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Jordan Howard Is Now Using Training Methods of the G.O.A.T

By
Erik Lambert
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A Jordan Howard Walter Payton connection is never a bad thing. Especially when it involves the young running back using methods that made “Sweetness” the greatest football player in Bears history. People always thought that Payton was able to do what he did on Sundays because he was an extraordinarily gifted athlete with toughness for days.

The truth was far different and deeper than that. Payton was a good athlete but far from the best. He knew this better than anybody. That meant the only way for him to become greater than anybody was hard work. Really hard work. Payton quite literally abused his body during offseasons. His workout routines are legendary.

Oftentimes other athletes, not just fellow teammates, joined him for sessions near his home. All of them were throwing up or passing out towards the end of it.

Can’t say it didn’t work. Payton retired as the all-time leading NFL rusher and all-time leading scorer. Since then exercise routines have taken on a more technological spin. However, there are some who choose to revert back to the old school methods he used.

Jordan Howard Walter Payton workout war

LaDainian Tomlinson, who idolized Payton, started using them during his time with the San Diego Chargers. He eventually became MVP and set the record for most TDs in a season with 31. Now Jordan Howard is taking up that challenge. The former fifth round pick has freely said that his conditioning was a big reason for why he didn’t have a better rookie year.

Sure he finished second in the NFL in rushing but there were several instances where he could’ve scored on a long run but always got caught from behind. Playing in better shape is often a way to fix that problem. So he reached out to Walter’s son, Jarrett Payton, to show him how the greatest ever did it.

It’s a frightening prospect. Howard was already one of the best in the league without Payton levels of conditioning. Throw that in and just how much better can he get? No doubt Bears fans are eager to find out. Expectations are for him to carry the offensive load in 2017. No surprise given the massive turnover at quarterback, wide receiver and tight end. He’s their lone proven option on that side of the ball.

That might sound familiar to Payton himself, who endured much of the same thing during his early years with the team.

Jimmy Butler Gives Phone Number To His Critics: “Call Me”

By
Matt Peck
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jimmy butler gives phone number critics call me

It’s official. Former Bulls star Jimmy Butler has been welcomed to his new home in Minnesota. The Timberwolves held a press conference at Mall of America on Thursday morning. There were plenty of questions about the bright future of Minnesota’s young team, how Jimmy sees himself fitting in, etc, etc. But the show-stopping part of the interview came when Butler addressed a question about the negative press he got as he was being traded away from the Bulls.

If you have a problem with Jimmy Butler, he’s okay with being the guy to take the blame for the Bulls’ failures. He’s ready to listen if you still have beef with him.

“Somebody’s got to take the blame. I’ll be that guy. I’m okay with it. I’m fine. Everybody is entitled to their opinion. That being said, my phone is in my back pocket right now. Whoever has anything to say to me, feel free. 773-899-6071. So, if you want an interview, there you have it. Remember that.” – Jimmy Butler

There you go, Bulls fans. Want to call Jimmy? Tell him you’re sorry about the way things ended? Tell him you love him? Tell him he’s overrated and you’re glad he’s gone?

Give him a call. I tried, and will try again. The first attempt wasn’t successful. I’m guessing his phone is ringing off the hook right now.

What a bad-ass move from a professional athlete. Jimmy must be sick of all the talk swirling around his name over the past several months, even years. Bring that talk straight to him.

You wonder just how many calls from unknown numbers he’ll answer to back up that talk. You better believe we’ll be trying that number all day.

Source Confirms The Cubs Are Scouting Orioles Kevin Gausman

By
Sean Sears
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The Cubs are once again struggling, first with Miguel Montero and Jake Arrieta struggling to stop the Nationals from running rampant on the base paths Tuesday night, which lead to a stupid amount of drama that saw Montero getting Designated for Assignment Wednesday afternoon. Then, John Lackey once again had another dismal performance that saw the Cubs down 6-0 by the 3rd inning.

This team needs a little bit of everything, but the most glaring need for the Cubs is starting pitching. Jon Lester and Kyle Hendricks, when he returns to the rotation, have shown they can be arms the club can rely on this season. But outside of those two, the rest of the rotation is loaded with question marks. And despite their .500 record (39-39), the Cubs are luckily still only a single games back of the Brewers, and are classifying themselves as buyers at the trade deadline.

Sonny Gray and Chris Archer are the two names everyone wants the Cubs to acquire, which would require Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer to part ways with top prospects like Eloy Jimenez and Ian Happ. Outside of those two, the White Sox are also dangling lefty-ace Jose Quintana after rebounded nicely in June, sporting a 1.78 ERA with nearly a 9% K/9. But, with almost every team in range of a playoff spot searching for another pitcher, the Cubs will be competing with the likes of the Yankees, Astros, Red Sox, and Dodgers for any of the three listed above.

However, I was tipped off yesterday about the Cubs scouting a former top prospect and current Orioles starter Kevin Gausman, with Cubs scouts reportedly at the right handers most recent start. Stop me if you’ve heard this before…

Gausman is having an awful 2017 campaign, with a 6.07 ERA in 17 starts, but his breakout 2016 season where he ended with a 3.61 ERA and a K/9 at 8.72, the 26-year-old has upside. He also features a fastball that lands between 94-96 MPH with a devastating split-fingered fastball.

No word on if the Orioles are even interested in moving Gausman, who has three more years of arbitration eligibility and is making $3.5 Mil this season. And while Baltimore sits 4.5 games back from the division, it remains to be seen whether the club is ready to become sellers at the deadline.

I have heard conflicting reports on the asking price for Gausman, with some sources saying it could take a package headlined by Jeimer Candelario and lesser pieces, and others claiming the Cubs would have to part with Jimenez or Happ to make the deal.

While it’s not guarantee that Kevin Gausman will be a serious option for the Cubs at the deadline, it’s becoming clear that the North-Siders are looking into multiple names to acquire in hopes of improving this rotation for another deep playoff run.

Tom Waddle Shares Hilarious Stories About Mike Ditka and Dan Hampton

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears

Tom Waddle has had a rather inspiring rise on the Chicago sports landscape. He arrived as a nondescript wide receiver from Boston College. Many people didn’t give him a prayer of keeping a starting job on offense. He just didn’t have the size or the athletic chops. What he did have though was an unyielding work ethic and a strong pair of hands.

He used both to maximum effect. Though he never became a star, he did gain a sort of cult following among Chicago Bears fans. They appreciate his effort and his willingness to sacrifice his body to make plays. That folk hero status helped him to become one of the most notable names in the Chicago-area sports broadcasting business.

He has his own show (Waddle & Silvy) on ESPN 1000 but has also done outside work with NFL Network and others. He’s a respected name who keeps things honest and straightforward. At the same time, the man has to have his share of stories to tell.

Tom Waddle survived the end of the Ditka era

One of the biggest influences on his life, personally and professionally, was former Bears head coach Mike Ditka. Next to his father, Waddle says Ditka was crucial to his sports career going so well. One would think this would’ve led to a heartfelt moment between the two. According to Dan Pompei of The Athletic, that was the case. Well, almost.

An injury-depleted group of wide receivers forced Waddle on the field in the season opener against the Vikings, and Waddle caught a 37-yard touchdown pass in a 10-6 victory.

Afterwards, Ditka found Waddle on the field and patted him on the shoulder. Waddle ducked his head to hide his emotions, and he went into a heartfelt speech.

“Coach, I just want to tell you thank you for believing in me,” Waddle said. “This wouldn’t be possible without you. If you keep believing in me, I promise I’ll keep playing hard for you.” And on and on.

When he finished, Waddle looked up to find his coach’s eyes. Instead he saw Ditka 30 yards away walking into the locker room.

Classic Ditka. Though he could be a caring man, he was also not one for sentimental moments. They wasted too much time. Iron Mike has always been about the next thing. He gave Waddle his credit and was done. Tom was merely one of the latest guys to learn that lesson. Good thing it didn’t happen on camera.

That wasn’t end of the memorable stories though.

Waddle got some sage advice from Dan Hampton

He also recalled how much respect he had for his veteran teammates. Specifically those who played for the famed 1985 Bears defense. It turns out one man in particular he was desperately seeking approval from. For obvious reasons.

Waddle remembers being too afraid to speak to Steve McMichael for two years. And he remembers trying to get Dan Hampton to notice him.

“You knew if you got into Dan’s good graces, you made it,” Waddle said. “I remember making catches in training camp and impressing Dan. He would have his pants pulled up high, his No. 99 jersey on with a cup of coffee on the sidelines watching practice. He couldn’t practice because his knees were a mess. The only thing he could do was to save himself to play on Sunday.”

Hampton liked the hands, but he had some advice.

“Kid,” he told Waddle, “small, slow and friendly is no combination for this league. You have to be a little meaner. You have to be a little nastier.”

Seems Waddle took the advice to heart. He started playing with a bit more of an edge in 1991 and he had a breakout year with 599 yards and three touchdowns. A year after that he broke both marks with 674 yards and four touchdowns. Injuries soon began to take their toll on him and he was out of the league before age 28. Too bad because it’s fair to wonder how he might’ve done in a more modern offense.

Regardless those are two great stories of just how larger than life Ditka and Hampton were, and still are.

Jimmy Butler Reveals How He Learned About Trade To Timberwolves

By
Matt Peck
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jimmy butler reveals learned trade timberwolves

Jimmy Butler is excited for his next NBA chapter in Minnesota. Why wouldn’t he be? Reuniting with former Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau and teaming up with rising stars Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns provides more optimism than wasting away his prime years on a Bulls team going nowhere.

So how exactly did Butler find out he was traded? It’s a pretty funny story, and one he revealed to Alan Horton, the radio voice of the Timberwolves. Jimmy was vacationing in Europe last week while trade rumors around his name heated up approaching the NBA draft. Was he paying attention to those rumors? Nope, Jimmy was too busy having fun. He met up with his then-teammate Dwyane Wade, Wade’s wife Gabrielle Union and fellow NBA star Carmelo Anthony in Paris. As the four of them were sitting around a table playing cards, Jimmy got a call from his new agent Bernie Lee.

“I was very much aware of all the trade rumors, but my name was in so many different situations with different teams that I didn’t pay it any mind. Until my agent, Bernie Lee, decided to call me. I was playing spades, Carmelo was my partner. We was beating up on D Wade and Gab. And [Lee] broke the great news to me that I was now a Minnesota Timberwolf. I’m happy with that, and that is exactly how it happened. And we won in spades that night, so it was a win-win all the way around.” – Jimmy Butler

It’s well known that playing spades is one of Wade’s favorite non-basketball activities. He and Union even hosts parties for NBA friends and other celebrities centered around spades tournaments. Sounds like he’s gotten his Marquette brother Jimmy in on the fun. But with this trade to Minnesota, it looks like Wade and Jimmy’s on-court partnership wasn’t meant to last.

Still, you wonder just how close Jimmy is to cracking into the famous “Banana Boat” crew. He’s joining Wade and Carmelo on European vacations. Were the reports of LeBron James luring Butler to Cleveland true? Maybe not. But at least, for Jimmy’s sake, he has a great story for the rest of his life.

“The night I got traded? Oh, yeah. I was just hanging out in Paris, playing cards with D Wade, Gab and Melo. Fun night. Melo and I won.”

You can watch Butler’s full interview with Alan Horton below:

Minnesota has already embraced Jimmy. As for the Bulls? Free agency begins in just a few days, but don’t expect much to happen there. Fred Hoiberg and his bosses are more concerned with the player evaluation and development process to begin this rebuild. Summer League games start soon. Let’s hope some of these young guys make a good first impression.

Joe Maddon Shares The Real Reason Why Miguel Montero Was Released

By
Gus
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The big news coming out of Cubs camp today was the surprising release of 12-year veteran catcher Miguel Montero. As we all know, Montero had some harsh words for his battery mate, Jake Arrieta, after last night’s defeat against the Washington Nationals. Montero essentially blamed Arrieta’s slow delivery to the plate as the reason why Washington set a club record when they swiped seven stolen bases against the noodle-armed catcher.

Of course, Montero didn’t want to acknowledge 31 of 31 base stealers have successfully swiped a bag against him this year but apparently that wasn’t important to Miggy.

On his way out the door, Montero released a string of tweets showing his gratitude to the city of Chicago and Cubs fans everywhere.

I found these tweets to be quite ironic because one would think if you loved an organization as much as the tweets suggest, you would have figured out how to conduct yourself in a professional manner a bit sooner. I could see if this was the first time Montero went to the media before he went to the team but it’s not.

Most notably, after the 2016 World Series championship, Montero blasted Cubs manager Joe Maddon over his use of Aroldis Chapman as well as his own playing time. Mind you, HE JUST WON A WORLD SERIES. If you can’t be happy with breaking the longest championship drought in professional sports history then I don’t know what to tell you.

Maddon addressed the comments but never really discussed them with Montero until Spring Training when the two met for a few drinks. The caption suggests the meeting went quite well.

That relationship between the Cubs and Montero has been a rocky one that has now come to an end. For a team that was constructed on a “team first” approach, it should come as no surprise that the “me first” approach taken by Montero resulted in him being DFA’d. Joe Maddon addressed the media today to further clarify the real reason why Montero was released.

Per Jesse Rodgers,

“Joe Maddon said a deciding factor in designating Miguel Montero for assignment was the youth in the clubhouse. He didn’t think it set a good example to other players…”

Montero will turn 34 next week and unlike his predecessor, 39-year-old David Ross, Montero didn’t understand his veteran role on the team. Think about all the times David Ross could have bitched about catching Jon Lester who during every game had a runner at first base damn near performing a full dance routine to try and distract him.

Yes, Arrieta is slow to the plate and has lost his command on some of his best pitches. I understand that. Montero was probably frustrated with hearing how shitty he is at throwing out runners but instead of taking a “team first” approach, he took the low road. I don’t care how much a player like that is loved, eventually that behavior will destroy your clubhouse.

Maddon hit it on the head with his reasoning behind releasing Montero because behavior like that does have an impact on a team. The Cubs roster is littered with guys who are 25 and younger and people are quick to forget — those guys are still learning how to be professionals themselves.

So what does that say about your organization if you allow one of your veterans to trash a teammate? The younger guys will internalize that behavior and before you know it, you have a toxic clubhouse (pretty much the exact opposite of the 2016 Cubs clubhouse.) It doesn’t matter the level of sport you’re playing, putting the team before yourselves has proven time and time again to be the key ingredient in building championship teams. Now let’s hope the Cubs can move forward with one team goal in mind.

 

 

 

Addison Russell’s Accidental Bat Throw Sends Six Year Old Girl To Emergency Room

By
Sports Mockery
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Could you imagine sitting at a Cubs game with your family, then out of nowhere, your six year old daughter gets hit in the head with a flying bat!? That’s what happened to Matt Hunnicutt, father of Ella who suffered a concussion after an accidentally thrown bat flew into the stands and hit her in the head last week.

“She swears she still loves her Cubbies, though Addison Russell definitely owes her one for his poor grip,” he shared with WGN.

During the 7th inning of a game versus the Padres last week, Addison Russell lost his grip on his bat and moments later Ella was diagnosed with a concussion after being rushed to the hospital via ambulance. It was her father’s “worst heart-sinking nightmare come to life.”

“She swears she still loves her Cubbies, though Addison Russell definitely owes her one for his poor grip.” Matt said.

The Cubs ended up losing the game, but because Ella had to be rushed to the hospital she missed the ending. With everything going on, she was still disappointed they lost.

“When I grow up I’ll be on the Cubs and we will never lose,” her father quoted her as saying.

Not only was she disappointed they lost and still recovering from her head injury, but she also added that she’ll be heading back to Wrigley when she gets the next opportunity. A thrown bat isn’t going to take away the passion she has for her team.

“She said, ‘Yes, I do want to go back, I just want to sit really high up,’” he told WGN.

In the midst of such an unfortunate event, the inspiration this young girl has provided for all of us is quite admirable.

Sometimes crazy things happen, and it takes strong willed people to stand back up after getting knocked down.

That being said, Russell get a better grip on your bat.

Cubs, get some better safety measures at the ballpark.

And finally, Cubs again, get this little girl anything she wants – she deserves it.

By the way, the family came all the way from Portland to attend the game.

Leonard Floyd Urged To Retire By Ex-NFL Players

By
Erik Lambert
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leonard floyd concussion

It was bound to be a subject that was going to get brought up sooner or later. Nothing has commanded attention towards the NFL more these days than concussions and the impact they could have on the long-term health of players. That’s why it must’ve sounded rather unnerving when the Bears rookie Leonard Floyd concussion issue needed two months of recovery time after the second of two he suffered in 2016.

It inevitably led to discussions about the status of his young career. Is it wise for him to continue? Can he really adjust his playing style to help limit the risks of suffering such injuries again? Two former NFL players in Ross Tucker and Booger McFarland took to Sirius NFL radio to discuss that very subject.

Leonard Floyd concussion issue has no definitive right answers

“He’s 24 years old and I guess he’s talking to doctors and all, I guess here’s what would be my point, if I had anything going on where my brain wasn’t working right for two months, good bye, see ya later,” said Tucker. “I almost wouldn’t care what the doctors would say. Two months? Two months?”

McFarland wasn’t quite as definitive, understanding the situation Floyd is in. The young man is just starting his NFL career. He had six sacks in a five-game span at one point last year. It’s obvious he has the chance to become a star in the league, which can mean huge money for him and his family. Even at the risk of his long-term health.

“It’s a tough situation because he’s just getting started in this league,” McFarland said. “He’s just getting started making what, I think he’s assuming, is a lot more money than what he just signed for. I know retirement isn’t close to anything he’s thinking about.”

“It’s going to affect you for the rest of your life. If I were around him or if the people around him (are) listening, make sure he gets an opportunity to get his brain checked out.”

Floyd has been working diligently with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio this offseason. His goal is to hone his fundamentals. Chief among them? No longer leading with his head when trying to make tackles. That was the primary reason for both head injuries he suffered last year. Truth be told though there’s no telling how his perspective might change if he gets hit with another this year.

The Bears Can and Should Pursue Former Retired Pro Bowl Linebacker

By
Erik Lambert
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bears zach orr

With all due respect to Danny Trevathan, Jerrell Freeman and Nick Kwiatkoski none of them can offer realistic reasons to prove a Chicago Bears Zach Orr deal shouldn’t happen. For those who aren’t up to date on the situation, it is as follow. Orr was in line for a big contract extension after going to his first Pro Bowl in 2016 for the Baltimore Ravens. Then he was forced to retire.

It was a big shock to the league. It looked like he was positioned to become one of the top inside linebackers in football. Unfortunately doctors diagnosed him with a spinal condition in his neck that put him at risk of serious injury if he continued playing. People thought his subsequent exit was the end. Apparently not.

Mike Garafolo of NFL Network recently reported that the young man received encouraging news on his condition during followup examinations. Enough to where he’s serious considering a comeback.

Bears Zach Orr deal could make the team better

Word is as many as eight NFL teams have already reached out to him, including the Ravens. The Bears would be remiss if they didn’t at least think about. Yes, it’s understood they have commitments to Trevathan and Freeman. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t do it anyway. Let’s keep something in mind here. Trevathan is coming off a bad knee injury. One that might land him on the PUP list, knocking him out for at least the first six games of the season.

Freeman? He’s 31-years old and was suspended four games last season. Neither of these guys can be considered long-term solutions at this point. Orr, if truly healthy is 24-years old coming off the best year of his career. He made 132 tackles, forced a fumble and intercepted three passes. The Ravens run a 3-4 defensive system, so it wouldn’t take him too long to adjust.

Would it upset some people in the building? Sure. Nobody likes having their job threatened, but GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox like losing a lot less. The end game of this organization isn’t to make friends. It’s to put the best possible 11 players on the field for offense or defense. Orr could give them an extra boost in an area they still aren’t completely settled. If that ruffles some feathers, well too bad.

Loyalty is great when it’s convenient, but this business has a bottom line. Win or else.

The Cubs Have Finally Had Enough Of Miguel Montero And His Cry Baby Act

By
Gus
-

The Chicago Cubs are in the midst of a very disappointing first half of the season. They are currently sitting only one game over .500 after almost every baseball expert in America (including me) predicted that they would run away with the NL Central. Granted, they still may be able to run away with the division in the second half of the season and to date, they are only a game out of first place, but there’s not a Cubs fan on Earth that will tell you they are pleased with the team’s record through the first half.

With that said, fans have a right to be frustrated with the team. That’s why they’re fans. Players, on the other hand, are expected to be professionals at all points through the ups and downs of the season. Yes they can get frustrated too but part of being a professional athlete is being able to conduct yourself in a professional manner at every point in the season.

12-year-veteran catcher Miguel Montero apparently doesn’t beleive in that philosophy. After last night’s game against the Washington Nationals, he acted in an unprofessional way that would eventually cost him his job.

After the Washington Nationals set a club record by recording seven stolen bases off of him, Montero decided to point the finger at his starting pitcher rather than acknowleding his arm is a wet noodle.

Here’s what he had to say.

“It really sucked, because the stolen bases go on me. But when you really look at it, the pitcher doesn’t give me any time, so yeah, ‘Miggy can’t throw anyone out,’ but my pitchers don’t hold anyone on.”

Yeah, ok Miggy.

Not counting the seven bases that were taken off of him last night, opposing baserunners were 31 for 31 in attempted steals. But that’s probably all the pitcher’s fault too huh?

I’m not saying that he’s completely wrong because certain pitchers are relatively slow to the plate but what is there to gain by deflecting all the criticism onto one of your teamates? Cubs leader and overall bad ass Anthony Rizzo heard enough of Miggy’s bullshit.

“We win as a team and we lose at a team. When you start pointing fingers, I think that labels you as a selfish player.”

If you recall, this isn’t the first time Montero cried like a baby to the media either. After last year’s World Series win, Montero critcized Joe Maddon for his use of Aroldis Chapman and also cried about his playing time during last year’s postseason.

“I expected to be treated a little better. I was expected to get communication. Just let me know. Put me in the loop. That was the toughest part for me because I never understood what my role was going to be.”

Well Miguel, your role is pretty clear now.

Montero was designated for assignment this morning and in a related move, called up his replacement Victor Caratini. The 23-year-old catcher is hitting .343 with eight home runs for AAA Iowa and many people in the organization beleive that he’s the team’s best hitter.

Now, is he ready to be a big league catcher? That remains to be seen. What is known very clear is that the Cubs front office will not put up with selfish “me first” bullshit like the crap Miguel Montero just pulled.

See ya later bud.

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