Derrick Rose sat out of the Chicago Bulls loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday after suffering from back spasm and the Bulls point guard now plans to visit with a back specialist in Chicago on Monday.

Rose admitted to suffering from back issues for the last several weeks:

“The first time I remember (the back problems) happening were in high school,” Rose revealed. “But college I didn’t have it. First couple of years (in the NBA) I didn’t have it. All of a sudden it just happened now. Hopefully, (Monday) I’ll meet with some people and try to figure something out.”

According to Rose his back was giving him issues since the Chicago Bulls started their nine-game road series on Jan. 29 in Miami.

“It was the whole trip,” Rose said. “I just played through it and the more I played through it, it tended to get worse after every game. At the time I was really worried about it, but (I’m) just trying to stay positive and hopefully I’ll be all right.”

Rose also revealed that he has had a lot of pain when trying to handle even small tasks including walking.

Speaking of his star players turn for the worse Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau revealed:

“You’re always concerned. It’s something that he’s had before. He had it when he was in high school. So we’re hopeful that it gets cleared up shortly, but we want to make sure … back are tricky, so that’s why he’s going to see a specialist (Monday).”

Also out of Sunday’s game was Rip Hamilton who was attending to a personal matter. Rip has missed all but 11 games this season because of injuries, his last game occurring on Jan. 29.

With 22 points and 7 assists per game Derrick Rose will be missed if an extended leave is required.

Chicago Bulls Point Guard Derrick Rose To Meet With Back Specialist is a post from: The Inquisitr

Howard Morgan, a former Chicago cop, was convicted of four counts of attempted murder today.  The jury found him guilty even though a previous jury had found him innocent of all other charges related to the traffic stop in question and even though he had been shot 28 times by the four white police man.

The Chicago Fraternal Order of Police issued a statement praising the verdict and wrote “justice served” on their website.

Howard Morgan, a Chicago Police veteran, was off-duty as a detective for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad when he was stopped for driving the wrong way on a one-way street near 19th Street and Lawndale in the early morning hours of Feb. 21, 2005. When police tried to arrest him, prosecutors said, he pulled out his service Glock 9mm and started shooting.

Even though Morgan supposedly injured one of the four officers, he was shot 28 times by the other three.

In 2007, he was acquitted of charges of aggravated battery and discharging a weapon at a police officer. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on the attempted murder charges so by law he was able to be retried.

Rosalind Morgan, the convicted cop’s wife said,

“[Morgan] had never been in trouble, no prior arrests, no drugs, no alcohol. Four white officers and one black Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad police man with his weapon on him — around the corner from our home — and he just decided to go crazy? No. That’s ludicrous,”

To Rosalind Morgan, the case has nothing to do with justice and everything to do with race.

“If they can do this and eliminate double jeopardy and your constitutional rights, then my God, I fear for every Afro-American — whether they be male or female — in this corrupt unjust system,”

Police have always said the whole incident was done by the book.  It took Howard Morgan 7 months to recover from his wounds.

Do you think there is something weird about the police story in Howard Morgan’s arrest?

Watch a video on the incident.

Chicago Cop Shot 28 Times Then Convicted Of Attempted Murder is a post from: The Inquisitr

All-around American piece of garbage Drew Peterson has a made-for-TV movie hitting airwaves this weekend, but it’s not very likely he’ll get to watch Rob Lowe’s portrayal of himself from his pod at the Will County Detention Center.

The jail that Peterson has been held in since 2009 on a $20 million bail only has six TVs, and the remote control is in the hands of the on-duty officer. The officer does take requests from inmates, but with Saturday night’s Bulls game, chances are slim that prisoners will be tuning into Lifetime for Drew Peterson: Untouchable. Peterson himself can go either way, according to his attorney, Joel Brodsky:

“Drew finds the whole thing humorous,” Peterson’s defense attorney said. “If it’s on TV that night, I’m sure he’ll watch it.”

Not surprisingly, the film portrays Peterson in a rather negative light. The prosecution team, as well as the defense team, will themselves be tuning in:

“It’s not going to have any impact whatsoever on the prosecution of the case,” said state’s attorney spokesman Charles Pelkie.

Stacy Peterson’s family will also be tuning in from a Bolingbrook hotel, the same one where Peterson met Stacy and began an affair with her:

“If the movie generates a new lead or a tip, then something positive will have come of this,” family spokeswoman Pam Bosco said. “Either way, it won’t be entertainment for us.”

Brodsky calls the film a “fairy tale”, citing numerous inaccuracies, and expressing a desire for a change of venue after the film airs, depending on ratings. By contrast, Peterson defense attorney Steven Greenberg doesn’t seem as stressed about the film as his colleague:

“I’m pretty sure you can get Lifetime in every Illinois county,” he said. “No one is going to learn anything from this movie that they didn’t already hear about during the prior circus. [...] I’m going to watch the movie with a big martini in my hand — that’s how unconcerned I am about it.”

Peterson, of course, still denies all charges, no matter what Lifetime can do to sway our opinion.

What say you? Will you be tuning in to see Drew Peterson’s film on Lifetime this Saturday night?

Drew Peterson Might Not Catch His Lifetime Film From His Cell is a post from: The Inquisitr

Chicago, Illinois- Although much of the news surrounding American Idol star turned Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson has been positive in recent years, the singer suffered a nearly incomprehensible loss just a few short years ago.

Hudson lost much of her immediate family in an extremely tragic incident at the family home in Chicago in October of 2008. Her mother, 57-year-old Darnell Hudson Donerson, 57, and brother, 29-year-old Jason Hudson were found murdered in the house. Missing from the scene was Hudson’s seven-year-old nephew Julian King, and a stressful weekend of searching for the little boy- the son of Hudson’s sister Julia- ensued after the discovery of the bodies on a Friday.

That Monday, however, the boy’s body- he had been shot to death- was located in an SUV in the city, and Hudson identified him as little Julian. Authorities soon arrested the estranged husband of Hudson’s sister- 27-year-old William “Flex” Balfour- and charged him with the murders. Late last year, Hudson revealed in an interview with Ebony magazine that if not for a last-minute invitation from now-husband David Otunga, she too would have been at her mother’s house at the time of the murders. Hudson explained the near-miss:

“That’s one of the things that saved my life, because I could have been home with my mom then.He wanted me to come out to Florida with him instead of going to Chicago… I flew out to see him; that’s why I’m still here. I’ve never said that before, and I can’t believe I just said that now. But I didn’t know. He was just like, ‘I’m going to this wrestling thing, and it’s in Tampa. I’m going out there now, so you can come out there and see me versus going home.’”

The surviving members of Jennifer Hudson’s family can finally expect a chance at justice in 2012, as Balfour is set to stand what is expected to be a three to four month long trial on April 23rd. Balfour has pled not guilty on three counts of three counts of murder, aggravated kidnapping and home invasion.

Jennifer Hudson Family’s Murder Trial Date Set is a post from: The Inquisitr

Shantel McCoy, 32, was killed in the elevator of her Chicago apartment when a freak fire engulfed her in flames.

McCoy entered the elevator of her North Side apartment located at 3130 N. Lake Shore Dr. and began to proceed to her 12th floor apartment without realizing a fire had broken out.

According to the HuffingtonPost as the elevator doors opened Shantel was “hit with a superheated blast” as fire rushed into the new air pocket created by the elevator.

The marketing executive moved to Chicago less than one year ago and was found already dead on the scene when firefighters arrived.

NBC Chicago points out that the fire broke out in a single apartment and as the man and woman living in that apartment fled with their dog they did not shut the door.

According to Chicago Fire Department Chief Joe Roccasalva :

“If the fire is in your apartment, we tell people to get out and close the door. Each unit is a compartment to itself,”  and “… The door to the apartment where the fire started was not closed, and the super-heated toxic gasses all got into the hallway there. The heat in there is probably 1,500 to 2,000 degrees at the ceiling. And if she was standing in the elevator, she probably got it full, right on.”

Because of the door being left open nine other people were injured in the complex including two firefighters.

While older Chicago buildings have not been required to have sprinkler systems installed in hallways the city council earlier this month passed an extension giving building owners until the end of January to implement such safety equipment.

Chicago Woman Unknowingly Rides Elevator To Her Own Death is a post from: The Inquisitr

Charlie Trotter has decided to close his iconic Chicago landmark restaurant after 25 years in business.

Located on Armitage the restaurant according to it’s owner has always been profital, however he wants to take a “sabbatical” so he can travel the world with his wife and then go back to school where he plans to earn degrees in philosophy and political theory.  According to Trotter he has already been accepted into two graduate programs in Chicago and another in California.

Fans of Trotter’s food need not worry once his master’s degree is finished he plans to open a new restaurant, although what type of cuisine he will serve has not yet been revealed.

Trotter still owns the adjoining buildings at 816 W. Armitage which house the 120-seat venue and his studio kitchen. Trotter’s To Go, the chef’s takeout location at 1337 W. Fullerton will remain open for business during his sabbatical.

Speaking to the Chicago Sun Times he noted:

“We’ve always been profitable, that’s for sure,” he said. “We’ve certainly slowed down like a lot of high-end restaurants, but we’ve always been able to make money. We’ve always been busy.

“I just had to put the flag in the sand and say I’ve got to go for this; otherwise, I never will. If I don’t go for something while I’m in the prime of my life and I have the means to do it, well, why wouldn’t I?”

Plans for the closing were announced at Trotter’s $295 walk-around on New Year’s Even, an event in which guests can take part in all the fine dining they desire, including a caviar station.

With the closing 60 full-time employees will lose their jobs.

With the closing will mark the end of a restaurant that helped teach and nurture some of the best young chefs in the Chicago land area.

After several failed restaurants in Las Vegas closed their doors after two years in service Trotter said closing now after a quarter century would be like leaving on top.

In the meantime Trotter will keep the restaurant open for the next eight months in which a special dinner may be hard to come by as fans of his restaurant flock to the location for one last Trotter created meal.

The final day of service will happen on Aug. 31, 2012.

Are you a fan of Charlie Trotter’s? Will you be sad to see Charlie close the doors on August 31?

Charlie Trotter To Close Iconic Chicago Restaurant After 25-Years Of Successful Business is a post from: The Inquisitr

Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo was fired on Tuesday after the Bears fell out of playoff contention and finished their season with an 8-8 record.

Speaking of the decision Chicago Bears president Ted Phillips called it a “a difficult day” before naming director of player personnel Tim Ruskell as the interim leader for the team.

In a statement Phillips revealed:

“It was almost 11 years ago that I hired Jerry Angelo as our general manager. I was proud of that decision then, and I think Jerry achieved a lot as our general manager in the last 10-plus seasons,” Phillips said. “On a personal level, I knew him very well. He’s a wonderful man, high character. I’ve enjoyed every day working with him. I’m gonna miss him. But at the same time, we need more. The decision was made that we need to keep up the pace with our division rivals.”

The Chicago Bears are not giving exact reasons for their decision to fire Jerry Angelo, although they have hinted at bad NFL draft day choices, instead the club is focusing on the future with a GM search already underway.

In a vote of confidence for head coach Lovie Smith the Chicago Bears front office are said to be looking for a new GM that will mesh well with Lovie while providing a “strong character and work ethic.”

According to Phillips the team will not rule out any candidates as long as they agree to keep Lovie Smith as the Chicago Bears head coach for the 2012 season.

Jerry Angelo was in his 11th season with the Chicago Bears as the teams general manager and the season was off to a quick 7-3 start until quarterback Jay Cutler broke his thumb, quickly ending the Bears playoff hopes.

Do you think the Chicago Bears needed to fire Jerry Angelo in order to build a better team for the future?

Chicago Bears GM Jerry Angelo Fired is a post from: The Inquisitr

It is always fun to be the first.  A Chicago couple welcomed the first baby of the New Year at 1/10th of a second after midnight.

The 9-pound 10-ounce boy, Adrian Karol Kois was born in the Chicago suburb of Oak Town.

Chicago Boy Born at One Tenth of a Second After Midnight is a post from: The Inquisitr

A 58-year old woman in Illinois has won an appeals court ruling that will allow her to sue a dead teen who was hit by an Amtrak train.

The 18-year-old was in Chicago when he ran out in front of a train in an attempt to catch another train, the teen did not see the 70mph Amtrak coming when it took his life.

According to the Chicago Tribune the boys body parts went flying and a big chunk of his body landed on the 58-year-old nearly 100 feet away on the train platform, knocking her down and breaking her leg and wrist in the process.

The court of appeals ruled that the teens death was “reasonably foreseeable” based on his actions and the court would therefore allow the woman to sue his estate for medical costs and damages.

The plaintiffs lawyer admits that the case is  ”very peculiar and gory and creepy,” while also acknowledging that it’s a clear case of negligence. As her lawyer put it:

“If you do something as stupid as this guy did, you have to be responsible for what comes from it.”

Do you believe that what the teenager did was negligent and stupid or just plain stupid?

[Image via ShutterStock.com]

Dead Train Victim Being Sued For Flying Body Parts Injury is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Chicago Tribune is reporting an interesting new twist to a very old excuse.  It wasn’t me, it was the booze!  19 year old Howard Brundage was found passed out on a strange woman’s couch it wasn’t just a freaky one night stand, but similarly he had no recollection of the night before.

Charged with felony residential burglary, criminal trespass to a residence and criminal damage to property, Brundage claims he has no memory of the evening, but he remembers drinking a whole bunch of marshmallow flavored vodka.  Police were able to piece together the rest of the evening.

It seems that after consuming the sweet beverage, Brundage broke into an apartment and stole a bicycle,  After being spotted by residents of the building he took off on foot leading police on a crazy chase throughout the Riverside neighborhood of Chicago.

When he was sure he had shaken the police, he broke into a second woman’s house, walked over to the couch, kicked his shoes off and fell asleep.

“The victim in the second burglary woke up Christmas morning to a strange man sleeping on her couch,” Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel said in the release. “The homeowner’s quick call to 911 made this arrest possible.”

Sugary alcoholic drinks have been in the news quite a bit lately, as they are being accused of marketing to those too young to drink alcohol in the first place.  Chicago beverage company Four Loko had to settle a suit with the Federal Trade Commission last year in order to put to rest a lawsuit claiming that they were being deceitful in their labeling.  Four Loko is a fruity vodka drink that mixes liquor with energy drinks.

Have you ever heard of Marshmallow flavored vodka? Check out the ad below and let us know if you think they are marketing to kids?

Burglary Suspect: Blame it on the Marshmallow Vodka is a post from: The Inquisitr

In yet another example where the modern Catholic Church is shown to be out of touch with changing times a Cardinal in Chicago, Illinois this week likened the gay rights movement to the Ku Klux Klan.

According to MyFox Chicago Cardinal Francis George was speaking about a dispute between a local pastor and the timing of a gay rights pride parade when he told the local news station:

“You don’t want the gay liberation movement to morph into something like the Ku Klux Klan, demonstrating in the streets against Catholicism.”

When asked about his statement for clarification purposes he told his interviewer:

“The rhetoric of the KKK and the rhetoric of some of the gay liberation people—who is the enemy? The Catholic Church.”

While many of the Cardinal’s supporters will likely focus on the type of public rhetoric campaigns being used his choice to specifically compare gay rights to such a hateful group seems ultimately planned.

In response to his hate filled comments an LGBT rights group called his choice in wording “crude” and ”further evidence of just how insensitive and out of touch the hierarchy is.”

In responding to the remarks a diocesan spokesman said:

“Whether it was the best choice of analogy I don’t know. Taken out of context the meaning can be misinterpreted,” while they added, “I would suggest people read the whole interview.”

Even if the ultimate message from Cardinal Francis George was to show the similarities in rhetoric between two groups his crude position against gay rights with a close tie-in to the KKK was a poor choice in analogy.

Do you think the Cardinal could have found a less disrespectful analogy to get his point across?

The last thing the Catholic church needs at this time is more bad publicity which is exactly what they are receiving thanks to this message of misinformed hate.

Chicago Cardinal Says Gay Rights Movement Is Just Like The KKK is a post from: The Inquisitr

Fox News is reporting that a very disturbing photo posted to Facebook has sparked an investigation as to whether child abuse was taking place.

The picture shows a young child with her hands, legs and face bound with duct tape and a caption that said “This is wut [sic] happens wen [sic] my baby hits me back. ; )”, the picture was posted by Andre Dmcg Curry on Facebook where his profile described him as being 21 and married.

The picture has already spurned tons of hateful posts to the owners facebook page.

Officer Mike Sullivan, a spokesman for the Chicago Police Department, told FoxNews.com that the image has been linked to an “ongoing investigation”

Chicago Police Detectives Curry in for questioning. As of today he has not been placed under arrest.

Jimmie Whitelow, a spokesman for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, said his agency also is investigating the image. Whitelow said DCFS officials have had no prior contact with the family.

The issues being raised by this post and others like it are whether things like this should be considered funny (assuming that Curry didn’t actually do this to his own daughter) and what actions Child protective services should take if they turn out to be fakes.  Should a person who finds child abuse funny have his mental status and ability to care for his own children questioned?

It also raises all the typical questions of how far places like Facebook should go to maintain privacy.  Is there a way for the Internet giant to report things like this directly to the police?

Bound Child Photo Sparks Investigation in Chicago is a post from: The Inquisitr

David Sidener of Evansville, Indiana was found guilty of murdering Randall Hilderbrand in March by a Jury of his peers, Today he went to court to find out his fate.

During his sentencing hearing at the Cook County courthouse, Sidener told the victim’s brother that he was innocent, then called Cook County Judge Charles P. Burns “a lying son of a bitch.” according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

“I know you came here seeking justice, but you’re not going to get that today ” Sidener said to Randall Hilderbrand’s brother, Robert. “The man who killed your brother is out there with you.“I don’t care what this clown gives me,” he continued, turning to the judge.

He then proceeded to point at the judge, make fun of the way he talks and swear at him some more.

Burn responded by sentencing him to 60 years, a gift considering he could have gotten life.

Prosecutors said Sidener went to a bar with Hilderbrand and then went to Lucca’s Restaurant where Hilderbrand worked as a manager. Sidener lured Hilderbrand into the basement of the restaurant where he  beat and robbed him then tied him to a pole with duct tape and some power cords, and left him there to suffocate.

Prosecutors were asking for a really harsh sentence and felt satisfied with the sixty year verdict.

Should murders be given a chance for parole?

Curse The $@#%&% Judge? Sixty Years! is a post from: The Inquisitr

NBA Superstar Derrick Rose is going to be with the Chicago Bulls for another 5 years.  Derrick just inked a $94 Million Dollar contract extension which will keep him in the Windy City.  Rose was drafted in 2008 by the Chicago Bulls and has lead them to the playoffs every year he has been on the team.

Rose had generated a buzz during the lockout when he gave an interview placing the fault for the lockout squarely on the shoulders of the owners.  During the lockout he had said ““It’s sad. It’s very sad,” while adding, “Everybody knows it’s not our fault. It’s definitely not our fault. If it were up to us, we’d be out there playing. But I think that it’s wrong. I know (the owners) can easily take care of it and not take advantage of people. But I guess that’s how people are.”

Should NBA star make such huge salaries after a lockout deprived fans of half the season?

Derrick Rose Signs $94 Million Dollar Contract Extension With Chicago is a post from: The Inquisitr

See the pathetic looking mugshot above? That’s the hilarious outcome of a robbers attempt to steal from a mixed martial arts expert and ultimate fighter.

Anthony Miranda, a convicted felon, attempted to hold up a vehicle at 11:30 p.m on Friday by asking the driver or a lighter, when the drive said he didn’t have one the criminal pulled a handgun on the victim and demanded money.

A police report says the driver handed over all of his cash but was then told to get out of the car. When Miranda lost his focus the victim grabbed the gun, causing Miranda to shoot himself in the ankle.

The mixed martial arts specialist then pinned Miranda down to the ground and beat him to a bloody pulp until police arrested Miranda and took him to the hospital for treatment.

Anthony Miranda has been charged with armed robbery and aggravated discharge of a firearm (which resulted in his own injury). Miranda is being held on $350,000 bond in Chicago, IL.

Is this the dumbest criminal story you’ve heard in 2011? It may not be the most hair brained scheme I’ve read about but it’s always nice seeing the scum of the earth get what’s coming to them.

Robber Attempts To Steal From Ultimate Fighter, Gets Badly Beaten Up is a post from: The Inquisitr

Former Chicago first lady Maggie Daley has passed away after a long battle with breast cancer, she was 68-years-old.

The wife of former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Maggie was diagnosed with the common form of women’s cancer in 2002. When she first learned of her diagnosis she said she was shocked while adding:

“But you pick up and you move on. … I’m not alone here. There are a lot of people who have experienced this.”

Daley who stood at her husbands side for 22-years as he led the cities mayoral efforts was a beloved character in Chicago. After her death President Obama noted that Maggie’s efforts on behalff of the city’s children:

“Live on as national models for how to create environments for children to learn and grow outside the classroom.”

Currently Chicago Rahm Emanuel also offered his condolences, in a statement he said:

“Chicago has lost a warm and gracious First Lady who contributed immeasurably to our city. While Mayor Daley served as the head of this city, Maggie was its heart.”

While current Illinois Governor Pat Quinn added:

“The ever-gracious Maggie was devoted to her family and her faith. Maggie had a servant’s heart, especially for children. Through her founding and leadership of After School Matters, she lifted up thousands of Chicago teenagers with opportunities to discover their potential and find their path to a meaningful life.”

Mrs. Daley had become increasingly sick in recent weeks and was under home care with support from nurses and other employees from the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.

Maggie passed away in her own home during the morning hours. Maggie Daley is survived by her husband and three children.

Former Chicago First Lady Maggie Daley Dead at 68 is a post from: The Inquisitr

Oprah Winfrey purchased a sixth-floor luxury apartment in Chicago back in 2006 for $5.6 million but never moved into the home because of privacy concerns and now her home can be rented to anyone willing to pay $15,000 per month.

For that price the new tenant will receive 4,607 square feet of liveable space that including stunning views of Lake Michigan from the apartments library and master bedroom which also happens to boast 10 foot tall ceilings.

Located inside of a 1913 Beaux Arts building in the Gold Coast neighborhood the realty site Zillow notes that the complex is also home to other penthouse and mansion seeking VIPs.

Thrown in for the large monthly rental price is a grand foyer, butler’s pantry, solarium, wine room, gourmet kitchen and a two-car garage which will likely be used to house very expensive automobiles from anyone who can afford $15,000 per month.

From June 2008 through January 2009 the apartment was listed for $6 million but was pulled after minimal interest.

Here’s a view of the master bedroom:

Still not enough for you to justify spending $15,000 per month? How about a luxurious living room:

It’s a very elegant apartment but living in Illinois I can attest to the fact that those beautiful views of Lake Michigan eventually look like you’re staring at a giant block of ice in the colder winter months.

Oprah Winfrey’s Chicago Apartment For Rent, Lakefront Views Included is a post from: The Inquisitr

Earl Bennett won’t be wearing his trademark orange shoes with orange cleats when his team takes to the field at 3:15pm today, that’s because NFL officials have threatened to further fine Bennett and possibly kicked him out of the game if they are worn.

Last week Bennett was fined $10,000 for wearing orange shoes and officials have now told ESPN that he will not be allowed onto the field if he wears the shoes again.

Bennett received his “uniform violation” while playing against the Detroit Lions last Sunday and now he has acknowledged that further violations could cause issues for his team. In a statement about the situation Bennett told ESPN 1000 that the fine level would continue to increase and therefore he won’t take his chances.

Prior to tonight’s game Bennett was seen practicing in normal black cleat and a noticeable lack of orange design which carried over into his teams game against the San Diego Chargers.

Bennett missed five games this season due to a chest injury against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2, he current has 14 catches for 196 yards.

Do you think the league has went to far in keeping orange shoes and cleats off Bennett’s feat?

Chicago Bears Receiver Earl Bennett: Ditch Orange Shoes Or Face Suspension is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Chicago Bears and running back Matt Forte have not yet come to a contractual agreement for the 2012 season and now sources say the team will use the “franchise” tag on their star running back should contract negotiations fail.

Under the NFL franchise player tag Forte would be paid the average salary of the top five 2011 running back salaries, a number that is expected to fall from $9.45 million this season to $7.71 million for the 2012 roster.

Forte and Bears general manager Jerry Angelo failed to reach an agreement during the preseason and the GM said talks would be tabled until after the 2011 season draws to a close.

According to ESPNChicago.com the best offer made to the running back thus far includes an offer that maxed out at $13 to $14 million with guarantees.

Making an appearance on Rome is Burning last week Forte said the franchise player tag would make him feel undervalued:

 ”That’s not something I’m looking forward to,” he said, while adding, “I don’t want a one-year deal. I want a long-term extension. I think if they use the franchise tag that’s kind of a cheap way to go out. That’s not what I’m looking forward to. I want a long-term extension. I’ve been drafted by Chicago. I want to stay there so it’s not something I’m looking forward to.”

It would be foolish of the Bears to not reach an agreement with their star RB who is leading the NFL this season with 1,091 yards from scrimmage in just seven games, the fastest time a player has reached that milestone since 2004.

Do you believe the Chicago Bears should act quickly to offer Forte a deal that will keep him happy and playing in Chicago over the long-term?

Chicago Bears Will Make Matt Forte A Franchise Player If Contract Agreement Isn’t Reached is a post from: The Inquisitr

130 Occupy Chicago protesters were arrested at 1 a.m. on Sunday morning after they attempted to camp in Grant park after closing time.

The protesters were joined by 3,000 people in Chicago earlier in the day as they marched from Federal Plaza in the loop and arrived in Congress Plaza at Michigan Avenue and Congress Parkway.

The park which closes at 11 p.m. witnessed 130 people who decided to stay in Congress Plaza while hundreds of other people moved onto the nearby sidewalk which is located just off park district property.

Chicago Police made several announcements about the park closing time and then proceeded to create a barricade around those protesters who chose to stay.

By 2:40 a.m. 130 people had been arrested and a few hundred more remained on sidewalks towards the east and west sides of Michigan Avenue until approximately 3 a.m.

The newest round of arrests follows 175 people who were taken into custody by police last Sunday around the same 1 a.m. time period.

As police led people away early Sunday morning protesters stood on the sidewalk and chanted against the police:

“You serve the 99 percent,” “Whose park? Our park!” and “Why no press? Let the media in!”

Occupy Chicago is part of a larger movement that started as Occupy Wall Street and has since spread to various locations throughout the United States and around the world.

Last week Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel spoke with Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy and according to the Chicago Tribune he said he wanted the law department to talk with protesters ”to see if we can find a way to go forward so they can continue to express themselves …”

Do you think the protesters should have been allowed to stay in Grant Park or should they have listened to police and simply moved over to the public sidewalks located next to the park?

Chicago Police Arrest 130 Occupy Chicago Protesters is a post from: The Inquisitr