CHICAGO Sports Teams, Scores, Stats, News, Standings, Rumors

Antti Niemi's defection to the Sharks will make things very interesting in the Western Conference.

Cats' Keys

Robert Smith talks about the keys to Northwestern's success this season.
The Big Break

PTI breaks down the Big Ten's two six-team divisions.

Ron Zook said he likes the attitude of his team as it prepares for its opener against Missouri.

Carlos Boozer won't sell himself or his teammates short; that's reflected in his goals for the upcoming year.

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Monday, September 2

Kicker Bob Thomas was released after the team could not trade him, giving the job to rookie Kevin Butler.
Tuesday, September 3

"We are not San Francisco, we are not San Diego. We are not Miami," coach Mike Ditka told a Gridiron Club lunch crowd. "We are the Bears. I like that. The Bears are not a throwing team. The Bears are not a finesse team. The Bears are not an exciting team, except to the extent that bone breaking can thrill."
Wednesday, September 4

The Bears withdrew their final offers to holdouts Al Harris and Todd Bell. "They both rejected our final offers last week," general manager Jerry Vainisi said.
Thursday, September 5

On Wednesday, more than 2,000 tickets were left for the Bears' regular-season opener against the Bucs on Sunday at Soldier Field. The game was sold out by Thursday afternoon after an anonymous buyer purchased the final 1,600 tickets, ensuring the game will not be blacked out.
Sunday, September 8

The Bears beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38-28 in the regular season opener. The artificial turf at Soldier Field registered as high as 133 degrees during the game.