Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011
CSNChicago.com
Contract extension for NU coach?
Teddy Greenstein reports that top Northwestern University officials are working on a lucrative and comprehensive contract extension for Pat Fitzgerald, in an effort to make the coach part of the program for many years to come. The deal is expected to be wrapped up in the next few weeks.
The Big Ten coach already has a deal through 2015, but NU athletic director Jim Phillips told Fitzgerald that the school wanted to enhance his contract after this season.
Kerry Wood demands broadcast job?
In December, Wood signed a 1.5 million, one-year deal with the Cubs. WSCR-AM 670 reported that Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood had a clause in his contract guaranteeing him of a broadcast job after his playing career ends.
According to a Cubs spokesperson, "there is absolutely no truth to that."
News
CSNChicago's David Kaplan spoke with Kerry Wood and the Cubs reliever laughed off the story saying "I have no interest in broadcasting and that report is untrue." (Chicago Breaking Sports)
Reed Johnson back on the North Side
Fans were pleased when the Chicago Cubs signed Kerry Wood last month. Now another fan favorite is back in the friendly confines.
Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan reports that outfielder Reed Johnson was signed to a minor-league deal with no guaranteed money. Johnson won over fans with his wall-banging dives during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. According to Sullivan, he'll be competing with Fernando Perez for the reserve outfield spot. (Chicago Tribune)
Notre Dame's Floyd passes on NFL
Michael Floyd accepted the Sun Bowl MVP trophy on New Years Eve and his teammates knew that he had played his final game for Notre Dame. But Wednesday Floyd announced that he will be back for his senior season.
"This was one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make," Floyd said. "My dream has always been to play in the NFL but I didn't think that this was the best time to make that jump." (Chicago Tribune)
Seahawks coach teaches press conference etiquette
Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was interrupted during his press conference in which he addressed the media about his upcoming opponent Chicago Bears. The interruption came from a reporter's cell phone. Using it as an audio recorder, the phone was placed on Carroll's podium, and started vibrating in the middle of the presser.
Carroll was a good sport about the mishap, answering the phone and politely telling the caller that it was not a good time to talk, as he was in the middle of something. (Yahoo Sports)
Bulls commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.
On January 9, the North Suburban YMCA hosted a special event celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Current and former Chicago Bulls players visited the event and met with participants of the Y youth basketball program and children from the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago.
Ronnie Brewer, Sidney Green, and Bob Love signed autographs and posed for pictures with the children after watching a film about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement, and then led a discussion about the effect Dr. King had on the nation. (Trib Local)