NFL Concussions Require Heady Decisions

November 14, 2012 @ admin → No Comments

Midweek musings: Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is questionable for “Monday Night Football” (Nov. 19) at San Francisco because of a concussion. It’s expected that NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith will renew his call for the league to hire “concussion specialists” with no team affiliation to oversee concussion protocols and treat players. Apparently figuring out how to avoid concussions is not an option?

Nicole Moneer finished third in the bikini competition at the Sheru Classic in India.

* Speaking of the Bears they signed former backup quarterback Josh McCown. He might be considered QB insurance, although if you’re a Bears fan, you’re hoping it’s like term life insurance and don’t have to cash that policy.

* Speaking of signings, the Chicago Cubs signed former Minnesota Twins right-hander Scott Baker to a one-year deal. He missed the 2012 season because of elbow surgery. Seems like a good match for the Cubs. After all, the Cubs pretty much missed most of the 2012 season as well.

* Speaking of pitchers, former Chicago White Sox left-hander Mark Buehrle was part of a deal that would gut the Miami Marlins roster — and rid the team of much of its payroll. He reportedly is part of a multi-player deal that would send him, shortstop Jose Reyes, pitcher Josh Johnson, catcher John Buck and infielder-outfielder Emilio Bonifacio to Toronto for shortstop Yunel Escobar, right-hander Henderson Alvarez, catcher Jeff Mathis and prospects Jake Marisnick (OF), Adeiny Hechavarria (SS), Justin Nicolino (LHP) and Anthony DeSclafani (RHP) to the Marlins. All this after a disappointing Marlins season — in the standings and in the stands of a new stadium. If this fire sale doesn’t serve as a cautionary tale to anyone wanting to spend taxpayer money to build a stadium for MLB team, nothing does. Don’t look for commissioner Bud Selig to intervene “in the best interest of the game.” And especially not in the best interests of the taxpayers.

* If Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria is looking for a way to increase attendance, something says he better keep looking. And looking … and looking … and …

* Comcast SportsNet Chicago president Jim Corno will be among the inductees Saturday at the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame 35th Gala on Saturday (Nov. 17) at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. Former baseball star Mike Piazza will be master of ceremonies. Others to be inducted: Lou Lamoriello, Ned Colletti, Vito Antuofermo, Mark Recchi, Stefano Pelinga, Alicia Sacramone, John Smoltz and auto racing’s Venturini Family.

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Some more video from the Chicago Bulls-Boston Celtics game Monday (Nov. 12), including the Chicago Luvabulls, of course:

And the national anthem performed before the Nov. 10 game vs. Minnesota:

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This is the issue with Nicole Moneer in it. On the cover is Monica Brant.

With today being Wednesday (based on yesterday being Tuesday and the day before Monday), that means tomorrow will be Thursday. With me so far? And that means it’s almost time for another edition of “Sports & Torts” with co-hosts David Spada and Elliott Harris at noon Chicago time on talkzone.com. The show airs on Thursdays. This week’s lineup includes IFBB Bikini Pro Nicole Moneer. She has been an in-studio guest of the show but is so busy nowadays that we had to track her down for an interview at her chiropractor, Dr. Frederick Schuster of Total Athleticare in Schaumburg, Ill.

Nicole recently competed in the Sheru Classic in India and placed third in a world-class competition. She also is in a nine-page spread in the October/November issue of Planet Muscle with industry icon Monica Brant on the cover. If things go according to plan (which they occasionally do around here), the session with Nicole will include her going thought acupuncture, massage and neck cracking (ouch!).

Here is some video that Nicole taped after her session at Total Athleticare — meaning she survived the neck cracking: