BEARS AXE GM ANGELO

The Chicago Bears won four division game titles and arrived at the Super Bowl while Jerry Angelo was gm. Additionally they crumbled inside a large way this year.

Now Angelo's out. Coach Lovie Cruz, however, will stay.

Angelo was fired Tuesday carrying out a team collapse marked by injuries to Jay Cutler and Matt Forte along with a drug scandal including Mike Hurd.

Angelo have been at work 11 years, however the Bears known as for change after an 8-8 season. A questionable draft record as well as an lack of ability to fill large holes, particularly on offence, brought to his ouster.

"I believe Jerry accomplished a great deal as gm," Bears Leader Ted Phillips stated. "He's an excellent guy, high character. I have loved every single day dealing with him. He's put his life's bloodstream in to the Bears."

Phillips also stated Cruz would keep his job, adding, "The main one restriction that'll be positioned on any candidate is Lovie Smith's our mind coach for 2012."

Angelo's dismissal uses an outrageous season where the Bears at some point appeared a lock to create the 2010 nfl playoffs. A five-game losing streak spoiled a 7-3 start, keeping Chicago from the 2010 nfl playoffs for that 4th amount of time in 5 years, and Angelo wasn't the only person on his way to avoid it Tuesday.

The Bears also confirmed that offensive co-ordinator Mike Martz and quarterbacks coach Shane Day will not return. Martz had an expiring contract, and there was lots of speculation he'd go away after two seasons.

Angelo was signed with the 2013 season, but he was un-tied on numerous fronts. The following GM will inherit an organization that may use help around the offensive and defensive lines, at wide receiver as well as in the secondary. Forte's rookie contract expires. Professional Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs would really like a replacement despite the fact that he's 2 yrs left on his six-year deal.

Still, the Bears believe they can produce a run next season. Angelo will not function as the one managing it, though.

"I've tremendous respect for him and am sorry to determine him go," Cruz stated inside a statement. "However I will also embrace the chance that accompany change. When I stated yesterday, there's an excellent core in position. I anticipate using a new gm to create a championship to Chicago."

Phillips stated he made the decision to allow Angelo continue Monday and informed him the next morning. The announcement comes a next day of the Indiana Colts fired vice chairman Bill Polian and gm Chris Polian, but Phillips was adamant the timing was coincidental, he wasn't aware they'd been release as he made the decision to create a change.

He stated he's "not anywhere close" to getting a listing of runners up, and that he rejected comment when requested if he planned to call the Polians. Younger crowd stated Cruz will pick Martz's alternative.

For why he stored Cruz, Phillips stated, "We felt that Lovie may be the right mind coach with this team. We love to his staff that's in position. You want to close that talent gap with this division rivals which explains why your decision is made.Inch

McCaskey, who required over as chairman last spring, was adamant he's "complete belief" in Phillips and ignored the concept that he was the driving pressure behind the alterations.

"It had been Ted's decision," he stated. "He requested my input. I gave it to him."

Angelo's firing caps a season that crumbled just once the Bears made an appearance to become poised for an additional playoff pursue reaching the NFC title game this past year. Cutler broke his right thumb trying to make a tackle following an interception throughout a victory over North Park on November. 20, and Chicago did not win again before the season-finale at Minnesota on Sunday.

It did not help that Forte sprained a ligament in the right knee against Might on 12 ,. 4, departing the offence without its two best gamers. Individuals could be blows for just about any team, however they were crippling for Chicago. Toss in Hurd's arrest on federal drug charges in mid-December, and what appeared as if an encouraging season converted into a nightmare for that team and organization.

The injuries uncovered a glaring insufficient depth because the Bears tumbled from playoff contention.

The reduced point may have been losing at Colorado when Marion Barber went from bounds late in regulation. That stopped the time, giving the Broncos lots of time to tie the score. In the event that were not enough, he lost a fumble in overtime, helping setup the winning area goal.

Meanwhile, backup quarterback Caleb Hanie would be a bust filling out for Cutler, going -4 because the starter prior to the Bears switched to Josh McCown.

Chicago stated Kyle Orton off waivers after Cutler went lower, but Might had priority and also got him. The Bears then introduced in Josh McCown, and Angelo left themself available to second-speculating as he made the decision to not pursue Donovan McNabb once Minnesota allow him to go.

The possible lack of a trusted backup quarterback, ongoing issues around the offensive line and also the lack of ability to land a high-tier receiver elevated the warmth around the gm.

Roy Williams battled to carry to the ball and obtain open in the first season using the Bears after an not successful run in Dallas. Hurd, another Cowboys import, was rapidly waived after being billed with trying to setup a drug-dealing network following his arrest using more than one pound of cocaine, although Phillips was adamant that ordeal performed no role in the choice to fire the gm.

For the critique, Angelo did have achievements. The Bears won individuals four division titles, such as the 2006 team's go to the Super Bowl and last year's visit to the NFC title game.

He exchanged for Cutler and signed Julius All kinds of peppers. But younger crowd were built with a spotty draft record that incorporated such high-profile disappointments as Cedric Benson and Rex Grossman.

The 2008 first-rounder Chris Williams has mostly battled, and 2011 first-round pick Gabe Carimi skipped the majority of his rookie season having a right knee injuries. Angelo also was not able to locate a top receiver, with the draft, a trade reely agency.

Chicago did not have anybody prepared to part of whenever a solid but aging line that assisted the Bears achieve the 2010 nfl playoffs in 2005 and 2006 started to visit downhill.

Martz known as for deep drops and Cutler required repeated poundings. That transformed after Cutler made his feelings obvious. The Bears began obtaining the ball from his hands faster, handing the ball off more to Forte and mounting up wins. But simply if this looked as though they'd saved their season, everything came apart.

"Bears fans deserve a championship team and we are doing everything we are able to to accomplish this goal," McCaskey stated.

BEARS AXE GM ANGELO

The Chicago Bears won four division game titles and arrived at the Super Bowl while Jerry Angelo was gm. Additionally they crumbled inside a large way this year.

Now Angelo's out. Coach Lovie Cruz, however, will stay.

Angelo was fired Tuesday carrying out a team collapse marked by injuries to Jay Cutler and Matt Forte along with a drug scandal including Mike Hurd.

Angelo have been at work 11 years, however the Bears known as for change after an 8-8 season. A questionable draft record as well as an lack of ability to fill large holes, particularly on offence, brought to his ouster.

"I believe Jerry accomplished a great deal as gm," Bears Leader Ted Phillips stated. "He's an excellent guy, high character. I have loved every single day dealing with him. He's put his life's bloodstream in to the Bears."

Phillips also stated Cruz would keep his job, adding, "The main one restriction that'll be positioned on any candidate is Lovie Smith's our mind coach for 2012."

Angelo's dismissal uses an outrageous season where the Bears at some point appeared a lock to create the 2010 nfl playoffs. A five-game losing streak spoiled a 7-3 start, keeping Chicago from the 2010 nfl playoffs for that 4th amount of time in 5 years, and Angelo wasn't the only person on his way to avoid it Tuesday.

The Bears also confirmed that offensive co-ordinator Mike Martz and quarterbacks coach Shane Day will not return. Martz had an expiring contract, and there was lots of speculation he'd go away after two seasons.

Angelo was signed with the 2013 season, but he was un-tied on numerous fronts. The following GM will inherit an organization that may use help around the offensive and defensive lines, at wide receiver as well as in the secondary. Forte's rookie contract expires. Professional Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs would really like a replacement despite the fact that he's 2 yrs left on his six-year deal.

Still, the Bears believe they can produce a run next season. Angelo will not function as the one managing it, though.

"I've tremendous respect for him and am sorry to determine him go," Cruz stated inside a statement. "However I will also embrace the chance that accompany change. When I stated yesterday, there's an excellent core in position. I anticipate using a new gm to create a championship to Chicago."

Phillips stated he made the decision to allow Angelo continue Monday and informed him the next morning. The announcement comes a next day of the Indiana Colts fired vice chairman Bill Polian and gm Chris Polian, but Phillips was adamant the timing was coincidental, he wasn't aware they'd been release as he made the decision to create a change.

He stated he's "not anywhere close" to getting a listing of runners up, and that he rejected comment when requested if he planned to call the Polians. Younger crowd stated Cruz will pick Martz's alternative.

For why he stored Cruz, Phillips stated, "We felt that Lovie may be the right mind coach with this team. We love to his staff that's in position. You want to close that talent gap with this division rivals which explains why your decision is made.Inch

McCaskey, who required over as chairman last spring, was adamant he's "complete belief" in Phillips and ignored the concept that he was the driving pressure behind the alterations.

"It had been Ted's decision," he stated. "He requested my input. I gave it to him."

Angelo's firing caps a season that crumbled just once the Bears made an appearance to become poised for an additional playoff pursue reaching the NFC title game this past year. Cutler broke his right thumb trying to make a tackle following an interception throughout a victory over North Park on November. 20, and Chicago did not win again before the season-finale at Minnesota on Sunday.

It did not help that Forte sprained a ligament in the right knee against Might on 12 ,. 4, departing the offence without its two best gamers. Individuals could be blows for just about any team, however they were crippling for Chicago. Toss in Hurd's arrest on federal drug charges in mid-December, and what appeared as if an encouraging season converted into a nightmare for that team and organization.

The injuries uncovered a glaring insufficient depth because the Bears tumbled from playoff contention.

The reduced point may have been losing at Colorado when Marion Barber went from bounds late in regulation. That stopped the time, giving the Broncos lots of time to tie the score. In the event that were not enough, he lost a fumble in overtime, helping setup the winning area goal.

Meanwhile, backup quarterback Caleb Hanie would be a bust filling out for Cutler, going -4 because the starter prior to the Bears switched to Josh McCown.

Chicago stated Kyle Orton off waivers after Cutler went lower, but Might had priority and also got him. The Bears then introduced in Josh McCown, and Angelo left themself available to second-speculating as he made the decision to not pursue Donovan McNabb once Minnesota allow him to go.

The possible lack of a trusted backup quarterback, ongoing issues around the offensive line and also the lack of ability to land a high-tier receiver elevated the warmth around the gm.

Roy Williams battled to carry to the ball and obtain open in the first season using the Bears after an not successful run in Dallas. Hurd, another Cowboys import, was rapidly waived after being billed with trying to setup a drug-dealing network following his arrest using more than one pound of cocaine, although Phillips was adamant that ordeal performed no role in the choice to fire the gm.

For the critique, Angelo did have achievements. The Bears won individuals four division titles, such as the 2006 team's go to the Super Bowl and last year's visit to the NFC title game.

He exchanged for Cutler and signed Julius All kinds of peppers. But younger crowd were built with a spotty draft record that incorporated such high-profile disappointments as Cedric Benson and Rex Grossman.

The 2008 first-rounder Chris Williams has mostly battled, and 2011 first-round pick Gabe Carimi skipped the majority of his rookie season having a right knee injuries. Angelo also was not able to locate a top receiver, with the draft, a trade reely agency.

Chicago did not have anybody prepared to part of whenever a solid but aging line that assisted the Bears achieve the 2010 nfl playoffs in 2005 and 2006 started to visit downhill.

Martz known as for deep drops and Cutler required repeated poundings. That transformed after Cutler made his feelings obvious. The Bears began obtaining the ball from his hands faster, handing the ball off more to Forte and mounting up wins. But simply if this looked as though they'd saved their season, everything came apart.

"Bears fans deserve a championship team and we are doing everything we are able to to accomplish this goal," McCaskey stated.

Judge expected in N.Y. for NFL talks: source

Talks to end the NFL lockout will resume with the court-appointed mediator in New York on Monday and could continue through Thursday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person spoke to the AP on Sunday on condition of anonymity, because the discussions are supposed to remain confidential.

The mediator, U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan, originally had ordered representatives of the league's owners and players to meet with him Tuesday in Minneapolis. Now Boylan is expected to arrive in New York on Monday to oversee talks aimed at ending the NFL's first work stoppage since 1987.

The owners have a special meeting set for Thursday in Atlanta, where they potentially could ratify a new deal — if one is reached by then. Any agreement also must be voted on by groups of players, including the named plaintiffs in a federal antitrust suit against the league, and the NFL Players Association's 32 team representatives.

More than four months into the lockout, owners and players have made significant progress on the framework of an agreement. But re-establishing the union and figuring out what it will take for nine NFL players — including star quarterbacks Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees — to settle that antitrust suit are among key issues blocking a deal to end the lockout, people familiar with the negotiations told the AP on condition of anonymity.

The unresolved matters also include how the TV networks case, in which the players accused the owners of setting up "lockout insurance," will be settled.

Among the parts mostly squared away following significant progress last week:

• how the more than US$9 billion in annual league revenues will be divided;
• a rookie salary system;
• free agency rules;
• a cap of about $120 million for player salaries in 2011, with about another $20 million in benefits.

The lockout began March 12, when negotiations broke down and the old collective bargaining agreement expired. The NFLPA announced it was dissolving itself and would no longer be a union that could bargain for all players under labour law, instead saying it was now a trade association. That allowed players to take their chances against the NFL in federal court under antitrust law.

There is a possibility that the sides will be able to put together a tentative agreement in principle in time to keep the preseason completely intact. The exhibition opener is scheduled to be the Hall of Fame game between the St. Louis Rams and Chicago Bears on Aug. 7, and as of Sunday, no preseason games had been cancelled.

Members of the legal and financial teams for the two groups met in New York on Saturday, while NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith spoke with each other. The larger negotiating teams that gathered for more than 30 hours of intensive face-to-face talks spread across Wednesday through Friday — including owners and current or former players — did not meet Saturday.

Among the parts of the deal that people familiar with the negotiations told the AP are largely in place:

• The players' portion of the league's full annual revenues will be on a sliding scale with a floor of 46.5 per cent and a ceiling of 48.5 per cent. There no longer will be the old formula, under which owners got a cut off the top for various operating expenses before revenues were divided.
• Most players will be able to become unrestricted free agents after four years in the league, and the owners' hope for being able to get a right of first refusal on three players per team in 2011 was dropped.
• First-round draft picks will sign four-year deals, with a club option for the fifth year. The new rookie salary system will help curtail first-year players' soaring salaries, with much of that money going to veterans.

Football Hall of Famer John Mackey Dies at 69

John Mackey, the rugged Hall of Fame tight end and union president who later fought for stronger health benefits of retired players and struggled with dementia, has died. He was 69.

Mackey's wife notified the team about her husband's death, Baltimore Ravens spokesman Chad Steele said Thursday. No official cause was given.

Mackey played for the Baltimore Colts from 1963-71, and helped the team beat the Dallas Cowboys in the 1971 Super Bowl by catching a pass from Johnny Unitas after it deflected off two other players for a 75-yard touchdown.

He also played for the San Diego Chargers in 1972, and finished his 10-year career with 331 catches for 5,236 yards and 38 touchdowns.

Mackey's efforts after his playing days were just as important as his performance on the field. An NFL labor agreement ratified in 2006 includes the "88 Plan," named for Mackey's number, 88. It provides up to $88,000 a year for nursing care or day care for ex-players with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, or $50,000 for home care.

"John Mackey is still our leader. As the president of the NFLPA, he led the fight for fairness with a brilliance and with ferocious drive," union executive director DeMaurice Smith said. "His passion continues to define our organization and inspire our players. His unwavering loyalty to our mission and his exemplary courage will never be forgotten."

The health care of former players has become a prominent issue in the negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. An NFL lockout has been going on since March.

"John Mackey was one of the great leaders in NFL history, on and off the field," Commissioner Roger Goodell said. "He was a Hall of Fame player who redefined the tight end position. He was a courageous advocate for his fellow NFL players as head of the NFL Players Association. He worked closely with our office on many issues through the years, including serving as the first president of the NFL Youth Football Fund. He never stopped fighting the good fight."

Mackey was drafted in 1963 out of Syracuse -- by the NFL's Baltimore Colts in the second round, and the AFL's New York Jets in the fifth round.

He wound up playing for the Colts just as the passing game was taking on a major role in pro football. His size, speed and ability to catch the ball while also blocking in the running game made him the prototype for future generations of tight ends.

"John revolutionized the tight end position during his Hall of Fame career, and he laid the foundation on and off the field for modern NFL players," Ravens general manager and fellow Hall of Fame tight end Ozzie Newsome said.

He caught 35 passes for 726 yards as a rookie in 1963, when he was selected to the first of five Pro Bowls. He also was voted first-team All-Pro by The Associated Press in 1966, '67 and '68.

Mackey helped the Colts beat the Dallas Cowboys in the '71 Super Bowl. His touchdown on a 75-yard pass play helped set the stage for a 16-13 win on Jim O'Brien's 32-yard field goal in the closing seconds.

After he retired, Mackey joined Mike Ditka as the first tight ends selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The John Mackey Award was established to honor the nation's top college football tight end, and Syracuse retired his number in 2007.

"John was the perfect role model for Syracuse football student-athletes," Syracuse coach and former NFL player Doug Marrone said. "He was a larger-than-life man and he influenced so many people. Many consider him the greatest tight end in NFL history and he was a pioneer in the development in the NFL Players Association."

Mackey has become closely associated with the plight of many former players who helped build the NFL in the era before million-dollar contracts, safer equipment and better health care.

He suffered from frontotemporal dementia in later years that is believed to have been caused by the contact associated with playing football. Four years ago, the dementia forced Mackey into living in an assisted-living facility.

The costs associated with his care, which far outpaced Mackey's pension, led to the "88 Plan" for retired players. Now, former players are pushing for better pension plans and health benefits from the league.

"John Mackey has inspired me and will continue to inspire our players," Smith posted on Twitter. "He will be missed but never forgotten."

Who Dat? Cameron Jordan

Every mock draft had Cameron Jordan going in the first round of Thursday night's NFL Draft.

But other teams kept passing over him, selecting other defensive ends instead of the former Cal standout. So Jordan waited at New York City's Radio City Music Hall, his tan suit and red plaid shirt perhaps too flashy for someone whose name had not yet been called.

They'll fit perfectly in New Orleans, where Jordan will play next NFL season after the Saints selected him with the 24th pick.

He is the 26th Cal player to be picked in the first round of the NFL draft.

Five defensive linemen were selected ahead of Jordan, whose father Steve played in the NFL for 13 seasons and was invited to six Pro Bowls as a tight end with the Minnesota Vikings.

The younger Jordan knows what it's like to be looked over.

Jordan arrived in Berkeley as Rivals' No. 8 prospect in Arizona. He played in all 13 games as a freshman, but did not earn his first start until his sophomore year. Against Arizona State on Oct. 4, the fifth game of the 2008 season, Jordan made his first career start. He had eight tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble, earning him Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week honors.

He started all but one game after that.

Jordan was a honorable mention All-Pac-10 selection in 2008 and 2009. As a senior, he finally made the first team, finishing the season with 62 tackles, 12.5 for loss. Pro Football Weekly dubbed him an honorable mention All-American.

The Chandler, Ariz., native was a star for Cal's defense, and when the season ended and pre-draft buzz and workouts started up, Jordan's name held more repute than his team that went 5-7 on the season.

In a sport full of egos, attitudes and off-the-field drama, the affable Jordan was targeted as much for his athletic abilities as his personality. His strong character stood out in interviews, according to many sources.

Teams also appeared to like his versatility, that at 6-foot-4, 283 pounds with a 4.74 40-yard dash, Jordan can play both defensive end and tackle, and perhaps linebacker as well. He is considered to have a quick first step, and the endurance to play every down.

Still, 23 picks went by without Jordan hearing his name called.

He's in good company though. The only other Bear to be the 24th pick in the first round? Aaron Rodgers.