This is a new era for the Chicago Bears, but without a proper tribute to the previous regime, that new era cannot begin: screwing up unnecessarily and being punished for it.
According to the Chicago Tribune’s Dan Wiederer, the Bears had to cancel Tuesday’s OTA altogether for violating the league’s rules prohibiting direct contact during the early stages of the offseason program. Such violations occurred in May and were so persistent that the NFLPA and NFL had to join them.
The reported punishment was the cancellation of an OTA practice, so Tuesday’s practice was overturned. According to Wiederer, the Bears sent an email to the media announcing the schedule change, but did not explain why the practice was canceled.
This is certainly not the best way for new head coach Matt Eberflus to start his tenure with Chicago. The dramatic and damaging self-ownership is nothing new for the Bears franchise, but after the shooting of former head coach Matt Nagy and former GM Ryan Paes in January, it was considered a new beginning. Instead, “The Price Is Right” Fell Horn’s football equivalent Bears has started their new season.
It is difficult to label any team as “promising” if the head coach ignores the NFL practice rules that the NFL and NFLPA have to intervene. But now it’s June, and with the violations reported in May, the Bears may try to make a fresh start – as soon as they are punished.
