With no takers for Cutler, Fox must keep a tight rein

Well it looks like the Chicago Bears couldn't unload Jay Cutler. Maybe they didn't want to, but is it possible they didn't even try?

I'm sure his guaranteed $55 million contract had plenty to do with it.

General manager Ryan Pace has set the tone for another underwhelming year by keeping Cutler - way to go kid.

While I feel like I'm thisclose to saying former GM Phil Emery and head coach Marc Trestman might as well have returned, maybe there is a glimmer of hope.

Pace has added some pieces to the defense, and improved the team by subtraction by saying goodbye to the diva wide receiver Brandon Marshall.

I'm expecting new coach John Fox will bring back the running game, and not be as predictable and keep a tight rein on Cutler. Fox certainly will try to cut back on Cutler's interceptions and run a more balanced offense.

Does it sound like I'm trying to legitimize Cutler coming back? I guess so, but isn't that what Bears fans do?

Oklahoma did the right thing:

The Oklahoma football team and university culture were shook up this past week when a video was released of two students from a fraternity chanting racial slurs.

I believe most universities would have stalled or put together a commission or delay any action until they investigated the incident.

Kudos to head coach Bob Stoops and some of the Sooners team for attending a student protest against the incident because it helped put some pressure on the Oklahoma administration.

Oklahoma president David Boren took swift action and expelled the two students, but didn't release their names. The fraternity involved, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, said an investigation occurred and it chose to close the local chapter.

Some people in the media thought the swift punishment would hurt the football program, and yes they did lose a recruit in Jean Delance, a four-star offensive lineman.

But if I had a kid who wanted to go to Oklahoma, I'd let him. Oklahoma did the right thing and made a strong statement to the world - we won't allow prejudice of any kind, or hatred or bias on our campus.

Well done, Oklahoma. No one's perfect, but their positive steps should be noted.

First team all-stars:

I heard Mark Jackson on the telecast of the Los Angeles Clippers versus the Oklahoma City Thunder game talking about who is the MVP of the league this year and who should be part of the all-NBA first team.

He bemoaned the fact that LeBron James will make the list, but with Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Stephen Curry, it makes the selection process for first team guards difficult.

Jackson said all three players deserve to make the first team so there should be six starters.

Listen, someone has to make the second team. There have been plenty of outstanding players left off the first team over the years.

I would put Westbrook and Harden on the first team with Curry on the second team.

What do you think? Tweet me @north2north.

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