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		<title>GridironFans.com - BEARS News</title>
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			<title>GridironFans.com - BEARS News</title>
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			<title>Bears Name Tim Holt Offensive Line Coach</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181464</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:07:42 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Chicago Bears announced the hiring of offensive line coach Tim Holt. Holt takes the place of Mike Tice, who was promoted to offensive coordinator following the dismissal of Mike Martz. A former offensive lineman at Southern Connecticut State, Holt had coaching stints at his alma mater, Cornell, Lehigh, American International and Stonehill before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009. Holt was promoted to assistant offensive line coach in 2011. 

Source: Mac's Football Blog (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/bears-name-tim-holt-offensive-line.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Chicago Bears announced the hiring of offensive line coach Tim Holt. Holt takes the place of Mike Tice, who was promoted to offensive coordinator following the dismissal of Mike Martz. A former offensive lineman at Southern Connecticut State, Holt had coaching stints at his alma mater, Cornell, Lehigh, American International and Stonehill before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009. Holt was promoted to assistant offensive line coach in 2011. <br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/bears-name-tim-holt-offensive-line.html" target="_blank">Mac's Football Blog</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title>Bears WR Johnny Knox May Not Be Ready For Training Camp</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181454</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:01:49 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago reports that Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox is in for a long recovery period from surgery to stabilize his vertebra.  Citing multiple sources, Wright states that recovery could extend beyond six months and Knox will be in a back brace until mid-March.  He will then embark on an extensive rehab program, leaving his status for training camp in doubt. Although the Bears are confident that Knox will play again, they have to proceed as though he may not be a significant factor early in.

Source: The Redzone (http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=23733)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago reports that Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox is in for a long recovery period from surgery to stabilize his vertebra.  Citing multiple sources, Wright states that recovery could extend beyond six months and Knox will be in a back brace until mid-March.  He will then embark on an extensive rehab program, leaving his status for training camp in doubt. Although the Bears are confident that Knox will play again, they have to proceed as though he may not be a significant factor early in.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=23733" target="_blank">The Redzone</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title>Bears RB Matt Forte Has No Issue With Franchise Tag If It Leads Somewhere</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181415</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:07:10 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Bears, despite their somewhat contentious relationship with Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte during the past season, have made clear they don’t plan on letting him test free agency. That’s what team president/CEO Ted Phillips said recently, claiming new general manager Phil Emery would work with Forte on a possible agreement to a long-term deal or would franchise-tag him to keep him in Chicago. Forte has been on record saying that he didn’t want to be tagged, noting in November that “If they think by just slapping the franchise tag on me that’s going to silence anything, they’re sadly mistaken.” Forte apparently has changed his mind. That’s the impression he gave ESPN 1000 in Chicago during a recent interview when he said he’d be fine with a franchise tag if it led him to that elusive long-term deal. "It depends on the motive of (the franchise tag)," Forte said Thursday on "The Waddle & Silvy Show.” "If they are doing the franchise tag just to get more time in order to negotiate a long-term deal, then I would be OK with it. But if it's just to hold me another year and just, 'Let's throw some money at him right now to keep him quiet,' that's not going to solve anything."

Source: CBS Sports (http://eye-on-football.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22475988/34742124?source=rss_blogs_NFL)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Bears, despite their somewhat contentious relationship with Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte during the past season, have made clear they don’t plan on letting him test free agency. That’s what team president/CEO Ted Phillips said recently, claiming new general manager Phil Emery would work with Forte on a possible agreement to a long-term deal or would franchise-tag him to keep him in Chicago. Forte has been on record saying that he didn’t want to be tagged, noting in November that “If they think by just slapping the franchise tag on me that’s going to silence anything, they’re sadly mistaken.” Forte apparently has changed his mind. That’s the impression he gave ESPN 1000 in Chicago during a recent interview when he said he’d be fine with a franchise tag if it led him to that elusive long-term deal. &quot;It depends on the motive of (the franchise tag),&quot; Forte said Thursday on &quot;The Waddle &amp; Silvy Show.” &quot;If they are doing the franchise tag just to get more time in order to negotiate a long-term deal, then I would be OK with it. But if it's just to hold me another year and just, 'Let's throw some money at him right now to keep him quiet,' that's not going to solve anything.&quot;<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://eye-on-football.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22475988/34742124?source=rss_blogs_NFL" target="_blank">CBS Sports</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Bears Name Ex-Seahawks OC Jeremy Bates As Quarterbacks Coach</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181373</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:48:48 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Chicago Bears announced that Jeremy Bates has been hired for the team's quarterbacks coach position. Bates worked with Bears quarterback Jay Cutler from 2006-08, first as an offensive assistant and then as the team's quarterbacks coach. Bates spent the 2009 season as the assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach at USC and was a candidate for the Bears' offensive coordinator before he was named the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator in 2010. Fired by the Seahawks, Bates spent 2011 out of football.

Source: Mac's Football Blog (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/bears-name-jeremy-bates-quarterbacks.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Chicago Bears announced that Jeremy Bates has been hired for the team's quarterbacks coach position. Bates worked with Bears quarterback Jay Cutler from 2006-08, first as an offensive assistant and then as the team's quarterbacks coach. Bates spent the 2009 season as the assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach at USC and was a candidate for the Bears' offensive coordinator before he was named the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator in 2010. Fired by the Seahawks, Bates spent 2011 out of football.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/bears-name-jeremy-bates-quarterbacks.html" target="_blank">Mac's Football Blog</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title>Brandon Marshall Would Relish Reunion With Bears QB Jay Cutler</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181345</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:18:55 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[A month after a Twitter exchange with the Bears’ starting quarterback, Miami Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall reiterated his affection for Jay Cutler. Marshall is under contract through the 2014 season, but he was asked by the Sun-Times if reuniting with his former Denver Broncos teammate would appeal to him. “Maybe down the road, we may have some extra picks, and we may be able to trade for him,” Marshall said. “But we have a quarterback in place in Matt Moore. He did an amazing job [in the] second half of the season, and where we go from there we’ll see. But Jay is a special talent, and he’s a great friend.” Marshall said he and Cutler stay in touch. “We’re very good friends,” Marshall said. “Cutler, man, he’s an amazing guy. He’s probably got one of the biggest hearts. I played with Cutler at a time when I was very young and immature, and his guidance and leadership helped me not fall off the deep end. So Cutler is a very special person to me.”

Source: Chicago Sun-Times (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/10476271-606/brandon-marshall-would-relish-reunion-with-buddy-jay-cutler.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[A month after a Twitter exchange with the Bears’ starting quarterback, Miami Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall reiterated his affection for Jay Cutler. Marshall is under contract through the 2014 season, but he was asked by the Sun-Times if reuniting with his former Denver Broncos teammate would appeal to him. “Maybe down the road, we may have some extra picks, and we may be able to trade for him,” Marshall said. “But we have a quarterback in place in Matt Moore. He did an amazing job [in the] second half of the season, and where we go from there we’ll see. But Jay is a special talent, and he’s a great friend.” Marshall said he and Cutler stay in touch. “We’re very good friends,” Marshall said. “Cutler, man, he’s an amazing guy. He’s probably got one of the biggest hearts. I played with Cutler at a time when I was very young and immature, and his guidance and leadership helped me not fall off the deep end. So Cutler is a very special person to me.”<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/10476271-606/brandon-marshall-would-relish-reunion-with-buddy-jay-cutler.html" target="_blank">Chicago Sun-Times</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Bears RB Matt Forte Okay With Franchise Tag If It Leads To New Contract</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181134</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:49:40 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte told the "Waddle & Silvy" program on ESPN 1000 in Chicago that he's okay with receiving the franchise tag if that leads to a long-term contract. "It depends on the motive of (the franchise tag)," Forte said on Thursday. "If they are doing the franchise tag just to get more time in order to negotiate a long-term deal then I would be okay with it. But if it's just to hold me another year and just 'Let's throw some money at him right now to keep him quiet,' that's not going to solve anything." The Bears have no intention of letting Forte depart via free agency, but have been unable to reach agreement on a long-term contract. The Bears were reportedly offering a contract that included $13 to $14 million in guaranteed money, while Forte's camp was looking at guaranteed money of over $20 million. The running back franchise tender is projected to be worth around $8 million in 2012. 

Source: Mac's Football Blog (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/matt-forte-okay-with-franchise-tag-if.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte told the &quot;Waddle &amp; Silvy&quot; program on ESPN 1000 in Chicago that he's okay with receiving the franchise tag if that leads to a long-term contract. &quot;It depends on the motive of (the franchise tag),&quot; Forte said on Thursday. &quot;If they are doing the franchise tag just to get more time in order to negotiate a long-term deal then I would be okay with it. But if it's just to hold me another year and just 'Let's throw some money at him right now to keep him quiet,' that's not going to solve anything.&quot; The Bears have no intention of letting Forte depart via free agency, but have been unable to reach agreement on a long-term contract. The Bears were reportedly offering a contract that included $13 to $14 million in guaranteed money, while Forte's camp was looking at guaranteed money of over $20 million. The running back franchise tender is projected to be worth around $8 million in 2012. <br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/matt-forte-okay-with-franchise-tag-if.html" target="_blank">Mac's Football Blog</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Judge Schedules NFL WR Sam Hurd's Trial For April 2]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181048</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:12:19 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>A federal judge has set an April 2 trial date for NFL wide receiver Sam Hurd, who is charged with trying to create a drug-distribution network. U.S. District Judge Jorge Solis, in an order Wednesday, set a pretrial conference for March 21 before an April trial in Dallas federal court, the trial could be delayed as Hurd, alleged co-conspirator Toby Lujan and federal prosecutors file motions beforehand. Hurd, 26, is accused of trying to buy large quantities of marijuana and cocaine, including an alleged buy of one kilogram of cocaine. He was arrested outside of a Chicago-area steakhouse on Dec. 14 and cut shortly afterward by the Chicago Bears. Hurd, a San Antonio native who played for the Bears and the Dallas Cowboys, has pleaded not guilty. 

Source: CBSSports (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/17095963/judge-schedules-hurd-trial-for-april-2-pending-likely-pretrial-motions/rss)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[A federal judge has set an April 2 trial date for NFL wide receiver Sam Hurd, who is charged with trying to create a drug-distribution network. U.S. District Judge Jorge Solis, in an order Wednesday, set a pretrial conference for March 21 before an April trial in Dallas federal court, the trial could be delayed as Hurd, alleged co-conspirator Toby Lujan and federal prosecutors file motions beforehand. Hurd, 26, is accused of trying to buy large quantities of marijuana and cocaine, including an alleged buy of one kilogram of cocaine. He was arrested outside of a Chicago-area steakhouse on Dec. 14 and cut shortly afterward by the Chicago Bears. Hurd, a San Antonio native who played for the Bears and the Dallas Cowboys, has pleaded not guilty. <br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/17095963/judge-schedules-hurd-trial-for-april-2-pending-likely-pretrial-motions/rss" target="_blank">CBSSports</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Bears Say They Won't Let RB Matt Forte Test Free Agency]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180899</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:58:56 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Chicago Bears president and CEO Ted Phillips discussed the team’s plans for RB Matt Forte on Tuesday by mentioning that they will not allow him to even reach free agency, via ESPN Chicago. “We’d like to (work out a long-term deal with Forte),” said Phillips while appearing on “The Waddle & Silvy Show” on ESPN 1000. “But as Phil pointed out we obviously will at least consider placing the franchise tag on him. We don’t have any intention of letting Matt hit the open market. We’ll sit down with him privately, Phil will, and discuss what the plans are prior to the Feb. 20 franchise tag date.” Forte was able to participate in last weekend’s Pro Bowl which is certainly a positive sign for his future status. Still, the two sides have been reported to be pretty far apart in previous discussions but that was with Jerry Angelo in place as the team’s GM. Phil Emery has since taken over so it’s safe to assume that they’re approach will be altered. Forte has previous said that he’d rather get a long-term deal done rather than play under the tag but from what the Bears front office are suggesting, it would only be a temporary move.

Source: NFL Trade Rumors (http://nfltraderumors.co/bears-will-not-allow-rb-matt-forte-to-test-the-market/)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Chicago Bears president and CEO Ted Phillips discussed the team’s plans for RB Matt Forte on Tuesday by mentioning that they will not allow him to even reach free agency, via ESPN Chicago. “We’d like to (work out a long-term deal with Forte),” said Phillips while appearing on “The Waddle &amp; Silvy Show” on ESPN 1000. “But as Phil pointed out we obviously will at least consider placing the franchise tag on him. We don’t have any intention of letting Matt hit the open market. We’ll sit down with him privately, Phil will, and discuss what the plans are prior to the Feb. 20 franchise tag date.” Forte was able to participate in last weekend’s Pro Bowl which is certainly a positive sign for his future status. Still, the two sides have been reported to be pretty far apart in previous discussions but that was with Jerry Angelo in place as the team’s GM. Phil Emery has since taken over so it’s safe to assume that they’re approach will be altered. Forte has previous said that he’d rather get a long-term deal done rather than play under the tag but from what the Bears front office are suggesting, it would only be a temporary move.<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://nfltraderumors.co/bears-will-not-allow-rb-matt-forte-to-test-the-market/" target="_blank">NFL Trade Rumors</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>State Panel Delays Payment On Soldier Field Improvements</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181017</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:24:50 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[A revamped Illinois Sports Facilities Authority board tabled a measure Wednesday that would approve a $2.6 million payment to the Chicago Park District for improvements to Soldier Field after members decided to review the relationship between the two agencies, including the subsidies the agency is required to give to the district. The funding is required as part of a deal for stadium renovations completed in 2003. The other annual subsidy is for maintenance, projected at $4.4 million this year. Both increase by 3 percent annually independently of the authority's revenue and do not reach a maximum, ISFA officials said Wednesday. Board members meeting for just the second time expressed concern about the open-ended arrangement and how the authority doesn't receive revenue from Soldier Field events. 

Source: Chicago Tribune (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-isfa-board-soldier-20120202,0,7989671.story)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[A revamped Illinois Sports Facilities Authority board tabled a measure Wednesday that would approve a $2.6 million payment to the Chicago Park District for improvements to Soldier Field after members decided to review the relationship between the two agencies, including the subsidies the agency is required to give to the district. The funding is required as part of a deal for stadium renovations completed in 2003. The other annual subsidy is for maintenance, projected at $4.4 million this year. Both increase by 3 percent annually independently of the authority's revenue and do not reach a maximum, ISFA officials said Wednesday. Board members meeting for just the second time expressed concern about the open-ended arrangement and how the authority doesn't receive revenue from Soldier Field events. <br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-isfa-board-soldier-20120202,0,7989671.story" target="_blank">Chicago Tribune</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Chiefs Deny Bears Request To Speak To QB Coach Jim Zorn</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180877</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:42:44 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[According to a league source, the Bears requested permission to speak to Chiefs quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn about the same position, but, the Chiefs denied that request. Because the Chiefs season was over, they could not block Emery -- the team's college scouting director -- from interviewing for the Bears' general manager vacancy. Zorn joined the Chiefs last offseason. Although head coach Todd Haley was fired, the Chiefs apparently like Zorn enough that they don't want him to leave.

Source: Chicago Sun-Times (http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2012/01/chiefs_denied_bears_request_to.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[According to a league source, the Bears requested permission to speak to Chiefs quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn about the same position, but, the Chiefs denied that request. Because the Chiefs season was over, they could not block Emery -- the team's college scouting director -- from interviewing for the Bears' general manager vacancy. Zorn joined the Chiefs last offseason. Although head coach Todd Haley was fired, the Chiefs apparently like Zorn enough that they don't want him to leave.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2012/01/chiefs_denied_bears_request_to.html" target="_blank">Chicago Sun-Times</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title>Bears To Interview Ex-Buccaneers QB Coach Alex Van Pelt</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180832</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:09:49 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Former Bucs quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt will interview with coach Lovie Smith for the newly created quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator position, according to a Chicago Tribune report. The Bears already interviewed Van Pelt's superior with the Bucs last year, new Jaguars QB coach Greg Olson, and made him an offer. But he rejected it and took the Jacksonville job. 

Source: CBS Sports (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/rapid-reports/post/17051366)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Former Bucs quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt will interview with coach Lovie Smith for the newly created quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator position, according to a Chicago Tribune report. The Bears already interviewed Van Pelt's superior with the Bucs last year, new Jaguars QB coach Greg Olson, and made him an offer. But he rejected it and took the Jacksonville job. <br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/rapid-reports/post/17051366" target="_blank">CBS Sports</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Tim Ruskell Out As Bears Player Personnel Director</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180782</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:40:24 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Sources tell Zach Zaidman of WSCR in Chicago that Tim Ruskell is out as Bears player personnel director.

Source: The Redzone (http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=23498)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Sources tell Zach Zaidman of WSCR in Chicago that Tim Ruskell is out as Bears player personnel director.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=23498" target="_blank">The Redzone</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Bears OG Chris Williams To Push OT J'Marcus Webb?]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180728</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:21:44 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Bears offensive line coach-turned-offensive coordinator Mike Tice has defended the play and potential of J'Marcus Webb, a seventh-round pick in the 2010 draft, at every turn but here's something to keep an eye on: Perhaps Tice will consider moving Chris Williams back to left tackle to compete with Webb. Williams started nine games at guard before he was lost for the season to a wrist injury. Next season, Webb likely will be penciled in as the starter at left tackle, Gabe Carimi as the starter at right tackle and Roberto Garza as the starter at center. There will plenty of competition for the two guard spots among Chris Spencer, Lance Louis and Edwin Williams. That's why Chris Williams might get a shot at left tackle.

Source: Chicago Sun-Times (http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2012/01/could_chris_williams_push_jmar.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Bears offensive line coach-turned-offensive coordinator Mike Tice has defended the play and potential of J'Marcus Webb, a seventh-round pick in the 2010 draft, at every turn but here's something to keep an eye on: Perhaps Tice will consider moving Chris Williams back to left tackle to compete with Webb. Williams started nine games at guard before he was lost for the season to a wrist injury. Next season, Webb likely will be penciled in as the starter at left tackle, Gabe Carimi as the starter at right tackle and Roberto Garza as the starter at center. There will plenty of competition for the two guard spots among Chris Spencer, Lance Louis and Edwin Williams. That's why Chris Williams might get a shot at left tackle.<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2012/01/could_chris_williams_push_jmar.html" target="_blank">Chicago Sun-Times</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Former LB Hunter Hillenmeyer Battles Bears, NFL Over Lost Benefits, Salary</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180721</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:51:45 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Former Bears linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer is battling the Bears and NFL for $900,000 due him according to the collective bargaining agreement after two doctors, one the independent neurological consultant for the Bears, recommended he no longer play football according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. The Bears cut him with one year and $1.8 million remaining on his contract, according to the union, Article 45 of the collective bargaining agreement stipulates Hillenmeyer is eligible for an injury protection benefit of 50 percent of his base salary up to $1 million, meaning he should be able to collect $900,000.  "We are going to remain aggressive," said DeMaurice Smith, the executive director of the NFLPA. "There are benefits in the collective bargaining agreement that clearly apply to players who were injured during the course of football, especially when there is medical justification to indicate that it would be dangerous for them to continue to play." "It makes me sick to see (the league) claim it is driving concussion research and putting player safety first," Hillenmeyer said. "The whole system is designed to do one thing: make owners money. … The Bears terminated his contract Feb. 28, 2011, one month after the team's concussion consultant, Dr. Elizabeth Pieroth, a board certified clinical neuropsychologist, examined him and recommended he no longer play. "Hunter is a very bright young man with an unfortunate history of multiple concussions from football," Pieroth wrote in her report. "Given this history, his apparent increased susceptibility/vulnerability to concussions, increased recovery time, and position as a linebacker, it is my recommendation that he consider retirement from professional football." The Bears denied the claim even though Hillenmeyer seemingly meets the criteria in the CBA of having "been physically unable, because of a severe football injury in an NFL game or practice, to participate in all or part of his club's last game of the season of injury." The NFLPA is digging in to battle an NFL position it calls "profoundly disappointing." Smith has been in communication with Roger Goodell, but there is no sense a resolution will soon be forthcoming. "When our players are injured in the game … we are going to remain aggressive in the way in which they are able to obtain benefits," Smith said.

Source: The Redzone (http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=23479)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Former Bears linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer is battling the Bears and NFL for $900,000 due him according to the collective bargaining agreement after two doctors, one the independent neurological consultant for the Bears, recommended he no longer play football according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. The Bears cut him with one year and $1.8 million remaining on his contract, according to the union, Article 45 of the collective bargaining agreement stipulates Hillenmeyer is eligible for an injury protection benefit of 50 percent of his base salary up to $1 million, meaning he should be able to collect $900,000.  &quot;We are going to remain aggressive,&quot; said DeMaurice Smith, the executive director of the NFLPA. &quot;There are benefits in the collective bargaining agreement that clearly apply to players who were injured during the course of football, especially when there is medical justification to indicate that it would be dangerous for them to continue to play.&quot; &quot;It makes me sick to see (the league) claim it is driving concussion research and putting player safety first,&quot; Hillenmeyer said. &quot;The whole system is designed to do one thing: make owners money. … The Bears terminated his contract Feb. 28, 2011, one month after the team's concussion consultant, Dr. Elizabeth Pieroth, a board certified clinical neuropsychologist, examined him and recommended he no longer play. &quot;Hunter is a very bright young man with an unfortunate history of multiple concussions from football,&quot; Pieroth wrote in her report. &quot;Given this history, his apparent increased susceptibility/vulnerability to concussions, increased recovery time, and position as a linebacker, it is my recommendation that he consider retirement from professional football.&quot; The Bears denied the claim even though Hillenmeyer seemingly meets the criteria in the CBA of having &quot;been physically unable, because of a severe football injury in an NFL game or practice, to participate in all or part of his club's last game of the season of injury.&quot; The NFLPA is digging in to battle an NFL position it calls &quot;profoundly disappointing.&quot; Smith has been in communication with Roger Goodell, but there is no sense a resolution will soon be forthcoming. &quot;When our players are injured in the game … we are going to remain aggressive in the way in which they are able to obtain benefits,&quot; Smith said.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=23479" target="_blank">The Redzone</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title>Bears Name Phil Emery General Manager</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180683</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:23:55 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Chicago Bears announced that Kansas City Chiefs Director of College Scouting Phil Emery has been named their general manager. Emery replaces Jerry Angelo, who was fired after the 2011 season, and will officially be introduced on Monday. After coaching at the college level from 1981-98, Emery joined the Bears scouting department. After seven years as an area scout, Emery spent five seasons as the Director of College Scouting for the Atlanta Falcons and has been with the Chiefs for the last three seasons. 

Source: Mac's Football Blog (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/01/bears-name-phil-emery-general-manager.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Chicago Bears announced that Kansas City Chiefs Director of College Scouting Phil Emery has been named their general manager. Emery replaces Jerry Angelo, who was fired after the 2011 season, and will officially be introduced on Monday. After coaching at the college level from 1981-98, Emery joined the Bears scouting department. After seven years as an area scout, Emery spent five seasons as the Director of College Scouting for the Atlanta Falcons and has been with the Chiefs for the last three seasons. <br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/01/bears-name-phil-emery-general-manager.html" target="_blank">Mac's Football Blog</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180683</guid>
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			<title>Bears Conclude GM Interviews; Decision Likely Next Week</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180657</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:31:09 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>The Bears concluded their general manager interviews Friday and a new GM is expected to be in place in a matter of days. Chiefs director of college scouting Phil Emery and Patriots director of pro personnel Jason Licht are the two finalists for the job. Outsiders have portrayed Emery as the favorite. It may or may not be significant that he was the final candidate to visit this week, and the final candidate to visit last week in the first wave of interviews. The next step for the Bears is for President Ted Phillips and Chairman George McCaskey to make a choice, then get ownership to rubber stamp the selection.

Source: Chicago Tribune (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-conclude-gm-interviews-decision-likely-next-week-20120127,0,2187793.story?track=rss)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Bears concluded their general manager interviews Friday and a new GM is expected to be in place in a matter of days. Chiefs director of college scouting Phil Emery and Patriots director of pro personnel Jason Licht are the two finalists for the job. Outsiders have portrayed Emery as the favorite. It may or may not be significant that he was the final candidate to visit this week, and the final candidate to visit last week in the first wave of interviews. The next step for the Bears is for President Ted Phillips and Chairman George McCaskey to make a choice, then get ownership to rubber stamp the selection.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-conclude-gm-interviews-decision-likely-next-week-20120127,0,2187793.story?track=rss" target="_blank">Chicago Tribune</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Jaguars QBs Coach Greg Olson Turned Down Bears Offer</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180613</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:43:18 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Before Greg Olson accepted the quarterbacks coach position with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he was interviewed for and was offered, but declined an opportunity to become the Chicago Bears' passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports. According to Biggs, Olson is the only candidate to interview for the position, but chose the Jaguars' offer, which included a longer term (three years compared to the Bears' two-year offer) and the additional title of "assistant head coach". The Bears' search for a quarterbacks coach will continue next week. 

Source: Mac's Football Blog (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/01/jaguars-qbs-coach-greg-olson-turned.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Before Greg Olson accepted the quarterbacks coach position with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he was interviewed for and was offered, but declined an opportunity to become the Chicago Bears' passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports. According to Biggs, Olson is the only candidate to interview for the position, but chose the Jaguars' offer, which included a longer term (three years compared to the Bears' two-year offer) and the additional title of &quot;assistant head coach&quot;. The Bears' search for a quarterbacks coach will continue next week. <br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/01/jaguars-qbs-coach-greg-olson-turned.html" target="_blank">Mac's Football Blog</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title>Patriots Personnel Executive Jason Licht Has Second Interview With Bears</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180612</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:38:33 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[New England Patriots Director of Pro Personnel Jason Licht conducted his second interview with the Chicago Bears for their open general manager position on Thursday. Licht is one of two finalists for the position, with Kansas City Chiefs college scouting director Phil Emery scheduled to have a second interview on Friday. Over the last 16 seasons, Licht has worked in the Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals personnel and scouting departments. Emery worked in the Bears' scouting department from 1998-2004 before spending five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and has been with the Chiefs for the last three seasons. 

Source: Mac's Football Blog (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/01/patriots-personnel-executive-jason.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[New England Patriots Director of Pro Personnel Jason Licht conducted his second interview with the Chicago Bears for their open general manager position on Thursday. Licht is one of two finalists for the position, with Kansas City Chiefs college scouting director Phil Emery scheduled to have a second interview on Friday. Over the last 16 seasons, Licht has worked in the Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals personnel and scouting departments. Emery worked in the Bears' scouting department from 1998-2004 before spending five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and has been with the Chiefs for the last three seasons. <br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/01/patriots-personnel-executive-jason.html" target="_blank">Mac's Football Blog</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title>Free Agent QB Donovan McNabb Thought Bears Would Sign Him</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180105</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:15:19 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Donovan McNabb admitted Friday that he was expecting a call from the Chicago Bears after Jay Cutler went down with a fractured thumb on Nov. 20, but that call never came and the Bears lost five of their last six to miss the playoffs according to ESPNChicago. The Bears did put in a claim on Kyle Orton after he was released by the Denver Broncos, but the Kansas City Chiefs claimed Orton before he was available to the Bears. Meanwhile McNabb, a Chicago native who was released by the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 1, watched Caleb Hanie lose four consecutive games for the Bears, who then turned to Josh McCown in losing their fifth straight. The Bears closed out the season with a win over the Vikes. "I thought the Bears would call," McNabb said on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "So many people continuously talked about the Mike Martz offense and things of that nature. I personally didn't care about that. If you want to win and win now, you go out and get a better quarterback and you cater your offense to his strengths, and obviously the strengths of your team. "Obviously it didn't work out well for them. It's unfortunate. I wish things would have worked out, but it didn't. We will see what happens from now on."

Source: The Redzone (http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=23314)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Donovan McNabb admitted Friday that he was expecting a call from the Chicago Bears after Jay Cutler went down with a fractured thumb on Nov. 20, but that call never came and the Bears lost five of their last six to miss the playoffs according to ESPNChicago. The Bears did put in a claim on Kyle Orton after he was released by the Denver Broncos, but the Kansas City Chiefs claimed Orton before he was available to the Bears. Meanwhile McNabb, a Chicago native who was released by the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 1, watched Caleb Hanie lose four consecutive games for the Bears, who then turned to Josh McCown in losing their fifth straight. The Bears closed out the season with a win over the Vikes. &quot;I thought the Bears would call,&quot; McNabb said on &quot;The Waddle &amp; Silvy Show&quot; on ESPN 1000. &quot;So many people continuously talked about the Mike Martz offense and things of that nature. I personally didn't care about that. If you want to win and win now, you go out and get a better quarterback and you cater your offense to his strengths, and obviously the strengths of your team. &quot;Obviously it didn't work out well for them. It's unfortunate. I wish things would have worked out, but it didn't. We will see what happens from now on.&quot;<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=23314" target="_blank">The Redzone</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180105</guid>
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			<title>Bears Bring Back Phil Emery, Jason Licht For More GM Interviews</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180516</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:37:28 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>After five days of little activity, the Bears general manager search is scheduled to heat up again Thursday when the team resumes interviewing candidates. Chiefs director of college scouting Phil Emery and Patriots director of pro personnel Jason Licht are scheduled to interview at Halas Hall over the next two days. The order of the interviews is unknown. The reason for the lull in the process is both men had other responsibilities this week with Senior Bowl practices being held in Mobile, Ala., and the Patriots preparing to face the Giants in the Super Bowl. Emery and Licht interviewed last week, and were the only candidates out of five asked back for second interviews.

Source: Chicago Tribune (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-bring-back-emery-licht-for-more-gm-interviews-20120125,0,3350427.story?track=rss)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[After five days of little activity, the Bears general manager search is scheduled to heat up again Thursday when the team resumes interviewing candidates. Chiefs director of college scouting Phil Emery and Patriots director of pro personnel Jason Licht are scheduled to interview at Halas Hall over the next two days. The order of the interviews is unknown. The reason for the lull in the process is both men had other responsibilities this week with Senior Bowl practices being held in Mobile, Ala., and the Patriots preparing to face the Giants in the Super Bowl. Emery and Licht interviewed last week, and were the only candidates out of five asked back for second interviews.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-bring-back-emery-licht-for-more-gm-interviews-20120125,0,3350427.story?track=rss" target="_blank">Chicago Tribune</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180516</guid>
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