So this is what its come down to, huh?
Matt Forte's been in the league for four years, and last season was the first time that Forte missed any playing time. Forte was out for the final four games of the regular season after spraining the MCL in his right knee. Now, with Forte's contract up, and the Chicago Bears known to be a bit of a tight-wad organization when it comes to their finances, the Bears brass dropped us with this gem of a line to the Chicago Tribune on Monday: "We're concerned about his knees."
Word?
Yep, citing potential arthritis, over 1,200+ carries in four years, so they basically have told the man that "we're slanging the pill with Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Michael Bush and the slew of other receivers on the squad."
So is this how you treat a man in Forte who has accounted for nearly 50 percent of the Bears total offensive production? You know, over 6,000+ yards in total offense in four seasons? I can understand the Bears having concerns; a 27-year-old tailback coming off a knee surgery in a league where the age of 28 is considered "over-the-hill" isn't exactly an ideal situation. However, what the Bears do owe Forte is a straight shot. Pay the man a long deal or a short deal, or hell, don't give him anything and let him go on about his business.
However, now you got this man running hills with a weighted sled on his back? With the highest-pitched dog of all-time yelping in the background? Man, please do something for this guy and his future. Otherwise, you'll probably drive him nuts.
Here's your pertinent reading material for Tuesday; enjoy.
Dan LeBetard: Haslem admits hit on Hansbrough was to defend Wade
SLAM Online: Garnett on Bosh’s Injury: ‘It’s Very Tough to Come Back from’
FOX Deportes: The 5 Things LeBron James Must Do vs. Boston
Pro Football Talk: Warren Sapp’s book looks like a must-read
The Smoking Section: Even More Vintage Nike Ads
Deadspin: The AP Is Gay For Stupid
Bull City: Death, Taxes, And Tim Duncan's Bank Shot
Los That Sports Blog: Best. Baseball. Catch. Ever!
Wall Street Journal: Football, Fathers and the Future
With Leather: Bob Saget Named ‘Princess For The Day’ At White Sox Game
SB Nation Dallas: Be Stunned By Texas Attendance Numbers
Eddie Maisonet is the founder and editor emeritus of The Sports Fan Journal. Currently, he serves as an associate editor for ESPN.com. He is an unabashed Russell Westbrook and Barry Switzer apologist, owns over 100 fitteds and snapbacks, and lives by Reggie Jackson’s famous quote, “I am the straw that stirs the drink.”
