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Mayor Lori Lightfoot should consider renaming Soldier Field to raise money and “explore the feasibility” of enclosing the stadium with a dome or roof, an advisory panel she appointed to study Chicago’s museum campus recommended.AdvertisementThe panel’s work marks Lightfoot’s attempt to keep the Chicago Bears, who are exploring a possible move to Arlington Heights, deflect blame if the venerable sports team leaves, and identify potential ways to improve a stretch of land that also includes the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium and the McCormick Place lakefront building.Lightfoot’s panel recommends transforming Solidarity Drive into a year-round plaza, creating educational programs for kids and adding large-scale art to rejuvenate the campus. For the museum campus, it recommends improving CTA service and adding a trolley and improving traffic around the area. Many of the report’s ideas are likely to run into financial or political challenges as officials wait for the Bears to make a decision and sort out their next steps.Advertisement[ The Arlington Heights Bears? Here’s what to know about the team’s possible move from Chicago’s Soldier Field. ]“Our beloved Museum Campus is an essential part of this city and requires special attention and care,” Lightfoot said in a statement. “The Museum Campus working group has provided us with a useful framework to guide that work, as well as to enhance the (campus) overall.”Although Lightfoot has made a point of emphasizing the broader museum campus, it’s the report’s recommendations involving Soldier Field that will draw the most attention.“To better utilize Soldier Field year-round, the City should also explore the feasibility of enclosing the stadium. From May to December, Soldier Field is a lively, highly utilized venue. During this time, the stadium is estimated to host anywhere from 96,000-240,000 people each month. However, the arena’s usage is much lower from January to April when the weather limits use of the stadium’s outdoor areas,” the panel said.“During these colder months, it is estimated that stadium attendance ranges from 1,200 to 66,800 people per month. Although an enclosed venue is unlikely to attract many more major concerts due to limited touring windows among other reasons, it would negate inconsistent weather conditions and allow Chicago to host coveted one-off events such as the Super Bowl and the NCAA Final Four Championship.”The report stops short of recommending the roof, though, saying “further analysis is required to fully understand the specific costs, the potential direct and indirect economic impacts, and the full range of potential funding sources available to determine options that are respectful to Chicago taxpayers.”It does note that the city should consider a sponsorship agreement with naming rights for Soldier Field, which was dedicated to soldiers in the 1920s. Sponsorship agreements at other stadiums, including SoFi Stadium in California and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, have brought in $400 million each, the panel said. Other arenas — like the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans — show that you could keep “Soldier Field” in the name and continue respecting its legacy as a tribute to American soldiers while also bringing in revenue, the panel said.The Bears have played at Soldier Field since moving from Wrigley Field in 1971. They played the 2002 season at Champaign’s Memorial Stadium while Soldier Field underwent a $690 million renovation. The stadium, which is owned by the Chicago Park District, holds 61,500 fans, the smallest capacity in the NFL. It can be difficult to reach and is out of date compared with newer football stadiums.[ [Don’t miss] Could the site of a proposed Chicago Bears stadium in Arlington Heights also include a minor league baseball complex? ]The Bears signed a purchase agreement for Arlington International Racecourse last fall, which won’t close until later this year at the earliest. Though it is not a done deal, the Bears’ interest in Arlington Heights sparked a rigorous debate over whether Chicago should attempt to keep the team and at what cost. One advantage for the Bears of moving to Arlington Heights is they would be able to develop the 326-acre property around the stadium with shopping, dining and entertainment.AdvertisementWhile she tries to determine if it’s possible to keep the team in Chicago, the mayor also needs to prepare for a post-Bears future at the lakefront so she can present a forward-looking plan to try to defray the loss of revenue and civic prestige if they leave.Afternoon BriefingDailyChicago Tribune editors’ top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon.Other recommendations include a suggestion that the city and other agencies “carefully evaluate” future options for Lakeside Center, a part of the McCormick Place center that faces “lagging utilization and significant maintenance requirements.” But any attempt to modernize the facility is likely to be costly and the 51-page report doesn’t generally address funding.The panel also recommends implementing a free or low-cost trolley, citing a program that ran in Chicago during the early 2000s but was discontinued in 2009 when its federal and corporate funding dried up. How a similar program could avoid the same fate is unclear, though the report said it “should ultimately grow to be self-sustaining through revenue from campus specific sources.”Another proposal is the creation of a pedestrian bridge connecting to Northerly Island.“During the 1933-34 Century of Progress World’s Fair, which was held on both sides of Burnham Harbor, the island was connected to the mainland by three bridges: one at today’s Solidarity Drive, another at 16th Street, and one at the southern end of the peninsula,” the report said. “In this spirit, the working group recommends that a new pedestrian bridge be created to connect Northerly Island either at the latitude of approximately 16th or 18th Street or at the southern end of the peninsula.”Further study would be needed, though, to recommend the most appropriate design and accommodate existing boats in the harbor and their access to Lake Michigan, posing logistical challenges.AdvertisementOther proposals deal with transportation to the campus and Soldier Field, which can be a real challenge. Proposals include improving CTA bus service and making other infrastructure changes.For next steps, the task force recommends Lightfoot establish a “stakeholder coordinating body” to work with the Park District, campus museums, city departments and others “to advance the execution of the recommendations outlined in this report.”

The three-bedroom, 1,820-square-foot Wheaton town home that former Major League Baseball player, former Chicago White Sox broadcaster and former Chicago Cubs minor league coach Jimmy Piersall owned until his death in 2017 has been listed for $345,000.Piersall, who died at age 87 in 2017, played for 17 years in the major leagues — though not for either Chicago team — and retired in 1967. For the final 40 years of his life, Piersall was a familiar figure in Chicago, including as a TV broadcaster for White Sox games for four years with Harry Caray in the late 1970s and early ‘80s and then remaining as a pregame and postgame analyst for two more years. Piersall later was a baseball analyst for WSCR-AM and WMVP-AM and also was a minor league coach for the Cubs for 14 seasons.AdvertisementPiersall had owned the eight-room Wheaton town home with his third wife, Jan, whom he married at an Oak Brook restaurant in October 1982. Records show that in August 1978, she paid $91,500 to buy the town home from its builder.Located in the Wheaton Oaks development, the two-story town home has three bathrooms, a vaulted living room with a fireplace, a dining room with crown moldings, and a kitchen with white cabinetry, under-cabinet lighting, white appliances, a tile backsplash and a walk-in pantry. Other features include a second-floor loft with a fireplace, a partially finished basement, a new roof, a new furnace and a primary bedroom suite with a walk-in closet and a remodeled bathroom.AdvertisementListing agent Joanne Spagnola of Baird & Warner Fox Valley told Elite Street that the town home is located “in a gem of a neighborhood.”“The neighborhood (is) complete with a swimming pool and a clubhouse, and residents walking their dogs or having joyful conversations with one another,” she said in a text message. “(This town home) is beautifully designed…with a private courtyard, desired floor plan, spacious kitchen plus (a partially) finished basement.”The town home is just two blocks from the place where Piersall and his wife met. The couple first ran into one another at a women’s racquetball demonstration at the nearby Wheaton Sport Center in 1979, Jan Piersall told the Tribune in 1992.Jan Piersall died after her husband, and her children from a previous marriage first listed the town home in early June for $350,000.  They cut the asking price to $345,000 on June 27.The town home had a $4,918 property tax bill in the 2021 tax year. Owners also must pay $400 a month in homeowners association dues.Goldsborough is a freelance writer.Join our Chicago Dream Homes Facebook group for more luxury listings and real estate news.

MOSCOW — Jailed American basketball star Brittney Griner on Thursday pleaded guilty to drug possession and smuggling during her trial in Moscow but said she had no intention of committing a crime, Russian news agencies reported.The reports quoted Griner as saying through an interpreter at the court hearing that she had acted unintentionally because she was packing in haste.AdvertisementGriner was detained in February at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport after vape canisters with cannabis oil allegedly were found in her luggage. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of large-scale transportation of drugs.The trial of the Phoenix Mercury star and two-time Olympic gold medalist began last week amid a growing chorus of calls for Washington to do more to secure her freedom nearly five months after her arrest.AdvertisementBefore Thursday’s hearing, Russian police escorted Griner, handcuffed and clad in a bright red T-shirt and sports trousers, into the courtroom past a crowd of journalists.The athlete was detained in February at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport after vape canisters with cannabis oil allegedly were found in her luggage. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of large-scale transportation of drugs.Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned Thursday that “attempts by the American side to make noise in public … don’t help the practical settlement of issues.”The White House said President Joe Biden called Griner’s wife on Wednesday to assure her that he’s doing all he can to obtain the athlete’s release, as soon as possible. They spoke after Biden read a letter from Griner in which she said she feared she’d never return home.WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted to a courtroom for a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, on July 7, 2022. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP)Washington hasn’t made public its strategy in the case and the United States may have little leverage with Moscow because of strong animosity due to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. The State Department has designated Griner as wrongfully detained, moving her case under the supervision of its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, effectively the government’s chief hostage negotiator.Asked about the possibility of Griner being swapped for a Russian jailed in the U.S., Ryabkov, the senior Russian diplomat, noted that until her trial is over “there are no formal or procedural reasons to talk about any further steps.”He warned that U.S. criticism, including a description of Griner as wrongfully detained and dismissive comments about the Russian judicial system, “makes it difficult to engage in detailed discussion of any possible exchanges.”“The persistence with which the U.S. administration … describes those who were handed prison sentences for serious criminal articles and those who are awaiting the end of investigation and court verdicts as ‘wrongfully detained’ reflects Washington’s refusal to have a sober view of the outside world,” Ryabkov snapped.AdvertisementThe trial of the Phoenix Mercury star and two-time Olympic gold medalist was adjourned after its start last week because two scheduled witnesses did not appear. Such delays are routine in Russian courts and her detention has been authorized through Dec. 20, suggesting the proceedings could last months.Although Griner’s supporters initially kept a low profile, calls for the United States to take action spiked after the trial’s first day.The Rev. Al Sharpton, one of America’s most prominent Black activists, this week called for Biden to arrange a prayer meeting with Griner, saying, “Four months is too long for this to have gone on, and I hope the President acts on her pleas to come home.”An organization called Win With Black Women sent Biden a letter saying Secretary of State Antony Blinken “has called Cherelle Griner, Brittney’s wife, assuring her and stating publicly that Brittney’s safe return was a matter of personal priority; however, we are concerned that the rhetoric does not appear to align with the actions taken to date. We urge you to make a deal to get Brittney back home swiftly.”Russian news media have repeatedly speculated that Griner could be swapped for Russian arms trader Viktor Bout, nicknamed “the Merchant of Death,” who is serving a 25-year sentence in the U.S. on conviction of conspiracy to kill U.S. citizens and providing aid to a terrorist organization.Russia has agitated for Bout’s release for years. But the wide discrepancy between Griner’s alleged offense and Bout’s global dealings in deadly weapons could make such a swap unpalatable to Washington.AdvertisementOthers have suggested that she could be traded along with Paul Whelan, a former Marine and security director serving a 16-year sentence in Russia on an espionage conviction that the U.S. has repeatedly described as a setup.Russia has shown no signs of backing off.“This is a serious offense, confirmed by indisputable evidence … Attempts to present the case as if the American was detained illegally do not hold up,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexei Zaitsev said Wednesday.“The law has been violated, and arguments about the innocent nature of Griner’s addiction, which, by the way, is punishable in some U.S. states, are inappropriate in this case,” he said.

There was a general consensus throughout the first four days of Chicago Bulls summer league — Marko Simonović bulked up in the offseason.Simonović’s growth earned him immediate praise from summer league coach John Bryant and the Bulls staff in the first days of training.Advertisement“I’m so happy to hear that because I’m really working on it,” Simonović said Tuesday. “Every day I try to improve my body and put some muscles on.”Simonović weighed 215 pounds when he arrived in Chicago as a newly drafted rookie out of Serbia. The center said he bulked up to 240 pounds in the last year, a 25-pound increase that’s most visible across the expanse of his shoulders and chest. The Bulls media guide, for the record, still lists Simonović at 220 pounds.AdvertisementAfter debuting for the Bulls in November, Simonović played most of his rookie ball with the Windy City Bulls in the G League. Although he rotated into Bulls practices throughout the season, Simonović spent most of the final months of the season away from the first team.So his newfound size and strength came as a surprise to some of the coaching staff when he walked into the gym this month.“He’s eating at least,” Bryant joked Tuesday after Simonović’s first practice with the summer league roster.But the center says he didn’t have to adjust his diet.Bryant — who works with the Bulls’ big men during the season — said Simonović’s size was a promising sign for the young center. Rim protection and paint production are two points of emphasis for the Bulls, who operate with a smaller lineup that often allows opponents to play bully ball down low.Bryant feels the second-year center still needs to work on his ability to finish through contact, a skill that will only be helped with increased size and muscle mass.Simonović noted his pick-and-pop skills improved throughout his rookie season, which could allow him to slot in as a like-for-like backup for starting center Nikola Vučević.“His hands have gotten better along with his body,” Bryant said. “He’s very much improved, particularly in pick-and-roll play.”AdvertisementChicago Tribune SportsWeekdaysA daily sports newsletter delivered to your inbox for your morning commute.Simonović traveled home to Europe for part of the summer but kept his sights set on the summer league. While abroad, he trained with Vučević, who speaks Serbian and offered advice about transitioning to the NBA.The Balkan connection has been strong for the Bulls all summer — the pair linked up with fellow Serbian Nikola Jovanović to train during the offseason, and Vučević helped recruit shooting guard Goran Dragić to Chicago during free agency.Simonović said the relationship with Vučević has been vital to his growth in Chicago.“He’s like my big brother here,” Simonović said. “He helped me on the court and off of the court.”Despite Simonović’s growth over the last year, Bryant said he still wasn’t sure if Simonović will be ready to become a full-time member of the Bulls rotation next season. The Bulls acquired center Andre Drummond in one of only two free-agency acquisitions outside of re-signing Zach LaVine.But Simonović feels he has grown enough to be a consistent feature of the Bulls rotation, even if those minutes come as a role player.Advertisement“This is a process,” Simonović said. “I know that it’s not all in one year. This is is a process and I need the time to understand everything and to learn everything. … I’m ready to work. I’ve been working every day to be better and to get some minutes in the NBA.”

Chicago is hosting the WNBA All-Star Game for the first time this weekend at Wintrust Arena — home of the defending champion Sky. There will be several festivities to observe and partake in at the 10,387-seat venue and surrounding area, so here’s a breakdown of what to know, what to see, where to go and how to get there.The All-Star Game will be played at noon Sunday at Wintrust Arena and will air on ABC-7. Other major events this weekend include the 3-point contest and skills challenge, which will be carried on ESPN at 2 p.m. Saturday.AdvertisementThe WNBA switched to a team-captain format in 2018, and this year’s teams are led by A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm. Aces coach Becky Hammon will serve as the coach of Team Wilson, while the Sky’s James Wade will coach Team Stewart.Sky star Candace Parker was selected with the No. 1 pick in the All-Star selection draft.AdvertisementExpandAutoplayImage 1 of 46Candace Parker poses for a photo with her mother Natasha Parker and others inside Wintrust Arena before the parade and rally on Oct. 19, 2021. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)Team WilsonKelsey PlumGuard, Aces, 1st All-Star selection.Plum was named the 2021 Sixth Player of the Year and won a gold medal in 3×3 in the 2021 Olympic Games.Sabrina IonescuGuard, New York Liberty, 1st All-Star selection.After a decorated college career at Oregon, Ionescu was the No. 1 pick in the 2020 draft.Candace ParkerAdvertisementForward, Sky, 7th All-Star selection.The Naperville Central alumna is a two-time WNBA champion and two-time WNBA MVP.A’ja Wilson (captain)Forward, Aces, 4th All-Star selection.Wilson was rookie of the year in 2018 and WNBA MVP in 2020.Sylvia FowlesAdvertisementCenter, Minnesota Lynx, 8th All-Star selection.Fowles, who started her WNBA career with the Sky in 2008, announced that 2022 will be her final season. She is a former WNBA MVP, two-time Finals MVP and two-time league champion.Reserves: Ariel Atkins (G, Washington Mystics), Rhyne Howard (G, Atlanta Dream), Courtney Vandersloot (G, Sky), Dearica Hamby (F, Aces), Natasha Howard (F, Liberty) and Brionna Jones (F, Sun).Team StewartSue BirdGuard, Storm, 13th All-Star selection.AdvertisementBird, a four-time WNBA champion, announced that this season would be her last.Jackie YoungGuard, Aces, 1st All-Star selection.Drafted in 2019, Young is the second Notre Dame player to be selected No. 1 overall.Breanna Stewart (captain)Forward, Storm, 4th All-Star selection.AdvertisementStewart is a former WNBA MVP, two-time Finals MVP and three-time league champion.Nneka OgwumikeForward, Los Angeles Sparks, 7th All-Star selection.Oguwimike, the first selection in the 2012 draft, was the 2016 WNBA MVP.Jonquel JonesForward, Connecticut Sun, 4th All-Star selection.AdvertisementOne of the best rebounders in the WNBA, Jones is the reigning MVP.Reserves: Kahleah Copper (G, Sky), Skylar Diggins-Smith (G, Phoenix Mercury), Jewell Loyd (G, Storm), Arike Ogunbowale (G, Dallas Wings), Emma Meesseman (F, Sky) and Alyssa Thomas (F, Sun).Brittney Griner (honorary)WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert named Griner, who has been detained in Russia since Feb. 17, an honorary starter for this year’s event.ExpandAutoplayImage 1 of 21Coach James Wade with Candace Parker, Courtney Vandersloot, Azura Stevens, Allie Quigley and Emma Meesseman at Chicago Sky media day on May 3, 2022. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)Kahleah CopperDrafted seventh overall in 2016 by the Mystics, the 6-1 guard was traded to the Sky in 2017 in the deal that sent Elena Delle Donne to the Mystics. The 2021 WNBA Finals MVP also won the 2022 Euroleague regular-season MVP. This is the Philadelphia native’s second straight All-Star appearance.AdvertisementEmma MeessemanThe 6-4 power forward was picked by the Mystics in the second round of the 2013 draft. In 2019, the Belgium native became the first reserve player in WNBA history to win Finals MVP. This is her second All-Star appearance.Courtney VanderslootSelected third overall by the Sky in the 2011 draft, Vandersloot will be making her fourth All-Star appearance. In 2021, the 5-8 point guard recorded the most assists in a single postseason in WNBA history.James WadeKnown as “Coco,” Wade is the Sky head coach and general manager. He was named the 2019 coach of the year. In 2021 he led the team to its first league championship. In this year’s All-Star Game, Wade will coach Team Stewart.AdvertisementWintrust Arena is located at 200 E. Cermak Road, near McCormick Place.There are three parking lots at McCormick Place, the closest to the arena located at 2301 S. Prairie Ave. Street parking is possible but not recommended — be conscious of signage requiring permits or other restrictions.Public transportation might be your best option. Wintrust Arena is served by CTA bus Nos. 3 King Drive, 21 Cermak Road and 4 Cottage Grove.You can take the CTA Green Line to the Cermak-McCormick Place stop, about three blocks from the arena, or the Red Line to the Cermak-Chinatown stop, about four blocks away.Two Metra stops — 18th Street and McCormick Place — are within walking distance for lines servicing the South Side.Friday, July 8AdvertisementOrange Carpet, evening: The WNBA social media accounts will cover players — and their sense of style — as they walk the orange carpet.Saturday, July 9New this year is WNBA Live, a series of events that will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the corner of East Cermak Road and South Indiana Avenue. The showcase is free but requires registration. Here are the events:Welcome, 11 a.m.: Sky players kick off WNBA Live with an official welcome.Title IX discussion, noon: Moderated by two-time WNBA champion Taj McWilliams-Franklin, the panel discussion features the Liberty’s Betnijah Laney and the Lynx’s Napheesa Collier and will focus on gender equity and the future of women’s sports.Viewing party, 2 p.m.: Join an outdoor viewing party for the 3-point contest and skills competition.Sky meet and greet, 3 p.m.: Sky players Kahleah Copper and Azurá Stevens are scheduled to meet fans.Basketball clinic, 3 p.m.: This free clinic focuses on teaching fundamentals to youth basketball players.Sunday, July 10All events take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at WNBA Live.AdvertisementAll-Star Game viewing party, noon: Fans not inside Wintrust Arena can attend a watch party hosted by DJ Megan Taylor.Celebrations, postgame: All-Star Game festivities conclude with a party and music from Chicago artist Senite.ExpandAutoplayImage 1 of 23Chicago Sky players, including MVP Kahleah Copper, celebrate after winning the WNBA championship on Oct. 17, 2021, at Wintrust Arena. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)Yes! The Sky guard and DePaul alumna will be aiming for her fourth title in the contest — that’s despite her promise that last year’s triumph would be her last appearance. Quigley also won in 2017 and 2018.“Everybody was talking to me nonstop about it,” Quigley said Wednesday. “I didn’t want to let the city down or my family and friends down. It’ll be fun and it’s nice that it’s at home. It’ll be a good experience.”The rest of the field has not been announced.Player activism: WNBA stars are among the most vocal athletes, in many cases more so than their male counterparts. Players this weekend undoubtedly will speak out on Griner’s detention in Russia and the U.S. government’s response to it.Players also have been outspoken about the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, LGBTQ rights and other issues.Candace Parker and Sylvia Fowles’ relationship: Parker and Fowles have a long history together. They were opponents in college at Tennessee and LSU, Olympic teammates on Team USA in 2008 and 2012 and inducted into the SEC Hall of Fame at the same time. In the 2016 WNBA Finals, Parker and the Sparks defeated Fowles and the Lynx.AdvertisementIn Fowles’ final All-Star appearance, she and Parker are once again matched up as competitors.Friday, July 8Playa Society pop-up, 3-5 p.m.: The apparel brand will do giveaways and more at 16th Street Bar & Lounge, 75 E. 16th St.Wintrust Arena’s bag policy is stricter than most other Chicago sports venues. Purses, backpacks, cinch bags and fanny packs are prohibited.Clear tote bags no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches are OK, as are one-gallon plastic storage bags. A small clutch purse no larger than 4½ inches by 6½ inches is acceptable.Freelance reporter James Kay contributed.

Kyle Hendricks was pulled after three innings Tuesday night in Milwaukee with right shoulder soreness, and the first question posed to Chicago Cubs manager David Ross was how Hendricks was feeling.“Uh, I mean, I think that’s a weird question to ask, right?” Ross replied. “We took him out. He’s just a little tender.”AdvertisementIt was not a weird question. It was, however, a weird response from Ross.Hendricks’ health is important to the Cubs as they try to salvage something from this brutal season. And as a fan favorite and one of the only remaining players from the 2016 championship team, Hendricks’ status is important to many of those still tuning into the Cubs as they play out the string in the second half.AdvertisementSo if Ross is going to get upset about an innocuous question from the network owned by the team, it’s going to make for a rough second half for the third-year manager.Cubs manager David Ross walks on the field after the seventh inning against the Pirates on May 16 at Wrigley Field. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)And as it turned out, Hendricks was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a right shoulder strain, leaving him out of action until after the All-Star break.The Cubs went on to beat the Brewers 2-1 at American Family Field to win their fourth straight series and headed to Los Angeles on an up note entering a four-game set against the Dodgers.Despite the modest hot streak, the Cubs are 34-48 and on pace to lose 95 games, and the only remaining suspense is who will be dealt by the Aug. 2 trade deadline. Once Willson Contreras departs, the reasons for watching grow even shorter.[ [Don’t miss] Which Chicago Cubs players are likely to get traded? Here’s where things stand with the deadline 1 month away. ][ [Don’t miss] Marcus Stroman was ‘gutted’ after Roe was overturned. ‘It’s their body, it’s their choice until the day I die,’ the Chicago Cubs pitcher says. ]Here’s another weird question: Does Ross realize how easy he has had it in Chicago?The struggles of the White Sox and the ongoing Tony La Russa saga have taken up most of the bandwidth in town, leaving the Cubs to play second fiddle to their crosstown rivals. That’s a good thing for Ross, who hasn’t had to deal with the daily scrutiny La Russa faces.Ross’ job the remaining three months will be to develop young players, get closer to .500 by the end of September and give fans a reason to believe the organization is heading in the right direction. He has been given a virtual pass this season because no one expected the Cubs to do much. But since June 14, 2021, the Cubs have a .374 winning percentage (67-112), which is unacceptable by anyone’s standards.In fact, that’s even worse than Dale Sveum’s .392 winning percentage (127-197) in the first two seasons of the original rebuild in 2012–13, when the Cubs were trying to lose to get better draft position. Sveum never really had a chance and was fired in 2013 after allegedly being too tough on the young talent, particularly shortstop Starlin Castro.AdvertisementWhen the Cubs began to win under Joe Maddon in 2015, fans thought they never would have to go through a stretch of losing like 2012-13 again. How wrong they were.Chicago Tribune SportsWeekdaysA daily sports newsletter delivered to your inbox for your morning commute.Ross has no worries about getting the Sveum treatment from Cubs management. He’s Hoyer’s friend and just signed an extension in spring training. Ross’s job is safer than perhaps any manager besides La Russa.But that doesn’t mean he has been absolved by Cubs fans for the team’s plight. Ditto for pitching coach Tommy Hottovy, whose starters ended the first half Tuesday with a 4.95 ERA and 17-32 record. The starters’ 5.85 ERA in June was the second worst in baseball, ahead of only the Detroit Tigers’ 6.04. Injuries to Marcus Stroman, Wade Miley and Drew Smyly can be blamed.But Stroman wasn’t consistent when he was healthy, and Miley, picked up on waivers from the Cincinnati Reds, hasn’t been healthy enough to know whether he would’ve made a difference.The matchup against the Dodgers in Los Angeles will be another stark reminder of what kind of team the Cubs should have been — always contending and often dominating. It’s a big-market team that acts like one. The Cubs can’t even compete in one of the weakest divisions in baseball.But at least it’s half over, so maybe the worst really is behind them.AdvertisementCan the Cubs have a second half that creates a sense of optimism for 2023, or will it be one step forward and three steps back the rest of the way?Weird question, I know.

MONTREAL — Former Chicago Blackhawks and NHL defenseman Bryan Marchment died unexpectedly Wednesday in Montreal, his agent said. He was 53.Longtime agent Rick Curran confirmed Marchment’s death to the Associated Press. Marchment was attending the NHL draft in Montreal as a scout for the San Jose Sharks.AdvertisementA cause of death was not immediately available.“It’s a sad day for for me personally, a very sad day for our organization,” said Mike Grier, who was named Sharks general manager Tuesday. “He meant a lot to a lot of people in our organization, our players, our staff —anyone who knew Brian, the type of man he was. He was just an honest, a down-to-earth, loving person who just cared about everyone. He had time for everyone in the building. Anyone he came across, he had time for. “AdvertisementMarchment played parts of 17 NHL seasons from 1989-2006 with the Blackhawks, Winnipeg Jets, Hartford Whalers, Edmonton Oilers, Tampa Bay Lightning, San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanceh, Toronto Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames. The Scarborough, Ontario, native had been working in scouting and other roles for the Sharks and their American Hockey League affiliate since 2007.Colorado Avalanche defenseman Bryan Marchment skates during warmups before a game against the Coyotes on March 10, 2003, at Pepsi Center in Denver. Marchment died unexpectedly Monday in Montreal at 53. (JACK DEMPSEY / AP)The NHL and NHL Alumni Association offered their condolences in statements released Wednesday afternoon. News of Marchment’s death reached GMs while they were attending their annual meeting at the draft, which begins Thursday.“Just shocking and devastating news,” the Flyers’ Chuck Fletcher said. “Very young man. Obviously you’re thinking of his family and friends right now.”Grier played with Marchment with the Oilers and said Marchment was quick to treat him with respect and make him feel at home.“If I ever needed anything, whether it was a home-cooked dinner instead of eating out every day, he and (wife) Kim would have me over,” Grier said. “So it’s a very difficult day.”Grier praised Marchment as a hard worker and said members of the Sharks staff would carry on with their responsibilities at the draft with heavy hearts.“I gave them some time to regroup and have some time to themselves and process and grieve,” he said. “I know ‘Mush’ — that’s what he would say. He would want us to get back to work and do our best and have the best draft possible, so we’ll get back to work. “

The last time Allie Quigley participated in the 3-point contest, she was booed. It wasn’t because of a poor performance last year. Quite the opposite. AdvertisementIt was because she went in front of a raucous crowd at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas after winning the competition and declared she wasn’t going to compete in another 3-point exhibition.A year later, Quigley is already lifting her self-imposed embargo.AdvertisementThe three-time All-Star said before the Sky’s 81-78 road loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday that she would compete in this year’s contest, which will take place Saturday at McCormick Place’s practice court.“Everybody was talking to me nonstop about it,” Quigley said after the game. “I didn’t want to let the city down or my family and friends down. It’ll be fun and it’s nice that it’s at home. It’ll be a good experience.”If Quigley wins the 3-point contest, she will become the first WNBA or NBA player to win on four occasions (she won in 2017-18 and 2021). She is tied with Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only WNBA or NBA players to win at least three. Quigley wasn’t aware of her connection to the NBA legends when asked about her place in All-Star Game history.“I had no idea that was a stat but to be in the history books would be amazing,” Quigley said July 1. “Now I’m going to have that in the back of my mind if I do it.”The rest of the field for both the 3-point contest and the skills challenge hasn’t been announced. However, Sky forward Azurá Stevens told the Tribune on July 1 she would be open to following Quigley in the shootout if invited to participate. Stevens has converted 38.2% of her 3.4 attempts per game from long-range this season. She said she has been asked by a few people if she wants to participate. If the league gives her the OK, she would compete against her teammate.“I’m a good shooter, so why not?” Stevens said. “We’re here so might as well.”AdvertisementAs local fans push for having as much Sky representation as possible at this year’s All-Star weekend in Chicago, Rebekah Gardner is open to competing in the skills challenge. After going undrafted in 2012, the 31-year-old rookie burst onto the scene this season for the reigning champs and has proven to be one of the most athletic wings in the league . Her 1.447 points per possession in transition rank in the 96th percentile across the WNBA, according to Synergy Sports Tech.Gardner’s ability to get out on the break might make her a perfect candidate to partake in the skills challenge.“I couldn’t say no,” Gardner said July 2 before the Sky’s 91-75 win over the Phoenix Mercury. “If they asked me, I would definitely do it.”

For the second season in a row, the Chicago Blackhawks will open their season on the road against the powerhouse Colorado Avalanche. Only this time, the teams find themselves at opposite ends of the spectrum from just a year ago.AdvertisementThe Avalanche are Stanley Cup champions. The Hawks are on the ground floor of a rebuild.When the puck drops at 8:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Ball Arena in Denver, the Hawks could be even more outmatched than when they lost 4-2 at the same venue on Oct. 13, 2021.AdvertisementThe season-opening loss spiraled into a 1-9-2 start that culminated in Jeremy Colliton’s firing. Derek King replaced Colliton as interim coach for the rest of the season. [ Who can the Chicago Blackhawks target in the NHL draft? What positions are deepest? Q&A with scouting director Mike Doneghey. ][ Column: Chicago Blackhawks’ clock hinges on Alex DeBrincat’s status — and trading him could have huge repercussions ]The Hawks’ opener will mark the NHL coaching debut of Luke Richardson, who was hired June 27.It won’t be easy sledding for Richardson, who’ll play his first three games on the road as the Hawks jaunt from Denver to Las Vegas (Golden Knights) to San Jose, Calif., (Sharks) in the first four days of the season. The Hawks traveled for their first three games last year.After the opening trip, the Hawks get a five-day break before the home opener against the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 21 at the United Center. The homestand continues with games against the Seattle Kraken, Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers. The Hawks host their season finale against the Philadelphia Flyers on April 13.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons acquired run-stopping help for the middle of their defensive line, signing former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Eddie Goldman to a one-year deal Wednesday.Goldman, 28, started 73 of 81 games in six seasons with the Bears. He was a second-round pick from Florida State in 2015 and likely will compete for a starting job at nose tackle in the Falcons’ base 3-4 defense.AdvertisementThe 6-foot-3, 325-pound Goldman will join Grady Jarrett as veterans on the defensive front. Goldman played in 14 games, including 10 starts, in 2021.The addition of Goldman addresses a glaring need on the defensive line for the Falcons, who were 7-10 in 2021 under first-year coach Arthur Smith. Atlanta did not re-sign free agent Tyeler Davison and are counting on such young linemen as Marlon Davidson and Ta’Quon Graham to play a bigger role this season.AdvertisementJarrett, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, is returning after signing a three-year, $51 million extension that continues through the 2025 season.