Why didn’t the Bears at least look at Tebow?
The New England Patriots signing Tim Tebow was a sound decision by head coach Bill Belichick and Co.
Since there is no guaranteed money involved and he might not even make the team, there wasn’t much risk for Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who seems to like Tebow.
The Patriots are a terrific organization headed by a great coach, making the environment perfect for Tebow to learn and grow.
I kept hearing from the “experts” that Tebow should either play another position, or go to Canada and play there. Some thought he should just move on with his life and pursue another vocation.
But the Patriots did just the opposite — they actually brought him in to play quarterback behind starter Tom Brady and back-up Ryan Mallett. New England seems to bring in players that other teams don’t believe in or have given up on, and the Patriots have been pretty successful with that strategy.
I was actually hoping the Bears would have give Tebow a look.
I mean, why not? Marc Trestman, a former head coach in Canada — where people said Tebow should go — would know how to utilize Tebow’s versatility on the field. But I understand why the Bears may not have wanted to do it. They can’t afford a Tebow sideshow in Trestman’s first year — and it probably would have created too much distraction.
Besides, what kind of mentor would Jay Cutler be? No, I think Tom Brady and Belichick are better suited to work with Tebow.
But I then have to ask, why bring in JaMarcus Russell for a look? I’m not saying Russell doesn’t deserve another chance. The world of sports is filled with great comeback stories. But Russell could be the biggest first-pick bust in history, with a problem of addiction to codeine, and before this year he was last seen in a football uniform weighing 290 pounds.
He did lose 25 pounds this year and slimmed down to a svelte 265. His body fat is 17 percent, but when did that become acceptable?
Look, it’s 2013, and in this politically correct society the phrase is “Russell lost his way.” But in the 1960’s or ’70’s, the term used was bust out or loser. I guess it was worth a look to bring in Russell, but we all know the Bears will not sign him.
Would it have been so wrong to bring in Tebow? Maybe the Bears inquired and he said no. But I think you can tell the direction of an organization by the players they pursue. The Bears brought in Russell — and the Patriots brought in Tebow.
Enough said.
Program note:Watch me on #147;Mancow#148; on WPWR Channel 50 at 6 a.m. Wednesday, Friday and MondayŸMike North#146;s column appears each Tuesday and Friday in the Daily Herald, and his video commentary can be found Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at dailyherald.com. For more, visit northtonorth.com.FBN32831678Quarterback Tim Tebows arrival at New England Patriots minicamp this week created quite a media event.Associated PressFBN