Chicago Sports

The White Sox will open their spring training game schedule Feb. 25 when they host the San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch, the club’s spring training home.

Major League Baseball announced the Cactus League schedule Wednesday.

The Sox’ 2023 spring schedule features 15 home dates, including the Cubs March 17. The Sox and Cubs play three games at the Cubs’ Sloan Park in Mesa on March 10, 27 and 28, the spring finale.

The Sox schedule also includes a home date against World Baseball Classic team on March 9. The particular team will be announced later.

The Sox open the 2023 regular season March 30 at Houston.

White Sox spring training information is available at whitesox.com/spring. Schedule is subject to change.

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Former Bulls star Toni Kukoc is suing his former Swiss bank, accusing one of its bankers of working with Kukoc’s personal financial adviser to steal $11 million.

The three-time NBA champion filed suit in Cook County last week against EFG International, which merged with Banca Svizzera Italiana, or BSI. Kukoc alleges BSI began working with his financial adviser in 2004 to defraud him.

The lawsuit contends EFG, a private banking group, assumed BSI’s liabilities when they merged in 2016.

Paolo Banfi worked as an independent financial adviser, separate from BSI. Banfi started working with Kukoc in 1991 and for more than a decade there didn’t seem to be any problems, according to Scott Hessell, one of Kukoc’s attorneys.

Hessell, a partner at Chicago law firm Sperling and Slater, said Paolo Zola entered the picture in 2004 and became Kukoc’s personal banker through BSI.

The lawsuit alleges financial adviser Banfi and personal banker Zola worked together to “loot” Kukoc’s accounts. There were protocols in place to ensure Kukoc approved all transactions, but they weren’t followed.

Banfi and Zola are not named as defendants.

The lawsuit alleges Kukoc’s signature was forged on mortgage documents for a hotel project in Madulain, Switzerland.

“The mortgage documents purport to show that Kukoc signed some of the mortgage documents in Lugano, Switzerland, in December 2006,” according to the lawsuit. “However, Kukoc was not in Lugano, Switzerland, at this time, and never signed the documents.”

The lawsuit states “either Banfi, Zola, or someone acting under their direction forged Kukoc’s signature.”

There was another instance in 2007 in Chicago where Kukoc needed to sign documents with a banker present, per protocols, but the lawsuit says “BSI, through Zola, misrepresented that BSI was in Kukoc’s presence in Chicago, Illinois, when Kukoc signed those BSI banking documents in January 2007.”

“Zola and Kukoc never actually met in person in Chicago for any reason, much less for Kukoc to sign mortgage documents,” the lawsuit says.

The hotel mortgage accounted for roughly $7.5 million of the $11 million plus Kukoc is seeking and led to one of the allegations in the lawsuit: aiding and abetting fraud.

The other allegations include aiding and abetting civil theft, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract. Banfi and Zola are accused of authorizing as many as 300 other smaller transactions between 2004 and 2007 which, with the mortgage, added up to $11 million.

Kukoc is asking the court to award him $11 million plus interest, court costs and “such other and further relief as this Court deems just and equitable,” according to the lawsuit. He wants a jury trial.

Hessell said the suit was filed in Cook County because Kukoc lives in Illinois and some of the allegations occurred in Chicago.

The lawsuit states that Kukoc has been trying to address the issue in Switzerland with no success. He’d been filing requests for debt enforcement proceedings since January 2014, and his last request was in December 2021.

In 2020, a state attorney in Lugano declined to criminally charge Zola, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit states, “Swiss banks have a longstanding history of a cozy relationship with Swiss courts, legislators, and policymakers. This makes Kukoc’s prospects for justice in Switzerland against a Swiss bank tenuous, even if Kukoc had the resources to pursue his claims in Switzerland.”

Kukoc had a different personal banker through BSI until 2003, and he is not accused of wrongdoing.

EFG, in a statement to WBEZ, said “we do not comment on the matter.”

Kukoc’s lawyers wouldn’t make him available for comment, citing the pending litigation.

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The Chicago Bears claimed offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood off of waivers Wednesday morning. The Bears need depth at the offensive line position. Leatherwood has experience playing interior line positions as well as at tackle.

Leatherwood was a first-round draft pick by the Oakland Raiders in 2021. He was projected to play at right tackle but has also worked as a guard for the Raiders. Leatherwood didn’t seem to fit with the Raiders, and the new regime cut him loose yesterday. He gave up eight sacks last season.

After a rough rookie season, analysts suggested Leatherwood lacked good fundamentals. Nick Shook with NFL.com wrote about what the Raiders coaching staff thought of former Alabama Crimson Tide product:

The Chicago Bears must be patient and work with Leatherwood on his fundamentals. They need to decide where will fit on the offensive line and keep him there. It will be interesting to see the Chicago Bears work with Leatherwood and Teven Jenkins. Both are high-round draft picks at offensive tackle who have many question marks surrounding them in their second season.

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The Bears’ extreme roster makeover continued Wednesday when new general manager Ryan Poles claimed a whopping six players off the waiver wire.

The biggest name is former Raiders tackle Alex Leatherwood, who was a surprise first-round pick just last year. The No. 17 overall pick played every game for Las Vegas last season, starting at right tackle and struggling before moving to right guard. He began the preseason back at right tackle and was cut by a new regime after the Raiders fired GM Mike Mayock.

By claiming Leatherwood, the Bears inherit his contract. Leatherwood signed a four-year, $14.4 million deal as a rookie, though the Raiders have already paid him a $7.8 million signing bonus.

The Bears also claimed cornerback Josh Blackwell from the Eagles, tight end Trevon Wesco from the Jets, defensive end Kingsley Jonathan from the Bills, nose tackle Armani Watts from the Vikings and linebacker Sterling Weatherford from the Colts.

To make room, the Bears must remove six players from their 53-man roster.

No Bears players waived Tuesday were claimed by any other NFL team.

Starting Wednesday afternoon, the Bears can also begin assembling their 16-man practice squad.

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The Cubs are set to wrap up the 2023 Cactus League schedule with back-to-back games against the White Sox, before opening the regular season at home against the Brewers on March 30.

Major League Baseball announced next year’s tentative spring training schedule on Wednesday, including a set of games featuring World Baseball Classic teams.

The Cubs are set to face a WBC team at Sloan park on March 8, but their exact opponent has yet to be announced.

The Cubs open spring training at Sloan Park on Feb. 25 against the Giants. Their 33 games on the schedule include 18 home games and 15road games.

They’re scheduled to face their crosstown rival four times, including one half of a split-squad game on March 17, in Glendale. The Cubs are set to host the other three games against the White Sox, on March 10, 27 and 28.

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A look at 2022-23 predictions for the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are in a rebuilding stage. Last season was pretty much a washout and expectations are low for 2022. Many sportsbooks have given them little to no chance and they are currently ranked 28 of 32 on most books, with staggering odds of +10,000.

So, what should Chicago Bears fans expect for 2022/23? Should you just sit back, let the chaos happen, and then hope for better things in the future? Or is there even a remote chance of a good season?

Check out these Chicago NFL predictions as we take a deeper dive into the upcoming season, looking at how the Chicago Bears will perform and seeing if there is any value in futures bets and game bets.

Week by Week Bears Predictions

The best way to judge how this season will go for the Bears is to look at each of Chicago’s games in turn. Obviously, a lot can happen over the course of a season. We could lose Justin Fields or another star player to injury. We could hit a good run of form that sees us play above and beyond expectations.

We can’t predict the future, but we can make some assumptions and try to get as close as possible.

Week 1: Bears vs San Francisco

This one could go either way. The heart says it’s going to be a close win for the Bears. The head says that the 49ers will have the edge. Either way, it’s a key game and a great way to start the season. A win here could set the stage for the rest of the season.

Week 2: Bears at Green Bay

Aaron Rodgers is edging closer and closer to the big four-zero, but he’s still as formidable as ever and when he’s on form, the Packers are unstoppable. It’s hard to see how the Bears will get anything from this one. 

It’s a Green Bay win all the way, and one in which they should comfortably cover the spread.

Week 3: Bears vs Houston

The Texans are struggling and this should be a win for the Bears. The opener at San Fran was a hard one to call, but this should be an easy win for Chicago. Expect the Bears to cover the spread.

Week 4: Bears at N.Y. Giants

The Giants are another struggling team and this is another early chance for the Bears to get a big win. It could take a field goal either way, and we’re going with the Bears to get the W.

Week 5: Bears at Minnesota

The Vikings have too much offensive power for the Bears. There’s no way we’re leaving Minnesota with anything except a heavy loss.

Week 6: Bears vs Washington

A closely fought game that will no doubt be very sloppy and low scoring. Expect field goals. Expect disappointment. And expect plenty of interceptions, fumbles, and grumbles from the crowd. By this point, the Bears could be on a good run. If so, the momentum may be all we need to carry us over the line.

A win would be great, as there are a few very difficult weeks ahead and the Bears could find themselves in a serious rut.

Week 7: Bears at New England

The Pats are not what they used to be, but Belichick knows how to nurture young teams and will get the better of the Bears.

Week 8: Bears at Dallas

Dak Prescott should be able to boss this game, scoring some big yards through the air and helping the Cowboys to cover the spread.

Week 9: Bears vs Miami

The Dolphins could have their sights set on a playoff spot at this point in the season, making this a big game for them. Tua should get them over the line and secure an important win for the Florida franchise.

Week 10: Bears vs Detroit

A chance for the Bears to end a losing streak. They will need to stop Jared Goff, though, and that’s easier said than done. It will be a close one and it’s hard to call. If you’re looking for betting tips, back the Under.

Week 11: Bears at Atlanta

Week 11 is a road game that the Bears can—and perhaps should—win. There could be just a field goal in it at the end of play, but the W will be coming back to Chicago.

Week 12: Bears at N.Y. Jets

A very winnable game that could easily swing the other way. Late in the season, with hopes either high or dashed, this is a tough one to call. We would expect a decent number of points, though, so bet the Over.

Week 13: Bears vs Green Bay

Another showdown with the Packers and another chance for Aaron Rodgers to shine. We have a chance to get something out of this game if we have momentum from the Jets fixture, but either way, the odds favor Green Bay.

Week 15: Bears vs Philadelphia

Week 14 is a Bye for the Bears, taking us into the Eagles game after a short break. It’s a break that probably won’t help the Bears, with the points going to the Eagles who should also cover the spread.

Week 16: Bears vs Buffalo

This one could get ugly for Chicago, as the high-flying Bills are everyone’s pick for Super Bowl success. It’s not a question of “if” the Bills will win, but by how much.

Week 17: Bears at Detroit

Another loss is on the cards, though by this point in the season, both teams could be significantly affected by injury, disappointment, or nerves. It won’t be the same as week 10.

Week 18: Bears vs Minnesota

Another game against Minnesota and another win for the Vikings, capping off a very disappointing season for the Bears. 

Summary: Can the Bears Win the Super Bowl?

The Bears could win the Super Bowl…eventually. But not this season. If Chicago gets anywhere near the big game it’ll be one of the biggest upsets in recent NFL history.

After all, we’re talking about +10,000 odds, which means a $100 bet will give you a massive $10,000 payout. The bookies have made mistakes in the past, of course, but there’s nothing to suggest that this is one of those times.

The Bears could have a good season, but the Super Bowl is a step too far. Instead, it’s best to see this season for what it is: a chance to build, improve, and come back stronger next season. If we can keep making those improvements, who knows, the Bears could be genuine Super Bowl contenders within the next few years.

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Jack Sanborn has been a fan favorite this month

Many Chicago Bears fans were waiting through Tuesday afternoon to see if Jack Sanborn made the 53-man cut Tuesday. The rookie undrafted free agent had been on Bears fans’ minds since his incredible performance in Week One or preseason against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Wisconsin Badgers linebacker recorded an interception and fumble recovery against the Chiefs in his first NFL preseason game. The performance earned him the highest rating by a rookie defensive player by Pro Football Focus.

Sanborn would continue to impress coaches the rest of training camp and in preseason games. On Tuesday afternoon, his name appeared on the Bears‘ first 53-man roster. Bears fans waiting to see the team retain Sanborn breathed a sigh of relief. They flooded Twitter with positive commentary for the underdog story.

Sanborn isn’t listed as a starter on the Bears’ depth chart yet. But it’s nice to see a UDFA make the roster in an underdog story. Hopefully, we’ll see Sanborn continue to progress into a better NFL player.

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Ron Kittle and Hawk Harrelson back Tony La Russa during White Sox slump

At a charity golf event, this past weekend, White Sox legends Ron Kittle and Hawk Harrelson made comments defending the current Sox manager Tony La Russa.

These comments come at a time when the Sox have lost 9 of their last 11 games, and their playoff hopes seem to be fading away. Sox fans have been critical of La Russa ever since the Sox hired him, but the team’s current struggles have only made things worse.

Kittle played for La Russa on the famous 1983 White Sox team and won the American League Rookie of the Year award that season as well. According to a report from WGN News, this is what Kittle had to say about his former manager.

“I’m a Tony La Russa fan from way back. I’ve known him since 1979. There is no better manager in baseball than Tony,”

“Unfortunately, a lot of the players – they’re more interested in social media than they are sitting out there hustling and busting their butt to win or lose the ballgame. You lose a game busting your butt, you tip your hat to the guy. If you do it lackadaisically or lazy, I don’t want to put up with that stuff.”

“They wanted to fire him last year. They wanted to fire him this year. They said he’s too old. The man is as smart as anybody is in baseball,” said Kittle. “You don’t win two thousand, 26-hundred games, go in the Hall of Fame being a dummy. It’s tough for him because I really think he should explode every once in a while, but somebody will go tell their dad or their mom or their agent and everything will just be upset.”

Hall of fame announcer Hawk Harrelson also shared a similar sentiment, saying the lack of offense is something La Russa cannot do anything about:

“The funny thing is we’re not out of yet as bad as we’ve been. We sucked. As bad as we’ve been, we’re still not out of it. If we can get some guys who can swing the bat and drive in some runs – it’s hard to win a Major League game if you don’t score runs.”

“People are getting on Tony’s [expletive] and the thing about it is, he can only play with what he’s got. If you keep getting these guys going on the DL, you don’t have anything.”

Although these two are well respected amongst Sox fans, these comments do not sit well with much of the fanbase.

Early reports have indicated that Tony La Russa will be back to manage the Sox in 2023, so fans will just have to hope he can turn things around by next year.

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One person was killed and five other people were injured by gunfire Tuesday across Chicago.

A 30-year-old man died after he was shot about 4:05 p.m. in the 11300 block of South Michigan Avenue in Roseland. The man was taken to Christ Medical Center, where he died about 4:45 p.m., according to Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office.About four miles north in West Chatham, a 29-year-old man was critically wounded around 7:20 p.m. while in a car in the 8800 block of South Princeton Avenue, police said. He was struck in the face and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center.A man was critically wounded on the West Side about half an hour earlier. The man, whose age is unknown, was in the 4000 block of West Madison Street when he was shot in the back, abdomen and arm about 6:50 p.m., police said. He was transported to Stroger Hospital.A man was wounded in a drive-by shooting Tuesday morning in Chicago Lawn on the South Side. The 21-year-old was walking in the 2400 block of West 71st Street when a passenger of a dark sedan opened gunfire about 10:15 a.m., police said. The man was taken to Christ Medical Center with a gunshot wound to the thigh.

At least two other people were wounded in shootings Tuesday in Chicago. Both people, a 51-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man, were hospitalized in fair condition, police said.

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