The Bear’s Den, June 12, 2020

A NOTE ABOUT THE CURRENT STATE OF UNREST

While we have a firm, non-bending rule against discussion of politics of any kind here in the Den, right now there are many WCG family members (and that’s what you are to us, our extended and sometimes dysfunctional family members) who live in areas nearby or even in civil disruption zones.

It’s OK to talk about that here in the Den (leaving politics entirely aside...). There are things happening in society that transcend our little sandbox full of toys here at WCG. All I ask is that you keep it civil, keep politics 100 percent out of it, and respect other people’s right to their own opinion.

If in doubt, don’t say it or word it in as non-confrontational of a way as possible. If it gets out of hand, well... let’s make sure it doesn’t come to that, m’kay?

Ken

THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL

Back to our Southern Fried Rock week!

BEAR DOWN, CHICAGO BEARS, BEAR DOWN!!!!

BEARRRSSSS

Chicago Bears LB Robert Quinn frustrated racial injustice, police brutality still exist in US - ChicagoBears.com - Speaking with emotion and conviction during a video call with reporters Thursday, new Bears outside linebacker Robert Quinn expressed frustration that racial injustice and police brutality remain prevalent in America.

Chicago Bears’ Spacious Home Ideal for a COVID-19 Training Camp - SI.com - At one time in the ancient past many a Bears fan accused the organization of being cheap, but if they ever went inside Halas Hall now they’d never utter another syllable about this.

Chicago Bears LB Roquan Smith confident he’ll have best year of career in 2020 - ChicagoBears.com - In each of his first two NFL seasons, Roquan Smith has been the leading tackler on a top-10 defense. But as he prepares for Year 3, Smith is convinced that he’ll perform at an even higher level in 2020.

Chicago Bears K Eddy Piñeiro honing kicking skills, getting stronger in Miami - ChicagoBears.com - With Halas Hall closed due to the coronavirus, Bears kicker Eddy Piñeiro has spent the offseason practicing at a Miami park and working out at a popular training facility for NFL players.

Mitchell Trubisky Has Been Rounding Up His Teammates for Workouts (And It Sounds Like He Looks Good) - “He’s slinging it right now.”

Robert Quinn Is Frustrated by How Long It Took to be Heard on Police Brutality and Systemic Racism - Bleacher Nation - Robert Quinn opened up in his Zoom press conference on Thursday.

Roquan Smith Is Ready to Dial It Way Up in 2020 (Just in Time for Some Important Decisions) - Bleacher Nation - It’s a big year for Roquan Smith.

Tarik Cohen Seeking To Solidify Future With Bears - 670 The Score - Cohen is looking to bounce back after a down year in 2019.

Robert Quinn: Q&A with Chicago Bears linebacker - Chicago Tribune - Robert Quinn, who signed a 5-year contract with the Chicago Bears, wasn’t as quick to commit to a protest this time around. He expressed frustration about the misinterpretation of his original demonstrations and that years later the problems haven’t changed

Roquan Smith eyes big 2020 season for Chicago Bears - Chicago Tribune - Chicago Bears inside linebacker Roquan Smith said he is using an up-and-down 2019 season — and the notion that it created some doubters — as fuel to prepare for his third year in the NFL.

Bears’ Robert Quinn wonders why it took so long to confront police brutality - NBC Sports Chicago - Bears outside linebacker Robert Quinn shared his thoughtful, frustrated perspective on racial inequality, police brutality and Colin Kaepernick in a Zoom call with Chicago media on Thursday.

Bears' Eddie Jackson explains just how ready he is to start 2020 NFL season - NBC Sports Chicago - Someone get the Bears' star safety back out on a field soon.

Bears' Tarik Cohen hopes top basketball recruit Mikey Williams plays at an HBCU - NBC Sports Chicago - Tarik Cohen played his college ball at an HBCU, and hopes Mikey Williams - the No. 1 basketball recruit in the class of 2023 - chooses to do the same.

Bears' Robert Quinn doesn't know if he'll go back to sideline protests in 2020 - NBC Sports Chicago - He spoke at length about the subject on Thursday morning.

There will be no Chicago Bears minicamp in 2020 - Bears Wire - The NFL sent a memo to teams announcing that mandatory in-person minicamps won’t take place.

How Tarik Cohen Plans to Regain His Explosiveness - SI.com - It might have looked to some Bears followers like Tarik Cohen slowed down last season and struggled.

Bears' Robert Quinn Was Warned Against Protesting with Cowboys - SI.com - Outside linebacker Robert Quinn isn't certain yet of the extent he might participate in racial protest with the Bears

The Question Buster Skrine Didn't Answer About Bears Cornerbacks - SI.com - Sometimes a player says a lot by not saying anything.

Germain Ifedi embracing change with Bears - Chicago Sun-Times - The former Seahawks starting right tackle, a 2016 first-round draft pick, is putting his faith in new line coach Juan Castillo and a switch to his natural position of guard for a career boost.

Chicago Bears OLB Robert Quinn: What’s taken so long for America to address racial inequality? - Chicago Sun-Times - The Bears’ new sack artist doesn’t see any difference between recent tragedies and those that were taking place four years ago and for centuries before that. “I’m so confused on why has it taken so long,” he says. “If you want to be honest with American history, it shouldn’t surprise me, either.”

Chicago Bears wrap up virtual offseason program - Chicago Tribune - The Chicago Bears wrapped up their virtual offseason program, and players will spend the next six weeks preparing their bodies for a return to the field when training camp opens in late July.

Column: Chicago Bears’ Tarik Cohen facing huge season ahead - Chicago Tribune - Outside of quarterback Mitch Trubisky, perhaps no player’s struggles were more representative of the Chicago Bears’ offensive troubles than those of running back Tarik Cohen. He can return to being a matchup problem for opposing defenses, but it will take a detailed plan and better play from those around him.

POLISH SAUSAGE

NFL extends virtual offseason and officially cancels in-person minicamps - Acme Packing Company - The league has made final some tweaks to the rest of the offseason while working on plans for the start of training camp.

KNOW THINE ENEMY

Lions DT Nick Williams worried roster bubble players won’t have fair shot if preseason shortened - Pride Of Detroit - The Lions DT wants roster bubble players to get every opportunity they can to catch on.

GMG - Dalvin Cook Holdout! - Daily Norseman - Good Morning Gjallarhorn talks about Dalvin Cook’s holdout. What is reasonable? Can the team succeed without the running back?

New Packers DB coach Jerry Gray says Jaire Alexander is capable of big things - Acme Packing Company - Jerry Gray praised Alexander, comparing him to one of the best players he’s ever coached

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Zimmerman's Chicago Bears Podcast: Sam Acho discusses how to create meaningful change - Windy City Gridiron - Sam Acho discusses what we can do to be better as a country and work towards eradicating systemic racism.

Will Erik Kramer’s franchise records fall in 2020? - Windy City Gridiron - Erik Kramer has held the single-season passing yards and passing touchdowns record for the Chicago Bears since 1995. The 3,838 yards and 29 touchdowns he put up that year are the fewest among...

THE RULES

Windy City Gridiron Community Guidelines - SBNation.com - We strive to make our communities open and inclusive to sports fans of all backgrounds. The following is not permitted in comments. No personal attacks, politics, gender based insults of any kind, racial insults, etc.

Editor’s note: The COVID-19 pandemic is a subject that requires sensitivity and care. Many families and people have already been impacted by this crisis as it unfolds. This is a reminder to please express yourself respectfully while also exercising common courtesy in interactions with one another in the comments. All WCG commentary guidelines remain in effect and apply especially. Stay safe and healthy, everyone.

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