Here’s a Heads-Up: Cutler to Miss Bears Game

The Chicago Bears announced Friday (Nov. 16) quarterback Jay Cutler would not play in Monday’s game at San Francisco because of a concussion he suffered in the Nov. 11 loss to the Houston Texans. The decision is not a surprise. Nor is the Bears’ secretive approach in waiting to say Jason Campbell will be the Bears QB. The organization seems to be more strong-headed than it is of having strong heads.

Kristin Cavallari apparently is more clear-headed than Jay Cutler.

* Bears coach Lovie Smith, who frequently is quoted but often has little to say, would not disclose whether Cutler would make the trip to the West Coast. “He’s not playing this week, and that’s about as much as I’m going to go into it. He’s getting better and we’re hopeful for next week. I think that should be enough for you all to go on right now.”

* Speaking of Bears coaches speaking, former Bears coach Mike Ditka suffered a minor stroke Friday. He told numerous media outlets he is OK. But he will miss his work Sunday for ESPN. No word whether the news that Hostess would be going out of business caused the stroke.

* The Chicago Bulls announced they will build a practice facility next to the United Center in time for the 2014-15 season. Meaning in plenty of time before they win their next NBA title.

* The selection of Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera as winner of the American League’s Most Valuable Player award over Los Angeles’ Mike Trout has sparked an outcry by those who use statistics to back their support for Trout. Until computers are the sole arbiter of such awards, there will be the element of human error — or subjectivity, however you want to look at it — in the process.

* Commissioner Bud Selig is going to take his time to review the Miami Marlins-Toronto Blue Jays multi-player deal. No surprise there. What would be a surprise is if Selig intervened. Considering the damage has been done to the Marlins fans base (well, assuming there is a Marlins fan base) by owner Jeffrey Loria once again tearing down a team, it would seem highly unlikely that Selig would take action against him.

* The New York Knicks lost their first game of the season Friday night at Memphis. Meaning at 6-1, they are going to have to pick up the pace if they want to challenge the Bulls’ record of 72 victories in a season. Something says the Knicks will be well into double digits in losses by the time Bulls goard Derrick Rose returns (whenever that might be).

Christ the King College Prep will be host for a Peace Games basketball tournament featurng rival gangs Saturday. It will run from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the school, 5088 W> Jackson Blvd., Chicago. Former Detroit Pistons star Isiah Thomas and activist Tio Hardiman helped organize the event. Hardiman is director of CeaseFire Illinois and parent of a Christ the Kings student.

“By getting gang members and other community teens together to play a sport, they have the opportunity to get to know each other better on the basketball court,” Thomas said. “We believe that it is hard to kill someone if you get to know him.”

The first peace tournament was held in September and was co-hosted by Thomas and Father Michael Pfleger at St. Sabina Church.

The tournament is free and open to the public. It’s a welcome change to have shooting involving basketballs and not bullets. Here’s hoping such events can lead to more understanding and less violence.

No video of Jay Cutler, but there’s Kristin Cavallari interviewed by CelebTV’s Kelli Zink:

Yes, there is room for more Victoria’s Secret videos. Even with former Bulls big man Tyson Chandler in one of them:

Advertising opportunities are available on ElliottHarris.com. For information and rates, contact sales@elliottharris.com.