An Audience With the Owner: What Would You Ask?

by Dane Noble on Nov 3, 2009 10:03 AM CST in Notes Comment 45 comments

Many of us have heard about the two Cleveland Browns season-ticket holders that have been trying to organize a bit of a protest against the ownership. Well, those two fans will apparently be able to hold company with the owner himself, Randy Lerner.

This got me to thinking... what if? What if I could sit down with Virginia McCaskey?

McCaskey is known for her vast knowledge of the NFL, and many players and coaches talk about how much of a learning experience it is for them to be able to hear her speak.

If you could have an audience with Virginia McCaskey, what would you ask?

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Comments

why

do you let pat run the franchise? he’s an idiot

by Nih1lus on Nov 3, 2009 10:12 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Why

haven’t you ever hired an offensive guru as head coach or consultant?

"Repetition is only good when you've been winning." - Valet

by propheteer on Nov 3, 2009 10:55 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Wow, so much...

What was your family like growing up? Who’s has had the biggest impact on football? What changes have occurred that truly changed the game? Favorite story? Ted Phillips, really?

If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.

by Just Dave on Nov 3, 2009 11:05 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

LOL.

-------
"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox

by smudgers on Nov 3, 2009 11:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I commend Randy Lerner for doing this...

Very savvy PR move… And something that the Bears organization would never, ever do IMO.

That being said I would ask, Are you and the Bears organization going to do everything possible, to put a statue of Walter Payton up at Soldier Field?

And Why is it that the organization has distanced itself from Ditka, Singletary and other former Bears, that could (and would be more than willing to) contribute to the franchise?

by rdent4hof on Nov 3, 2009 11:10 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Now wait a minute

Two things on your post:

Soldier Field is a tribute to soldiers, not gridiron greats. Walter’s statue can go anywhere in Chicago – it doesn’t need to go by Soldier Field.

How has the organization distanced itself from Mike Singletary?

I'M A MAN! I'M 23!

by ChiFan13 on Nov 3, 2009 11:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Let me start by saying

I’ve not served in the military and hope my thoughts on this doesn’t offend any of them.

It does belong at Soldier field, because that’s where the Bears play. That’s where Walter played and that’s where he should be honored. I’ve read several military posters at this site, say it would be a great thing… In fact you’re the first person that I can remember taking issue with it.

I don’t see how putting a statue of Walter Payton takes away from what our Soldiers have fought and died for. In fact, I can’t think of any Bear that would be worthy of such an honor, exception being Walter.

Onto Singletary, maybe I’m wrong and I don’t remember the year… But didn’t the Bears not even give him an interview when he was looking to coach for a team?

by rdent4hof on Nov 3, 2009 11:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They didn't shut out Singletary.

Singletary just wasn’t regarded as a premium coaching candidate the last time the Bears were looking for a coach (2004). No team in the NFL gave Singletary a shot at a head-coaching job until 2007.

by Poloplaya14 on Nov 3, 2009 12:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I dont know where the article is, but there was fanpost about this, while back

Most of us in the service, past and present, wouldnt mind it being there, i for one, would be honored.

Walter Payton defines what is was to be a good person, teammate, community involved, and leader…all things Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, and Marines strive to be.

"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden

by BearNecessities on Nov 3, 2009 2:27 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Here, here agreed. Put the statue there. That's where it belongs.

Ditka Avenger and Original WCG Power Poster!!!!
*This tagline is copyrighted by smudgers, inc. for the private use of the WCG audience. Any use of this tagline or any pictures, descriptions, or accounts without smudgers, inc. consent is prohibited.

by Ditkavsworld on Nov 3, 2009 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

To redent, Bear Neccessities, and Ditkavsworld

I respect your opinions and I’m not going to get up on my pedestel (it’s in the shop) and say you’re wrong. Personally, I would not like the statue to be on Soldier Field’s grounds. Again, Soldier Field is paying tribute to military members. Walter Payton is one of the elite NFL players – I just feel that another place would be better.

And rdent, I’m not the first person that holds my opinion. Check out Mike Imrem’s posts from the Daily Herald.

Regarding Singletary, that one is easy. Mike Singletary had no HC experience. Just because he was a dominant player and one of the “Old Bears” doesn’t mean anything. We had Lovie and that’s fine.

I'M A MAN! I'M 23!

by ChiFan13 on Nov 3, 2009 3:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I respect you respecting my opinion on the matter.

However I don’t think that I’m wrong, and I don’t think you are wrong either. Yes Soldier Field is for the troops, but that doesn’t mean on the grounds of Soldier Field we can’t have a statue in honor of a great player and a great man. To me this is just another way that the Bears and the troops are bonded together.

I have no problem with it as a service member but like I said I understand where you are coming from.

by Ditkavsworld on Nov 3, 2009 3:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I respect that you respect ChiFan respecting your opinoin, but

wait….what?

Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!

by Adam T on Nov 3, 2009 6:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like an old Adam Sandler skit.

You are all gentlemen (and ladies) and good judges of cheap whiskey.

by Dane Noble on Nov 3, 2009 6:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The statue at Soldier Field

Is a subject that is easy to agree to disagree on… And I will check out the post from Mike Imrem.

Regarding Singletary, still would’ve been nice to bring him in and get an idea of what he could bring to the table as a coach at any level (LB coach, Assistant LB coach, etc…). After all, he is one of the “Old Bears”. But for me to say they distanced themselves from Singletary probably wasn’t fair.

by rdent4hof on Nov 3, 2009 4:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought he had posted it a while back

and I was right – it was from the 9/24 Bears Den. Here’s the link….pretty good article overall.

I'M A MAN! I'M 23!

by ChiFan13 on Nov 3, 2009 9:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks. Glad I read the article.

Funny, I was thinking yesterday that at least the subject has us talking about the soldiers…

I would now have another question for Virginia.

Being as it is Soldier Field, will you in the near future and beyond, be looking to pay more tribute to the soldiers that have served us so well, for so long? Such as complimentary tickets to current and veteran soldiers? And possibly on occasion hosting the Army & Navy game, maybe even Notre Dame vs. Army?

by rdent4hof on Nov 4, 2009 9:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

And also: Can get use a flamethrower on Chicago Parks and Rec? They gotta stop using our field.

I'M A MAN! I'M 23!

by ChiFan13 on Nov 4, 2009 9:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+2

I hope smudgers and company can pull through…

by rdent4hof on Nov 4, 2009 9:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought they did have a week each year

where they give away tickets to soldiers, and recognize them on field at halftime. Am I wrong?

You are all gentlemen (and ladies) and good judges of cheap whiskey.

by Dane Noble on Nov 4, 2009 9:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not sure...

I did say

be looking to pay more tribute to the soldiers

So more tickets than the usual… ;-)

by rdent4hof on Nov 4, 2009 9:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You're absolutely right

But, as Imrem points out, they should do it more often. Especially since it’s Soldier Field after all :)

I'M A MAN! I'M 23!

by ChiFan13 on Nov 4, 2009 9:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The STATUE SHOULD GO UP COMING INTO CHICAGO ON OHIO ST

that’s what one of the 670 sports radio shows mentioned a good alternative would be in allowing more than just attendees of Soldier Field to see the statue…i like that idea as a GREAT alterntative to at Soldier Field…I do not think the war memorial thing has anything to do with it, as the entire soldier field is filled with Bears pictures and statues and even a fake field painted on the floor…how does that not offend the soldiers but a Walter Payton statue would…seems dumb to me.

by Sonicbob on Nov 4, 2009 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If I remember correctly, Singletary first inquired about a LB coaching position years ago and was told no.

His first attempt wasn’t as a HC but as a position coach. Maybe I’m wrong, but that’s how I remember it.

by BearFan611 on Nov 4, 2009 3:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's how I remembered it too...

Looks like we remembered right!

http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-119237859.html

Then my question to Virginia, is entirely fair.

Why is it that the organization has distanced itself from Ditka, Singletary and other former Bears, that could (and would be more than willing to) contribute to the franchise?

by rdent4hof on Nov 5, 2009 6:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Do you regret not using a better method of birth control?

by BearFan611 on Nov 3, 2009 11:19 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

It didn't exist back then. >.>

Seriously though, even the few minutes she spoke during the Peyton tribute reinforces my belief that, if she had business knowledge in addition to football knowledge, she’d be an incredible owner.

She’s not that typical crazy old lady. She loves the Bears and she loves the players. Let’s place less blame on her and more blame on her husband’s side of the gene pool. :)

by Virto on Nov 3, 2009 11:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree completely.

She seems like a very nice lady and I don’t agree with people who say she’s not committed to winning. Even her worthless offspring are probably smart enough to know that winning makes the franchise more valuable. I just think they’re bad at their jobs. They’ve taken on “nice” people since Ditka left and the team has lost its edge under the Jauron/Lovie types.

by BearFan611 on Nov 3, 2009 2:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

How about letting me run the team?

I’ll do it for 65k a year

"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden

by BearNecessities on Nov 3, 2009 12:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

then hire me as coach!

I’ll do it for the same 65k

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Nov 3, 2009 1:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

In a heartbeat

I just want to be in on the scouting and draft picks.

"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden

by BearNecessities on Nov 3, 2009 2:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would be the OC

by DaHamsta on Nov 3, 2009 3:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Izzy at RB?

You are all gentlemen (and ladies) and good judges of cheap whiskey.

by Dane Noble on Nov 3, 2009 3:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

right after we sign Matt Jones ;)

"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden

by BearNecessities on Nov 3, 2009 3:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

FB

with Wolfe and Forte behind him. Or line Izzy up at WR knock down the corner, catch it, run through everybody, TD!!!
After that play time for a swinging gate play, then wildcat with Izzy at QB
Touchdown every play
Makes the Greatest Show on Turf look like The Cleveland Browns

by DaHamsta on Nov 3, 2009 7:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He's FB

with Forte and Wolfe split behind him
Or line Izzy up at wr no corner can cover him, he knocks the corner down, catches it, run’s through everybody, TD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Or line him up as the QB in the wildcat
Or maybe some swing gate plays to keep the confuse the D
I’ll make the Greatest Show on Turf look like the Raiders

by DaHamsta on Nov 3, 2009 7:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

this post was so good

it had to be said twice!

"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden

by BearNecessities on Nov 3, 2009 9:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs