Chicago Bears forced to deny that FBI raided headquarters
Normally, franchise quarterback Justin Fields insisting that he does not blame the Chicago Bears’ coaches for his struggles would be the biggest story surrounding a winless team.
But this is the NFL, where daily drama reigns and more big news is never far away.
Chicago defensive coordinator Alan Williams suddenly resigned on Wednesday, despite going through training camp with the team and a new league season having already begun.
There was potentially even bigger news, as well.
After a Chicago reporter tweeted that the Bears' Halas Hall headquarters had been raided "in connection with an undisclosed incident," the 0-2 organization was forced to deny that the FBI had descended upon its team facility.
"I am taking a step back to take care of my health and family,” Williams said in a statement. “I appreciate the opportunity to work with the Chicago Bears, a storied NFL franchise with a rich history.
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"I value the NFL shield and all that it stands for and after taking some time to address my health, I plan to come back and coach again.”
Williams left the Bears with 15 games remaining.
Meanwhile, Chicago has drawn criticism across the league for its poor handling of Fields.
After lucking into the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft when the Houston Texans gave it away by winning the final game of the 2022 season, Chicago was supposed to enter a new campaign building off Fields’ dual-threat talent.
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But the former first-round pick has thrown more interceptions (three) than touchdowns (two), thus far, and Fields is 5-22 overall as a starter.
On Wednesday, Fields was forced to clarify comments that had surrounded the Bears with even more negative attention.
After saying that he wasn't playing 'his game' and had been 'robotic', Fields had hinted that coaching could be the reason that he's been thinking too much on the field instead of simply relying on instincts.
It’s not the first time that the Chicago QB has gone out of his way to fine tune his words when speaking with the media.
“I’m not blaming anything on the coaches, I’m never gonna blame anything on the coaches,” Fields later . “I’m never gonna blame anything on my teammates. Whatever happens in the game, I will take all the blame.”
Chicago has been one of the NFL's most disappointing teams to start the 2023 season.
The Bears have been outscored 65-37 and the -28 point differential is second worst in the NFL.
Now, head coach Matt Eberflus is suddenly calling defensive plays, the defensive coordinator has abruptly resigned and Fields is insisting that he isn’t blaming the team's coaching staff.
But the biggest bit of odd news: The Bears are denying that their team headquarters was raided by the FBI.