The NFL "might want to reconsider staging its player draft and fan festival in Chicago at the end of April until the city gets its act together," according to Phil Rosenthal of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. A recent incident involving the fatal shooting of a black teen by a police officer has "brought long-simmering tensions to a boil" in Chicago. Mayor Rahm Emanuel is "taking all kinds of heat, not only for the incident itself but also how he and the city responded." Chicago and its unrest "probably is not front of mind right now for the league," which "may not yet sense what's happening here." Much like the city's leaders, top NFL officials "can be slow to view disturbing videos that demand swift action." But the "gorgeous cityscape that so pleased the league and its business partners as well as ... Emanuel, who welcomed them with open arms and carte blanche, may not be quite so idyllic this time around." The current situation contains some "pretty dark clouds that could throw shade on the NFL and its showcase event, which drew thousands of fans." The league "may be reluctant to insert itself into the situation, but it likely will want to protect its own interests." NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at least "should be prepared to call an audible" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 12/11).
JOKE'S ON YOU: In N.Y., Gary Myers writes what Pro Football HOFer Roger Staubach said on Tuesday during a black-tie affair at the Waldorf Astoria -- "making a joke about concussions -- was not funny at all and was as disappointing as it was out of character." Staubach is "clearly not a comedian" and is "not insensitive." Myers: "He’s also not perfect" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 12/11). In DC, Cindy Boren wrote under the header, "Roger Staubach, Roger Goodell Joked About Concussions, Which Just Isn’t Right" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 12/10).
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: USA TODAY's Jarrett Bell cited a source as saying that a new committee will "study the nuances of what constitutes a catch." There are six people on the committee, including former coaches Ken Whisenhunt, Jim Schwartz and Joe Philbin, and former GM Bill Polian. Former NFLer James Thrash and former NFL side judge Tom Finken, who currently trains game officials, also are on the committee (USATODAY.com, 12/10).
