When I heard the latest news about my not-so-beloved Chicago Bears, I thought I’d left the real world and entered the realm of some drug-induced fantasy.
“We recently submitted a bid to purchase the Arlington International Racecourse property. It’s our obligation to explore every possible option to ensure we’re doing what’s best for our organization and its future. If selected, this step allows us to further evaluate the property and its potential.”
Consider the case of Dick Butkus—one of the greatest Bears players ever. In 1974, Butkus sued the team because they cut him after he damaged his knee. The guy risked life and limb to play for the Bears, and those cheapskates wouldn’t even pay his medical bills.
It’s a straight-up power play—“the ol’ squeeze play,” as Ralph Kramden might call it. Looking to ignite a bidding war between Chicago and Arlington Heights.
At the moment, the Bears have a lease to play at Soldier Field until 2033.
Meaning we pay more in fines, fees, and property taxes to compensate for the hotel-motel taxes the city is spending on the Bears.
