Thursday, November 12, 2026
EDGE is live. Chicago fans can now access and explore the beta.
Home Blog Page 3284

WATCH: Brawl Breaks Out After McDonald’s All-American Game At United Center

By
Matt Eastman
-

Every year the United Center plays host to the prestigious McDonald’s All-American game, attracting thousands of fans.

Last night was no different; however, a brawl broke out in the concourse of the 300-level after the actual game. According to Sun-Times, more than 10,000 fans attended the game on Wednesday, despite no local players being involved.

The game organizers released the following statement:

“Naturally, we are disappointed by this kind of activity, which runs counter to the spirit of the McDonald’s All American Games. But we are equally grateful to the United Center Security team and the Chicago Police for restoring order. We refer all further questions to the Chicago Police.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88EXxgmPj7U

A brawl broke out in the 300-level concourse of the United Center after the McDonald’s All-American Game on Wednesday. About a dozen people can be seeing fighting in a video provided to the Sun-Times.

NFL Insider Hints Jay Cutler Is Ready For Big Career Decision

By
Erik Lambert
-
jay cutler retires
CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears holds his head down after being knocked to the turf against the Green Bay Packers during the NFC Championship game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Jay Cutler retires. Is the NFL ready to hear those words? No one can say the former Chicago Bears quarterback was a fan favorite of many. Even so, it just feels weird thinking that there might be a season without him. For all the controversy that seemed to follow his wake, the man made Sundays interesting to watch. Nobody had a clue what was going to happen.

It was just assumed that Cutler would look to continue his career. He’s only 33-years old. Most talented quarterbacks with his record should get a decent offer to play somewhere. Odds are he has at least three or four good seasons left in him. However, that may not be the case. With each day that passes, Cutler remains unsigned by anybody. Meanwhile he’s living it up in the tropics, enjoying the offseason with his smoking hot wife.

He’s so comfortable in fact that he willingly let that same wife take a bare ass picture of him. This is the same Cutler who shied away from the media every chance he got. Certainly seems like a man ready to move on to the next phase of his life.

Jay Cutler retires idea is not crazy

It was hinted at a month ago that if released by the Bears, Cutler might consider retirement if he couldn’t land a starting job with another team. ESPN insider Adam Schefter went on the Mike & Mike radio program recently and offered his input. There is a growing belief that barring a considerable offer from an NFL team, Jay will indeed hang up the cleats.

If this is the case, then it seems so fitting that the last play of his career played out the way it did. Don’t recall? Here’s a quick refresher. On the road in a cold MetLife Stadium. The Bears are trailing by a touchdown. Jay has them on a late drive in the fourth quarter. They have one last chance to force overtime. Cutler drops back and…well…does his thing.

It seems so fitting. That play is basically a microcosm of his entire career. Always close. Always under fire. Ever defiant and seeming to be so close to that signature victory. Only to uncork the gunslinger at the worst possible time to throw it all away. Jay Cutler is perhaps the ultimate what-if story. A ridiculously talented passer who just could never put it all together. Something always seemed to be missing.

A man who divided lockers rooms and entire fan bases. There was no gray area with Jay. People loved him or hated him. If nothing else his legacy will be defined by his resilience, his toughness, his divisiveness and the ever underrated work he did for charity. In the end, if not praise, he’s a man deserving of respect.

Relive Blackhawks 4 Goal First Period Against Penguins

By
Marc-Louis Paprzyca
-

The Blackhawks had an awful few days in Florida. A 7-0 shellacking by the Panthers and blowing a 3 goal lead to lose 5-4 in OT against the Lightning. This left fans questioning their abilities.

They quickly put the doubts to rest in the first period of their game against the Penguins on Wednesday night. What looked like a great matchup on paper between two 103 point teams, started ugly. The first period saw the Blackhawks put four goals in a Fleury. Pun intended.

Panarin scored on an amazing feed from Kane, Schmaltz to Panik for a sweet one-timer, Kruger accidentally sniped a goal after a dish from Kane and Hartman fed Hossa for the fourth goal against Marc-Andre Fleury.

Watch them all below.

Ryan Pace Raves About The Potential In Cameron Meredith

By
Erik Lambert
-
cameron meredith

Several Chicago Bears fans are still upset about the loss of Alshon Jeffery. It’s easy to understand why. He was the first drafted wide receiver by the franchise to reach a Pro Bowl in over a decade. One of just two in the entire Super Bowl era. That’s significant. How in the world can this team justify letting a player with that sort of credibility walk? The simple answer is money. An understated one? Cameron Meredith.

It’s well-known at this point that Jeffery wanted to get paid among the top five or six receivers in the league. A price that the Bears didn’t feel he was worth. Not after missing 11 games between 2015 and 2016, posting under 900 yards each time. Top receivers are far more reliable and productive than that. Why throw too much money at Jeffery when it appears Meredith is an ascending talent?

The Cameron Meredith pro comparison is too sweet

Count Bears GM Ryan Pace among the believers. Not only in who Meredith is as a player, but also who he can become in the near future. There is a growing confidence that the 24-year old former undrafted free agent is set for takeoff in 2017. Not just as a solid pass target but perhaps even a true go-to guy for new quarterback Mike Glennon.

Pace talked about him at the annual NFL owners meetings in Arizona. During which he made a comparison to another former pro. Someone who garner quite a reputation around the league.

“I’m excited about Cam. I just see him getting better and better, no different than we talked about Marcus Cooper,” Pace said. “Cam’s a guy with a lot of upside, the path that he took, and just to see him mature over the past couple of years. I hate to make comparisons but I felt I saw this happen with (Marques) Colston a little bit, and Cam just has a great attitude right now, is getting better. I just love his skill set, love his professionalism, and I think we’re going to see him ascend.”

Indeed the career trajectory is remarkably similar. Colston was a little-known seventh round pick out of Hofstra in 2006. Before anybody realized what was happening, the 6’4″ kid from Pennsylvania posted 1,000-yard seasons in six of his first seven years. He wasn’t the flashiest target for Drew Brees on the Saints’ rise to a Super Bowl championship. He was just the best and most reliable.

Meredith does exhibit a similar game. He’s big (6’3″) and not blazing fast but faster than people realize. Where he really makes his money, like with Colston, is his rapidly improving tree of routes. Combine size with good speed and an understanding of how to set up defensive backs with crisp route running? That has the makings of a truly special player. To say nothing of the fact that Meredith plays with a lot more edge and nasty than people give him credit for.

In 14 games last season, Meredith came out of nowhere to catch 66 passes for 888 yards and four touchdowns. All three numbers were better than Jeffery. The fact Meredith did it with three different quarterbacks throwing him the ball makes it all the more impressive. With Jeffery gone and opponents focused on Jordan Howard, the odds are stacking up that 2017 will end up being a breakout campaign for the former Illinois State Redbird.

Kris Bryant’s Former Coach Shares A Story Further Proving He’s A Living Legend

By
Gus
-

I was fortunate enough to get to cover the Cubs this weekend as they participated in an event called Big League Weekend which saw them play two games at beautiful Cashman Field in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Obviously the hype was on another level due to the Cubs being the defending champions for the first time in over a century but the city was also buzzing because the NL MVP was returning to play in front of his home crowd.

I’ve always known that Cubs fans traveled very well but even I was shocked to see the amount of blue in the stands more than two hours before first pitch. I mean, Vegas isn’t exactly known for being a hot-bed of Cubs fans.

I had the chance to hang out all weekend with Kris Bryant’s high school coaches and of course, our conversations revolved around baseball and most of the folklore that is starting to turn Kris Bryant into a living legend.

Ryan Pace Reveals Why He Signed Mark Sanchez

By
Sports Mockery
-
bears #3 pick plans

Chicago fans have been very confused with Ryan Pace’s strategy after the recent signing of Mark Sanchez. Does this mean there won’t be a quarterback drafted? Is Sanchez really a viable option to backup Mike Glennon?

Endless jokes and memes flooded the Internet the second the Bears announced the news, here’s an example:

In a recent interview with WGN, Pace revealed the ways he intends to use Sanchez in Chicago this season. Pace sees Sanchez as “a really good, solid No. 2 quarterback.”

“I like him in this role for a lot of reasons and one of them is the experience that he has,” Pace said. “He’s been through the highs and lows of our league. He’s played in some big markets, he’s dealt with challenges, he’s dealt with success. I think he’s the kind of player that exudes confidence. I like that about him.

Pace said Sanchez and Glennon have already “clicked,” organizing workouts on their own.

“You think about Mike, he’s still a young player,” Pace said. “Mike’s a young player coming into a starting role in a big market. And Sanchez has done that. So I think having some of those experiences is going to help behind the scenes.”

Essentially, Pace will be using Sanchez as a mentor for Glennon as he embarks on his first season as the starting quarterback for the Bears. This is somewhat confusing because a lot of fans expected Glennon to serve as a mentor for a young rookie quarterback, predicted to be drafted high, who would presumably become “the future.”

Judging by Pace’s recent comments, it seems Sanchez was brought in to help develop the “inexperienced” Glennon. Could be a rewarding strategy considering Glennon is only 27 years-old and even though he has five years experience, he’s only thrown 11 real passes in the last two years.

Sanchez played in two consecutive AFC championship games and was originally a 5th overall pick, if anything he does have experience.

But again, does this mean Chicago won’t be drafting a quarterback with the third overall pick?

“We’ll have an elite group of names that we’re confident will be there (at No. 3),” Pace said. “But beyond that, OK, there’s some pretty good depth in this draft, too, so are there scenarios — and it’s easier said than done — where we can trade back. Those things’ll be discussed.”

Nobody knows just yet, but Pace is adamant about taking the “best player available” wherever he picks.

It is worth noting the Denver Broncos signed Sanchez last year, then drafted Paxton Lynch in the first round, and ended up cutting him. Just sayin…. Bear down.

The Best Movie Star To Play Each Cubs Player In Upcoming Film

By
Gus
-

Since news has broken that there will be a movie documenting the Chicago Cubs World Series championship, a few websites have weighed in on who should be cast to play certain Chicago Cubs players. To be quite honest with you, some of them are really REALLY good but most of them are completely off.

Daniel Day Lewis as Javier Baez? (I’m looking at you Sports Illustrated.)

Now I’m not saying that my casting skills are anything special but I thought I’d throw my two cents into the casting question of, “Who should be cast to play the 2016 Chicago Cubs.”

Why Ryan Pace’s Man Crush On Mike Glennon Is For Real

By
Erik Lambert
-
bears 2017 free agent class

The Ryan Pace Mike Glennon crush is looking more and more real by the day. Some people will shoot the idea down. If that were the case, then why did the Bears give him a three-year contract where most of the guaranteed money is gone after the first year? The answer to that is easy. It’s smart business. Chicago locks up their starter for a decent span of time but are protected against the possibility he fails.

That doesn’t change the fact that Pace is starting to look like a man ready to drink the Glennon Kool-Aid. Fans have clung to the belief that this is just a bridge strategy. Glennon is meant to hold the starting position down for this year while the team looks for their long-term answer in the draft. Maybe it’s Mitchell Trubisky, or Deshaun Watson or DeShone Kizer. Impossible to know for sure.

Yet it’s hard to simply gloss over the glowing comments Pace has made regarding Glennon. Many of them unprompted. It’s starting to look like he geuninely believes the Bears have an answer at quarterback. Not just a placeholder.

Ryan Pace Mike Glennon connection

During the annual NFL owners meetings down in Arizona, Pace fielded questions for the first time since the scouting combine. There were many regarding the state of the roster and the teams’ plans for several new free agents. Naturally though the conversation was dominated by the quarterback talk. The young GM once again had an opportunity to backtrack his conviction on Glennon.

Once again he refused. According to Adam Hoge of WGN Radio, the moves the team has made are designed to help Glennon have the best chance to succeed. Now and potentially in the future. This includes the recent signing of veteran Mark Sanchez.

Mark Sanchez is just a backup and his primary job will be to help develop Mike Glennon. 

Addressing the Sanchez signing for the first time, the first thing Pace did was reiterate that Glennon is the Bears’ starting quarterback. Pace sees Sanchez as “a really good, solid No. 2 quarterback.”

Reasoning

Pace wouldn’t back down from his praise of Glennon either. His admiration for the 27-year old goes all the way back to the 2013 draft. Pace was a big fan of his coming out of North Carolina State. In fact he admitted that the Bears had talks with Tampa Bay about a potential trade two different times. Talks just never progressed to anything realistic. The fact the Buccaneers tried to retain Glennon for $8 million per year signals their own high opinion of him.

Pace insisted that given enough time people will see the exciting value he brings to the table.

“As you guys get to know him, you will sense this, he’s very intelligent. He studies a ton of tape. He’s a really hard worker and you can feel those things and he’s really good at processing the field and seeing information quickly.” Pace said. “We talk about the traits we value in a quarterback, whether it’s arm strength or release quickness or accuracy, but you guys all know the ability to process and go through your progressions quickly and identify coverages.

Some guys just think quicker than others and I think that he can process information quickly and make the right decisions with the football and sometimes that might mean the check down or throwing it away when necessary. That’s OK.”

True love?

Now it’s possible this enthusiasm could be just an elaborate smokescreen to steer people away from the idea that Pace is eyeing quarterbacks in the draft. Here’s why that might be misguided. First, the man may be secretive about certain intentions but he’s always been up front about his feelings towards players. See his comments about Jay Cutler and Alshon Jeffery for reminders. This is not false praise for Glennon. He really likes the guy.

Second, and perhaps more important is the history. Pace hasn’t drafted a quarterback yet in his short career as GM. Not one. There were plenty of opportunities to do so but each time he passed on it for other positions. This seeming indifference to the draft goes back to his days in New Orleans. During his entire time there as a scout and executive from 2002 to 2014, the team drafted three quarterbacks. All of them in the fifth round or later.

Their two starters were acquired via trade (Aaron Brooks) and free agency (Drew Brees). New Orleans made the playoffs six times and won a Super Bowl over that span. For better or worse, Pace grew up in a system that showed the draft is not the only avenue to finding an effective starting quarterback.

That indicates he’s not bluffing in this. He’s sticking to best player available. If that means sacrificing the chance to get a top quarterback, so be it.

Get To Know Chicago’s Next Big Thing, Addison Russell

By
David Holmes
-
mlb investigate domestic violence allegation addison russell

After his first full season on the North Side, Addison Russell is primed to step into the spotlight and become the next Cubs superstar.

It’s been four months since the Chicago Cubs broke a 108-year-old drought by winning the World Series with a dramatic Game 7, 8-7 victory, over the Cleveland Indians. Despite having a roster already loaded with superstars, Addison Russell has become an integral part to a Cubs team hoping to defend their championship status in 2017.

Let’s take a look at Addison Russell’s path to the Cubs, and how his early success points to even bigger things in the near future.

The Early Years

Addison Russell, from Pace, Florida, played his high school ball for Pace High School. He played on the Varsity team from 2010 to 2012. In 2010, he led his team to a state championship and they were runners up in 2012. Russell’s play didn’t go unnoticed, in 2010 he played in the Under Armour All-America Baseball Game. In 2011, he was a Louisville Slugger First Team All-American.

During his final season in high school, Russell hit for a .358 batting average and recorded a .532 on-base percentage, while hitting eight home runs. Prior to the end of his high school career, Russell signed his national letter of intent to play college baseball for the Auburn Tigers.

Athletics

Despite his intent to play baseball for the Auburn Tigers, Russell was drafted 11th overall in the 2012 MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics. He signed a $2.625 million dollar contract and began his professional career with the Arizona League Athletics.

Russell would progress through the Athletics system at a rapid pace. Including the Arizona League Athletics, he had stints with the Vermont Lake Monsters and the Burlington Bees. His first year in the minors was quite impressive. Between the three teams, his first season of hitting consisted of .369/.432/.594 with seven home runs and 45 RBI’s.

After only 55 games in the minors, Russell was named the Athletics’ best prospect according to Baseball America. He was named the CAL rookie and shortstop of the year and was named to the CAL All-Star team.

Becoming A Cub

July 4th, 2014 will be a day forever remembered in Cubs history as the day Theo Epstein pulled off arguably the greatest trade in franchise history. The Cubs were still in full-on rebuild mode, trading what ever assets they had to gain prospects and draft picks for the future. In this particular trade, the Cubs sent starting pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to the Athletics in exchange for Addison Russell, outfielder Billy McKinnney and pitcher Dan Straily.

Russell’s time in the Cubs minor league system was short, but remained productive. During his time with the Tennessee Smokies he was hitting .294/.332/.536 with 12 home runs and 36 RBI’s.

Arriving At The Show

On April 21, 2015 Addison Russell made his long anticipated debut for the Chicago Cubs and never looked back. On the year, he batted .242/.307/.389 with 13 home runs and 54 RBI’s in 142 games.

His 2016 season was the first wire-to-wire season as a Cub and there is plenty to be excited about. At just 22-years-old, Russell was hitting .238/.321/.738 with 21 home runs and 95 RBI’s. His strikeout rate was down from 28.5% in 2015 to 22.6% in 2016. He became the youngest player to start an All-Star game in franchise history.

For the 103-win Cubs, Russell was responsible for an impressive 11 game-winning RBI’s. In the World Series, Russell was responsible for nine RBI’s, which already puts him at 7th all time. To top it all off he became a World Series Champion.

What’s Next

It’s hard to fathom that Addison Russell has accomplished so much at such a young age. What’s even scarier is that he hasn’t even begun to scratch his prime, and he is already one of the top young shortstops in the game.

His defense is already Gold Glove caliber. According to FanGraphs, in 2016 he was responsible for 19 defensive runs saved tying him with Gold Glover Brandon Crawford of the San Francisco Giants.

On the offensive side of the ball, he has seen increases from 2015 to 2016 in both hard contact from 27.1% to 29.3% and pull power from 42.6% to 44.2%. With a team-leading five home runs in spring training, it’s safe to say Addison Russell still has plenty of offensive firepower to unleash.

As Cubs fans, we can only sit back and enjoy as a 23-year-old blossoms into one of the best shortstops the franchise has ever seen.

Get To Know New White Sox Center Fielder And Leadoff Man, Jacob May

By
Emmet McClain
-

Recently, the White Sox made a minor trade when they sent outfielder Peter Bourjos to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations. While it may seem small at first, the trade opens a huge opportunity for young prospect Jacob May. Wait, who? Exactly.

Jacob May is definitely not one of the sexier names in the White Sox farm system, ranking 26th in their top 30. Last year he made it up to Triple-A, but went through his own set of struggles that included a career low OBP of .309.

Rollercoaster Of A Spring

This Spring Training, the center field spot was 12th ranked White Sox prospect Charlie Tilson’s to lose. Unfortunately, the injury bug has not been especially kind to Tilson, thus creating a position battle between Bourjos and May. Obviously since Bourjos has since been traded to the Rays, Jacob May now finds himself as the White Sox Opening Day center fielder.

May has taken full advantage of his Spring Training invite, putting up a very solid slash line. After going 2-4 today he is now hitting .339/.361/.525 in 61 plate appearances. Even May seems to realize that no one was really giving him a shot, but it looks like the doubters have been fueling him all throughout the spring.

“Honestly I came into this spring feeling personally as a dark horse in this whole thing. Not someone that is really talked about a lot, which is fine with me. I don’t really care about that stuff. It gave me a little chip on my shoulder. People didn’t expect too much from me. I know the organization knows what I’m capable of doing, which is all that really matters.”

-Jacob May on Being Named The White Sox Center Fielder

Physique, Tools

Age-25

Height/weight- 5’10, 180

Bats/throws- S, R

Jacob May is definitely not going to be known for launching home runs into the bleachers at Guaranteed Rate Field. In fact, on the 20-80 grade scale the MLB uses to rate tools, May’s power checks in at just a 25. However, with his lack of power, May also brings a ++ speed tool, grading out at 70. If he can focus on hitting for contact and putting the ball in play, his speed will give him plenty of chances to beat out throws for infield singles. Once he is on base he can use his speed to keep pitchers honest as well. As for defense, May improved on his reads a lot last year, and though his arm is average, it is enough to get the job done in center.

Leadoff Man

With Rick Hahn on record that Tim Anderson is the likely no. 2 hitter in the White Sox lineup, Jacob May will take the leadoff role for the South Siders. It really is a perfect fit. A contact hitter with elite speed, May could end up being a pleasant surprise this season. If he fails, it’s not the worst thing in the world. No one really gave him a chance to begin with. If he exceeds expectations, he could find himself a solid role in the lineup this year and future seasons.

Final Outlook

Jacob May has struggled to  consistently hit upper level pitching throughout his career. If he can hit in the area of .270 this season, White Sox fans should be absolutely ecstatic. However, it is much more realistic for him to sit in the .245-.250 range. From being classified as a fourth outfielder to suddenly being the starting center fielder in just a month’s time, Jacob May has the opportunity of a lifetime in front of him. Time will tell how tightly he can grasp it.

1...3,2833,2843,285...3,362Page 3,284 of 3,362

Subscribe to our Newsletter

✶ An Unfiltered Voice For Chicago Sports Fans ✶

Chicago Sports News

About Us

© Sports Mockery, Inc. 2026