL free agent. It’s been rumored that he’s had the Chicago Bears in on several notable names the past couple years. However, most of the time they were outbid by another team. That said, things are expected to be different in 2018. Pace has a new coaching staff in place headlined by Matt Nagy and a young quarterback in Mitch Trubisky to build around.

Pace knows the situation. From here on the honeymoon period is over for him. He has to start winning games as soon as possible. That means he’s likely to take an aggressive stance in free agency. More so than he has in the past. The good news is he’s kept the salary cap nice and healthy for just this occasion.

As of now, the Bears are projected to have over $41 million in cap space come this March. That number could easily jump to almost $70 million with a rollover from last year and a few expected cuts. In other words, Chicago has more than enough cash to do damage. It’s a matter of figuring out who they want to go after.

One name is gaining some steam.

Bears believed to be gearing up for run at top 2018 free agent Jarvis Landry

Wide receiver is likely at the top of the Bears’ wishlist this off-season. For obvious reasons. They were the worst passing offense in the NFL in 2017. They managed just 3,085 yards with Kendall Wright the leading receiver at 614. That won’t cut it. If Trubisky is going to take the next step, he needs actual weapons. Looking towards free agency, the big name to watch is Jarvis Landry.

The 25-year old is a two-time Pro Bowler and viewed as arguably the best slot receiver in the league. He is head and shoulder better than anybody on the Bears roster. According to indicators, the team knows this and may be planning a run at him.

Much of how this plays out will depend on what the Miami Dolphins do with Landry. Word is they’re trying to negotiate a possible extension with him. Thus far it seems progress hasn’t come. They don’t have a lot of cap flexibility to use the franchise tag either. I reached out to a source about this situation and was informed the following.

“Landry is asking for crazy money and talks with the Dolphins have been described as “on and off.”

Pace may still try the bargain route

He went on to say the Bears are currently watching the rosters of other teams, seeing if some quality receivers might be released. Two names that have already been mentioned recently are Jeremy Maclin and Demaryius Thomas. It’s believed, at least for now, that Chicago might try to scoop one or both if released so as to avoid making an expensive run at someone like Landry. That said, it was made clear.

“In the event it doesn’t happen they will be “in front of the line” for Landry, Allen Robinson, and Paul Richardson.”

A combination of Maclin and Thomas wouldn’t be a homerun move by the Bears, but it would be a considerable upgrade from what they have. There are several moving parts to this situation. A lot will depend on what happens over the next month.

Possible NFL Roster Cuts Who Might Help the Chicago Bears

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears free agency

The Chicago Bears free agency plan for 2018 is likely nearing its completion. GM Ryan Pace undoubtedly has an idea of which positions he’ll want to target and which players will likely be available among those set to be free agents. The big question that he and other general managers are waiting to have answered is who else might join the market.

One of the most unpredictable parts of free agency comes from unexpected players getting cut. Sometimes it’s a bad scheme fit, others it’s a disagreement with coaches, or it can simply be an issue of age and money. Either way, some big names hit the market, throwing it into some confusion. Depending on the price and timing, these men can often help a team fill an immediate need.

The Bears are no different on this front. They might have a chance at some quick fixes this off-season for some of their more pressing issues. It will depend on who is available. Based on the rumors floating around here are some names that might be on their short list of targets.

Trevor Siemian (QB, Denver Broncos)

The Broncos are about to undergo a significant shift at quarterback. Trevor Siemian never could quite lock down the starting job, but that doesn’t mean he has no value at the position. The former Northwestern standout has had some impressive showings in the past. He’s still young and by all accounts a total team player. It would be fitting to bring him back home where he could become a highly valuable backup for Mitch Trubisky. He’s 13-11 as a starter. This at least proves he can drive the ship without crashing it. Cap relief: $1.9 million.

Demaryius Thomas (WR, Denver Broncos)

Veteran wide receivers are so hard to predict. Some simply fizzle away as their age rises, yet others seem to reach down into the tank for something extra when they find a new team. Demaryius Thomas was one of the best in the league for a long time. However, 2017 was the worst performing year he’s had since 2011. Granted it was still over 900 yards with a serious QB issue looming in Denver but even so. Thomas turns 31 in December this year. He isn’t the All-Pro of a few years ago. That said he’s far better than anything the Bears have on the roster. Cap relief:  $14 million

Travis Benjamin (WR, Los Angeles Chargers)

The Bears have actively sought speed for their receiving corps the past couple years. Thus far their attempts have met with disappointment. Travis Benjamin could be another cost-effective try. He’s likely to get squeezed out in Los Angeles. The Chargers have Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Tyrell Williams in place already. If they want to retain the latter, cutting Benjamin’s contract would be the best alternative. Benjamin is not a #1 guy but he’s a true vertical threat who could help Matt Nagy get those chunk plays he likes so much. Cap relief:  $4.5 million

Muhammad Wilkerson (DE, New York Jets)

It’s difficult to tell where things went wrong for Muhammad Wilkerson. Back in 2015, he was one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the NFL. He produced 12 sacks and was almost impossible to block. Then he got his big payday and suddenly got into a tiff with the New York Jets coaching staff. Since then he hasn’t been near the player he was with just eight sacks in the past two seasons. In spite of all that he’ll be 29-years old in October. He should have a few more good years in him provided he’d be willing to accept the coaching of Vic Fangio. A trio of him, Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman could be devastating. Cap relief:  $11 million

Robert Quinn (EDGE, Los Angeles Rams)

The Bears sorely need options at the edge rusher position. Right now Leonard Floyd is their only reliable guy under the age of 30 and he’s coming off a season-ending injury. Pernell McPhee and Willie Young can’t be counted on. Both are 30 or older and coming off injuries too. Even a short-term solution would be welcome for Chicago. Robert Quinn isn’t the player he was a few years ago but he proved he could still hack it in 2017 with 8.5 sacks for the Los Angeles Rams. He turns 28 in May so he’s not too old. A combo of him and a healthy Floyd would be an upgrade over last year. Cap relief:  $11.44 million

Richard Sherman (CB, Seattle Seahawks)

The top three cornerbacks for the Bears in 2017 in Kyle Fuller, Prince Amukamara, and Bryce Callahan will be free agents in March. So they may have to reload that position depending on what happens with their re-signing efforts. Richard Sherman may become the first of the major sacrifices the Seattle Seahawks have had to make of that once great “Legion of Boom” secondary. He’s turning 30-years old this season and coming off an Achilles injury. Seattle has a number of in-house free agents they need to deal with. He might be a welcome infusion of attitude to that Bears secondary. Cap relief:  $11 million

Pro Golfing Bears Fan Trash Talked Aaron Rodgers Before Tournament

By
Erik Lambert
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pro golfing bears fan

The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers rivalry is eternal. Apparently, it also isn’t limited to just the football field. The Bears have a fandom that spans every sport. There are baseball, basketball, soccer, and hockey players who view them as their favorite team. It even stretches into the individual realm where a pro golfing Bears fan decided to send a message to Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers before a tournament at Pebble Beach.

Kevin Streelman has been part of the PGA tour since 2001. The 39-year old pro golfer was born in Winfield, Illinois. He’s been a Bears fan ever since despite relocating to Scottsdale, Arizona. The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is a tournament that pairs professionals with celebrity amateurs. As it turns out a number of NFL players were participating in the event, including Rodgers.

Streelman isn’t known for trash talking. He’s a steady performer who’s done fairly well in his career. He has two PGA tour victories under his belt with top 12 finishes in both The Masters and PGA Championship. At the same time, it seems the appearance of Rodgers got him riled up. So much in fact that he had to say something before the action began.

Pro golfing Bears fan Streelman takes frustration out on Rodgers

According to Mike McAllister, Streelman introduced himself to the Packers star. He acknowledged Rodgers for the great player he was but couldn’t hold back a tinge of resentment at all he’d done to his beloved Bears. Then he proceeded to make Rodgers and his partner pay for it.

Kevin Streelman, a lifelong Chicago Bears fan, approached Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers before the start of their first round at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

“I respect the heck out of you,” Streelman told Rodgers, “but you’ve been beating the crap out of my Bears for 12 years.”

On Thursday, Streelman pretty much beat the crap out of everybody who played Spyglass Hill, the toughest of the three courses in the tournament rotation. His 7-under 65 gave him a share of the lead with Beau Hossler, whose 65 came at Pebble Beach.

Streelman’s amateur partner is Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Rodgers is partnering with Packers fans Jerry Kelly. Their group was the first off the No. 1 tee Thursday morning at Spyglass. It couldn’t have been a better day.

It seems Larry Fitzgerald continues to haunt the Packers in his own way. With Streelman’s help they currently lead sit tied for the lead in the Pro-Am at -7. Meanwhile, Rodgers’ group failed to make any progress, sitting stuck at even par. It’s certainly not equivalent to a division title or a Super Bowl. Still, the Bears will take any victory they can get over Rodgers at this point.

Minnesota Vikings Just Made 2018 More Interesting For the Bears

By
Erik Lambert
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minnesota vikings

Before the Chicago Bears can even start thinking about the Super Bowl, they have to find a way to win their division. The NFC North might be the most stacked in the league. Detroit has the always-pesky Matthew Stafford and his late-game magic. Green Bay is Green Bay with Aaron Rodgers set to return. Last but not least there’s the reigning champion Minnesota Vikings fresh off an NFC championship birth.

They are closer to the Super Bowl than any team in this division right now. So what they do should be of great interest to the Bears. It just so happens there is a reason to have interest. They just lost their offensive coordinator, Pat Shurmur, to a head coaching job in New York. Not only is that slot vacant, but soon their entire quarterback roster will be as well.

It didn’t take long for the first domino to drop. Minnesota took their time in weighing their replacement options for Shurmur. In the end, they ironically went down the same route that got him in the first place. In doing so they added a layer of intrigue for the Bears.

Minnesota Vikings make John DeFilippo their new offensive coordinator

Say this for Vikings GM Rick Spielman. He clearly has a healthy respect for how the Philadelphia Eagles do business. His team traded for Sam Bradford from Philly back in 2016. That was also the same year they got Shurmur on their coaching staff, mere weeks after he’d been fired by the Eagles. Now here they are bringing another former Eagle in to take his place.

DeFilippo has become one of the media darlings of the NFL coaching world. He’s young, sharp and is fresh off doing some impressive work with the Philadelphia quarterbacks en route to a Super Bowl championship. The Vikings should know. Nick Foles, whom DeFilippo coached, torched them for three touchdowns and 352 yards in the NFC title game.

In essence, the Vikings looked to weaken their biggest competition in the NFC by taking away one of their key coaches. Not a bad strategy. At the same time, DeFilippo doesn’t have near the credibility as an offensive coordinator as Shurmur did. He’s held that position for just one season back in 2015 with the Cleveland Browns. The team finished 3-13 and 30th in points scored. He suffered from major question marks at quarterback with Josh McCown, Johnny Manziel, and Austin Davis being his options.

DeFilippo hire muddles what Vikings will do at QB

Knee-jerk responses would say DeFilippo joining Minnesota means they are now the favorites to trade for Foles from Philadelphia. However, that is far from a sure thing. Beyond that, it’s unclear which direction they’ll go. Case Keenum, Teddy Bridgewater, and Sam Bradford are all free agents this March.

DeFilippo coached Bradford briefly in 2016 before he was traded to Minnesota. So there’s that. His familiarity with the run-pass option offense could make Bradford and Keenum viable options to keep. Bridgewater is a possibility depending on how healthy that knee is. It’s clear the Vikings wanted somebody who could maintain some degree of cohesion to their system that worked so well this past season.

It also may even be a crafty ploy to lure pending free agent Kirk Cousins north. He saw DeFilippo’s handiwork up close four times over the past two years when the Eagles played the Redskins. Combine that with the strong Vikings roster and it’s a pretty easy sell.

One thing is for sure, they may not be able to keep DeFilippo for long. He was a hot candidate for a head coaching job in 2018. The Bears were among the teams that interviewed him. If the Vikings offense does well this season, he’s almost certain to get scooped by someone.

Former Bears QB Hero Sentenced To Three Months in Prison

By
Erik Lambert
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bears qb

His career was never anything special. However, for a brief moment in time, Shane Matthews was a hero to the Chicago Bears fans. He led Florida to their first-ever SEC championship but still went undrafted in 1993. After four seasons as a backup in Chicago, he headed off elsewhere before returning again in 1999. He moved in and out of the starting role over the next few seasons.

Though he never set the world on fire, he did manage to have a memorable moment. In 2001 he became the starter early in the season after Jim Miller went down with an injury. Matthews stepped in during a game against the San Francisco 49ers. A game the Bears trailed 28-9 at one point. Matthews led them on a heroic comeback, throwing three touchdown passes. Chicago prevailed in overtime 37-31 on the now iconic Mike Brown interception return for a touchdown.

The next week, despite a tough game, Matthews again sparked an improbable comeback with two late TD passes including a hail mary in the final seconds to force overtime against Cleveland. As before Brown capped it with a pick-six for the win. Matthew eventually relinquished the job back to Miller but his efforts helped the Bears go 13-3 that season for their first playoff berth in seven years.

It seems those were far better days for him.

Former Bears QB Shane Matthews is going to prison

It turns out Matthews got himself involved with some shady business practices down in Florida. According to the Orlando Sentinel, he was connected to a health care fraud scheme involving illegal kickbacks on prescription medications. Though he wasn’t directly responsible and has cooperated with investigators, he won’t be able to avoid punishment.

“Record-setting former Florida Gators’ quarterback Shane Matthews has been sentenced to serve three months in federal prison for his role in a healthcare fraud conspiracy.

Matthews became entangled in a scheme with former UF linebacker Monty Grow to receive kickbacks on prescription medications, Matthews’ attorney Miles Kinsell said in a statement to the Gainesville Sun.

Grow hired Matthews to join an independent marketing team that ultimately would bilk $20 million from the TRICARE program for military members, veterans, and their families.

Matthews stopped working for Grow in the spring of 2015 unaware of the conspiracy, Kinsell told the Sun. When approached by investigators the following year, Matthews fully cooperated in the investigation.”

It’s an unfortunate downturn in the life of a former Bears folk hero. Hopefully, Matthews learns this lesson well. He’s certainly not the first to get himself in trouble with the law after his career was over. Probably won’t be the last either.

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