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The NFL Fully Deserves Their Massive TV Ratings Decline

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Perhaps now the NFL has become an Icarus; it's flown too close to the sun. The National Football League has been top dog in America by such a wide margin for so long that league hubris has become unbearable. They just went too far: with both the over-expanding and the unapologetic attitude persistently conveyed. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has been vociferously booed … [Read more...] about The NFL Fully Deserves Their Massive TV Ratings Decline

Lovie Smith “Miserable” with Illini Claims ESPN, Coach Responds

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All bets are off with Lovie Smith and the Illini football program; both literally and figuratively. The line for Michigan State at Illinois on November 5th opened briefly with the Spartans as 9 1/2 point favorites, but then quickly went off the boards. There is no spread, at all, on the game at any major leading sport book right now. Vegas simply does not mess around. They are … [Read more...] about Lovie Smith “Miserable” with Illini Claims ESPN, Coach Responds

John Fox, Chicago Bears Front Office Reportedly All on Hot Seat

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So this is why Chicago Bears Head Coach John Fox has been more condescending and ornery than usual to the media this season. He's worried about his job. Fox, even been his standards and those of the Bears organization, has acted more defensive and stand-offish towards the press in 2016 and you can bet the warming temperature of his seat has a lot to do with that. It's … [Read more...] about John Fox, Chicago Bears Front Office Reportedly All on Hot Seat

Jay Cutler Exiting Chicago? Signs Point that Direction

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There's a saying in the National Football League- "new regimes mean new quarterbacks." The phrase applies to new head coaches or new general managers; and sometimes when you get a combo platter at those positions. We're in year two of the General Manager Ryan Pace/Head Coach John Fox era for the Chicago Bears. Pace/Fox didn't get to bring in their own signal caller when they … [Read more...] about Jay Cutler Exiting Chicago? Signs Point that Direction

Lovie Smith CHEWS OUT Illini Reporter over Penalties Query

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These are the kinds of things that happen when a season is lost. Or when you inexplicably lose at home, as ten point favorites, to Purdue, the laughing stock of the Big Ten. Or both at the same time. Tensions mount and fingers get pointed. We're about halfway through the debut season of Lovie Smith, and thus far, it's been a bit disastrous. … [Read more...] about Lovie Smith CHEWS OUT Illini Reporter over Penalties Query

Lovie Smith, Dwyane Wade Encourage Athlete Social Activism

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Ninety-nine times out of 100, a star athlete will think and act brand first regarding a public speaking opportunity. This is especially true when it comes to any topic even remotely sociopolitical. Pretty much every corporate brand abhors controversy and intelligent thought that challenges the status quo. They prefer homogenized press release language, the kind you … [Read more...] about Lovie Smith, Dwyane Wade Encourage Athlete Social Activism

Ron Turner, Proprietor of FB Screen and TE Slant Routes, Fired by FIU

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In The Great Gatsby, narrator Nick Carraway describes the main character, Jay Gatbsy, early on in the story as possessing "a romantic readiness such as I have never found in any other person and which it is not likely I shall ever find again." Sub "romantic readiness" for "obsession with full back screen and tight end slant passes" and you have football coach Ron Turner. … [Read more...] about Ron Turner, Proprietor of FB Screen and TE Slant Routes, Fired by FIU

Peanut Tillman Inspiring Illini Defense to Force Takeaways

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Illini football Coach Lovie Smith has repeatedly emphasized what he feels is the most important aspect of defense is- forcing turnovers, converting them into points. When he head coach of the Chicago Bears, Smith's defenses led the NFL in takeaways twice. During his nine year regime, the Bears finished in the NFL's top eight in turnovers recovered seven times. Smith has the … [Read more...] about Peanut Tillman Inspiring Illini Defense to Force Takeaways

2016 Illini Football Season Preview, Predictions

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“There is nothing like…the opening weekend of a football season.” Illini football head coach Lovie Smith said at Illinois Media Day. He's absolutely, one million percent correct. The first game of week of Lovie's inaugural season is finally here. Are you giddy yet? From Lovie Smith to Defensive Coordinator Hardy Nickerson, one of the NFL’s best linebackers in the 1990s, to … [Read more...] about 2016 Illini Football Season Preview, Predictions