SB Nation Chicago: All Posts by Tim Sieck

Pat Fitzgerald Tweet Draws Controversy

2012-02-14T22:48:52Z

Northwestern football coach Pat Fitzgerald is one of the most respected coaches in a field that has some of the real slime balls of this country. Over the weekend Fitzgerald caused a little controversy of his own, with a tweet about the Knicks Jeremy Lin.

Lin has come on strong the past few weeks and has become a media darling and popular NBA topic.

This past weekend Fitzgerald posted a tweet about Lin after the Knicks defeated the Lakers.

"Officially on the Jeremy Lin bandwagon. There's finally an NBA player who plays hard and says the right things off the court."

Now reading this tweet, it's hard not to see the fact their might be some racial element to it even if Fitzgerald didn't intend that to be the case.

What came out today was that Fitzgerald may have not even sent the tweet himself. ESPN Chicago reported Northwestern assistant Cody Cejda was the one that sent the tweet under Fitzgerald's name. This isn't an uncommon practice in college football.

Moral of the story is who really knows what Fitzgerald or Cejda meant with this tweet. Going forward though Fitzgerald might want to be the only one using his twitter account.

Jose Canseco Trying Out For Mexican League Team

2012-02-14T02:25:46Z

Former White Sox DH Jose Canseco is reportedly trying out for a team in the Mexican League. Canseco last played in professional baseball in 2001 which was for the White Sox. In a statement released by Canseco on Sunday:

"Back in baseball I knew I would play this year you just gotta believe in your dreams," Canseco wrote Sunday on Twitter. "Leave on redeye tonite to start spring training with AAA quintana roo tigers tomorrow . Team won league championship last year."

Canseco has been offered a contract by the Quintana Roo Tigers, but reportedly hasn't signed a contract yet.

The last thing Canseco did in baseball was in 2005 when he wrote a book which outed several former teammates for their use of steroids.

The former Athletic and White Sox played for seven teams in his career and won the AL MVP award in 1988.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago White Sox be sure to visit South Side Sox. Check out MLB Daily Dish for off-season rumors and reports.

Bruce Weber's Job On The Line?

2012-02-12T22:54:58Z

Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas spoke to fans on the radio Saturday and would not give head basketball coach Bruce Weber a vote of confidence to continue past this season. Thomas told WDWS radio in Champaign,

"Yes, obviously, that's something people are paying attention to right now," Thomas said, responding to a question regarding Weber's job security. "As I've always said, I will assess the situation at the end of the season no different than I do with the other 18 sports, no different than I did for the football program.

"I need to look at the total body of work and all of the things that come into play as far as making those decisions. Because those are important decisions and they affect a lot of people. I'll tell you this: No one wants to win more than I do. I'm here to win championships."

The Illini have underachieved for several years in a row now under Weber. The former Southern Illinois coach did reach the finals, but lost to North Carolina.

One knock against Weber has been his recruiting. The best season he had with Illinois was with players former Illini coach and current Kansas coach Bill Self had recruited.

For more on this game stay with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Illini check out Hail to the Orange. For more news and notes around the country, stick with SB Nation's college basketball news hub.

Tommie Harris's Wife Fighting For Her Life

2012-02-12T22:39:02Z

Sad news out of Oklahoma today as Chicago Bears reporter Sean Jensen has reported that the wife of former Bear Tommie Harris is on life support.

Ashley Harris is only 29 years old and suffered an apparent stroke or brain aneurism. Jensen also reported that several of Harris's former teammates with the Bears are heading to Oklahoma to be with Tommie Harris during this very difficult time.

Tommie Harris was a first-round pick of the Bears back in 2004. His promising Bears career was cut short because of injuries which resulted in his release from the Bears in February of 2011. Harris signed with Indianapolis after being cut from the Bears, but didn't make the Colts 53-man roster to start the season.

The former Oklahoma Sooner spent last season as a member of the San Diego Chargers.

Ashley and Tommie Harris have two children.

For more NFL news and notes, head over to SB Nation Pro Football, and stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more Bears updates and analysis. For more in-depth analysis of the Bears, visit Windy City Gridiron

Bulls Vs Celtics: Bulls Trail At Half

2012-02-12T21:48:29Z

The Bulls got off to a slow start Sunday against the Boston Celtics, but made a nice surge to pull within five points at the half. Chicago is playing without the services of reigning MVP Derrick Rose.

Joakim Noah leads the Bulls at half with 12 points and six rebounds, CJ Watson started in place for Rose and has eight points for the Bulls.

Fellow all-star Luol Deng only has one point so far in this game.

Boston is being led by Rajon Rondo, who is taking full advantage of Rose not playing. Rondo has 16 points and six assists at the half.

The Bulls are shooting only 34 percent from the field while Boston is an impressive 55 percent.

For more on this game, stay with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull, and for more on the Celtics, visit CelticsBlog. For more news and notes around the league, stick with SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Jeremy Roenick Hopes Blackhawks Will Retire His Number

2012-02-12T20:40:26Z

As the free fall for Chicago Blackhawks continues, one of their former players hopes to some day see his jersey number 27 hanging from the rafters of the United Center. Former Hawk Jeremy Roenick told ESPN Chicago that he hopes the Hawks will grant his wishes.

"Without question that is a huge goal of mine, to be retired in Chicago," Roenick said Saturday night before the Hawks took on the Coyotes. "I think it's the best honor that can be bestowed on you. As an athlete with the exception of the Hall of Fame this is by far the best thing bestowed upon you. And if its more than one team, really? Never in a million years would have thought that. My numbers speak for themselves in Chicago. When you talk about 100 years of a sports team, you have three people ever to score 50 goals ... I think we have a good enough relationship now after 20 years. We'll get there."

Roenick had his jersey retired by the Phoenix Coyotes on Saturday ironically before their game with the Blackhawks.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of this matchup, visit Blackhawks blog Second City Hockey. For more from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NHL news hub.

Illinois Vs Michigan Update: Illini Fall To Wolverines

2012-02-12T20:24:41Z

The up and down season for the Illinois Fighting Illini’s mens basketball team took another step toward playing in the NIT. Michigan defeated the Illini Sunday in Ann Arbor 70-61.

The Wolverines (19-7, 9-4) had a great balanced offensive attack in Sunday’s game. Four Michigan players scored in double figures led by Tim Hardaway Jr with 15 points. Trey Burke added 14 points, Evan Smotrycz 13 points, and Zack Novak added 12 points for the Wolverines.

Brandon Paul led the Illini (16-9, 5-7) with 21 points while Tyler Griffey added 18 points off the bench.

Illinois shot just 38.9 percent from the field compared to 50 percent for Michigan.

The Illini are in must win mode now if they have any plans of making the NCAA tournament next month.

For more on this game stay with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Illini check out Hail to the Orange and for more on the Wolverines head over to Maize n Brew. For more news and notes around the country, stick with SB Nation's college basketball news hub.

Bulls Vs Celtics: Derrick Rose Out For Sunday's Game

2012-02-12T19:52:43Z

Bulls star point guard Derrick Rose will not play Sunday against the Boston Celtics. Rose has been bothered by back spasms the past few weeks. The all-star missed Friday’s game against the Charlotte Bobcats, and also had reduced minutes against the New Orleans Hornets and New Jersey Nets.

This is a smart move for both the Bulls and Rose. Chicago is dominating so far this season so of most importance is getting Rose healthy and rested for the playoffs.

C.J. Watson will start in Rose’s place. Shooting guard Richard Hamilton will also miss Sunday’s game against the Celtics. The Bulls starting two guard has been out with a sore groin and will most likely miss another week.