The word “polarizing” no longer applies to Jay Cutler. It’s unfair to call him a “polarizing figure” now. Sometimes that two word phrase is attached to those with legions of fans and haters. Polarizing figures are loved and hated by many all at the same time.
John Calipari, Urban Meyer, Hillary Clinton, Ted Cruz, these are polarizing figures. Jay Cutler is not. People incorrectly label him a polarizing figure because the phrase is often used as a corporatespeak euphemism.
Media members use the phrase when what they truly mean to say is that person is not liked at all. It’s exactly like how they say someone “struggled” or “had their struggles,” when they really should just say “sucks.”
Jay Cutler is so unpopular right now that a football he signed received zero bids at an Anti-Cruelty Society charity auction this week. The opening bid was just $100 on March 26th and there were no takers.
The white, autographed football was one of several items auctioned on the Society’s behalf at the Chosen Man’s Best Friend and Factor Felines fashion show and charity event at Bloomingdale’s on North Michigan Avenue. Most of the other items weren’t sports-related — theater tickets and spa treatments, for example — but a book about former Illinois men’s basketball coach Bruce Weber went for $120.
Even Bruce Weber, yes Bruce Weber, is more popular in Chicago right now than Jay Cutler.
This story does have a happy ending though. One guy, who wished to remain anonymous, called the society and offered the $100. He plans to give the football to his son.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with Fox Sports Digital. You can read Banks’ feature stories and op-eds in the Chicago Tribune RedEye newspaper and hear his regular guest spots on numerous sports talk radio stations all across the country.
Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks)