Chicago Tribune: NFL departs from safety first

[marmar]

Allowing Bears-Vikings game outdoors on frozen field bad for all
David Haugh In the Wake of the News

December 17, 2010


Without hesitation I can harp on how the NFL made a misguided, contradictory statement during the year of player safety in allowing Monday night's Bears-Vikings game to be played on the frozen pond that will be TCF Bank Stadium.

I can question the wisdom of the league's decision past the jump or in 140 characters or less. From now until kickoff Monday, I could expound why Atlanta or Detroit or Indianapolis offers a safer, smarter venue for players and fans alike than where the NFC North title actually could be decided.

But I don't have to worry about making any tackles or reads against the Vikings. I only have to make deadline.

My attention on the task at hand can drift between now and then, so long as I make my flight and pack my toothbrush. It's different for the Bears, who understandably spent Thursday preoccupied with the league's protracted study of whether to play the game at an ill-equipped college facility in Minneapolis or a legitimate NFL stadium. .............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-1217-haugh-bears-chicago--20101216,0,6229128.column

[Poiuyt]

1. Oh boo hoo

George Halas would be rolling over in his grave to hear such whining. The Bears are supposed to be a tough team. This is the way football is supposed to be played.

[JonLP24]

2. I understand the concern

It doesn't have heating coils underneath yet like other cold weather venues so it will be kind of like playing on concrete(I've been told).

However I'm concerned about the home town fans. It is not good for them to see their home team play another game in Detroit or some place away from home.

[trotsky]

3. "kind of like playing on concrete"

So, exactly like Soldier Field was all those years when they had artificial turf?