Body by Lou Malnati’s? Sam Mustipher in great shape for 2021Mark Potashon July 31, 2021 at 7:56 pm

Sam Mustipher learns well and is always thinking — one of the keys to his rapid rise from the Bears’ practice squad to starting center.

That was even evident when Mustipher was asked about his weight gain during the offseason that he hopes will give him the size and strength to better battle the bigger defensive tackles he faces and erase a key knock on his ability to sustain an NFL career — that he’s undersized.

“If I play my cards [right], I’ll probably get a sponsorship out of this,” Mustipher said. “I love Lou’s [Lou Malnati’s pizza] — thin crust, deep dish, whatever. It’s all good.”

But it wasn’t just pizza. “Everything,” Mustipher said when asked about his weight-gain diet. “I ate whatever I wanted to. It was an offensive lineman’s dream, and just trying to get as strong as possible. That was my only goal.”

By his listed weights, the 6-2 Mustipher is virtually unchanged from 2020 — from 311 pounds to 314. But he likely was lighter than 311 last year and is a much more fit 314 this year. Working with Bears sports science coordinator Jennifer Gibson, Mustipher not only got bigger, he got stronger and in better shape.

“I don’t think it’s the weight as much as it is muscle,” Mustipher said. “I think I’m at the highest amount of lean body mass that I’ve ever had in my life, which was huge. That was something I worked with Jen Gibson in figuring out, ‘What do I need to do this offseason? How do I need to train? What are the foods I need to be putting in my body to reach those goals?

“So my strength numbers went up. That was the critical thing. You can get big and just get fat and slow. I want to get strong and explosive.”

“He’s in the best shape of his life” is a classic NFL training camp storyline that often sounds better in July than it does in December. But Mustipher has come so far, so quickly, he’s primed to take the next step.

At training camp a year ago, Mustipher was an afterthought — a 2019 undrafted free agent from Notre Dame taking third-team reps with three centers ahead of him — Cody Whitehair, James Daniels and Corey Levin — and headed for the practice squad.

Today he’s the unquestioned starting center after a promising eight-game stint as a starter, following injuries to Daniels and Whitehair.

“Pretty cool story,” coach Matt Nagy said. “He leads by actions. Last year, the chance he had to play, he took advantage of it. The game means a lot to him. The guys look to him as a leader. He’s super smart. He’s a quarterback’s best friend.”

Though Whitehair and Daniels are more established, Mustipher could develop into the leader of the Bears’ offensive line. Already, older players seem to follow his lead.

“The sky is the limit for the kid. I just love the mentality he comes with every day,” said Whitehair, a starter since Week 1 of his rookie season in 2016 and a Pro Bowl center in 2018. “He comes in ready to work. He’s one of the first guys in the building. He’s always studying his iPad — every time you see him at his locker. He’s always trying to perfect his game. And that’s helped him get to where he’s at today. And he’s only going to get better.”

It’s a different world for Mustipher now, but he knows the trick to staying here is to take the work ethic that got him this far, and turn it up a notch.

“It’s the same hunger and passion and love and energy that I have for the game when I was an undrafted guy,” Mustipher said. “The mindset is still the same. As long as I’m helping the Bears win, I’m going to have a job. So it’s been awesome. Training camp every year is all football and I love that. Best job in the world.”

Body by Lou Malnati’s? Sam Mustipher in great shape for 2021Mark Potashon July 31, 2021 at 7:56 pm Read More »

Lollapalooza 2021: Day 3 photo highlightsSun-Times staffon July 31, 2021 at 8:47 pm

Day three of Lollapalooza kicked off Saturday as thousands returned to Grant Park for another day of sun and music.

Amid the numerous COVID-19 safety restrictions in place for the festival, Friday night saw the release of a new indoor mask requirement by Lollapalooza organizers.

The areas include the box office, merchandise shop, two hospitality lounges and wristband help tents.

If you missed our coverage of the festival’s second day, check out our reviews of Tyler, the Creator, Mick Jenkins, Omar Apollo and more, as well as our photo highlights from Friday and our reviews from Thursday, including Miley Cyrus’ opening night set here.

Lolla is the largest public event to date held in Chicago since the emergence of the coronavirus last March.

COVID-19 hospitalizations increased by 35% across Illinois during a week that saw cases jump 46%, public health officials reported Friday.

City health officials said that they’d adopt new indoor masking guidelines set by the CDC as cases spike in Chicago, too.

Despite worries over the virus’ Delta variant and rising caseloads nationally, the show is continuing, with the final day set for Sunday.

We’ve got the festival covered from every angle. For a complete guide to all things Lolla, check out our guide here. If you want our tips of the acts to catch, you can find our Top 10 picks here. And keep in mind, there are gobs of street closures in place; you can find the details here.

Cannons performs on day three of Lollapalooza in Grant Park on Saturday afternoon.

Cannons performs on day three of Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Saturday afternoon.

Festival-goers flock to Grant Park for day three of Lollapalooza on Saturday afternoon.

Festival-goers get their photo taken near Buckingham Fountain on day three of Lollapalooza in Grant Park on Saturday.

Michigander performs on day three of Lollapalooza in Grant Park on Saturday afternoon.

Festival-goers cheer as Michigander on day three of Lollapalooza in Grant Park on Saturday.

Festival-goers cheer as Michigander on day three of Lollapalooza in Grant Park on Saturday afternoon.

Workers hand out face masks to festival-goers as they enter the Lolla Shop on day three of Lollapalooza in Grant Park on Saturday afternoon.

Festival-goers shop for merchandise at the Lolla Shop on day three of Lollapalooza in Grant Park on Saturday afternoon.

Lollapalooza 2021: Day 3 photo highlightsSun-Times staffon July 31, 2021 at 8:47 pm Read More »

Marquise Goodwin’s world-class speed could be key to Bears revamping at WRJason Lieseron July 31, 2021 at 7:24 pm

Some of the most hacky, worn out shtick in football is the annual training camp argument in which every wide receiver unflinchingly proclaims himself the fastest of the group.

They aren’t doing that nonsense at Halas Hall. That banter doesn’t fly when there’s a former Olympian in the room.

As impressive as Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney are, they know they’re not outracing Marquise Goodwin. He finished 10th in long jump at the 2012 Games and in late June was still vying for a spot on the team for Tokyo. He used to be an elite sprinter, too, and clocked a 6.69 in the 60 meters before blazing through his 40-yard dash in 4.27 seconds while preparing for the NFL Draft.

Goodwin has bigger ambitions than merely being the fastest man in Lake Forest.

“I’m just glad to still be the fastest in the league,” he said Saturday after another practice in which the Bears’ secondary struggled to stay with him. The day before, he scorched No. 1 cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who claimed later he did not remember the play.

While Goodwin’s pure speed is clear as could be, his potential role in coach Matt Nagy’s offense isn’t. He’s the biggest mystery on the team.

Goodwin, 30, is three years removed from his best season, but still looks highly capable of being one of the Bears’ most dangerous playmakers. He caught 56 passes for 962 yards and two touchdowns in 2017, then played just 20 games over the next two seasons and opted out of 2020 because of concerns about the coronavirus.

Nagy said the Bears had a lot of uncertainty about any player who stepped away last season — they signed running back Damien Williams, drafted cornerback Thomas Graham and had defensive tackle Eddie Goldman and defensive back Jordan Lucas opt out — but was reassured by Goodwin’s Olympic training.

“Anytime you have an Olympic mentality, you are different,” Nagy said. “That’s a minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour regime [in which] you are keeping your body in shape.”

His speed is holding steady even at this age, and Goodwin said he feels even faster than his pre-draft 40 time. This is a lot different than when they brought in Ted Ginn at 35 a year ago.

Goodwin’s ability to outrun a defense — “I really don’t get hit that much,” he said — is one reason the Bears believe they have undoubtedly upgraded the position. Robinson at the top is a given. Mooney was already ahead of Anthony Miller early last season and doesn’t sound crazy when he says he’s targeting 1,000 yards in Year 2. With Goodwin and Damiere Byrd — 47 catches, 604 yards and a touchdown for the Patriots last season — next in line, the Bears don’t have to keep waiting on a breakthrough by Javon Wims or Riley Ridley.

Assuming running back Tarik Cohen is fully back from his torn ACL by the start of the season, the Bears would be sending out a fleet of receiving targets as fast as any in the NFL for quarterback Andy Dalton.

“A lot of us see what speed can do in this league,” Nagy said. “It can definitely scare a lot of defensive coordinators when you have that because it can open up the run game, too, because you’ve got to play deeper.”

The Bears haven’t struck fear in a defensive coordinator in a long time, but this group could do it.

Marquise Goodwin’s world-class speed could be key to Bears revamping at WRJason Lieseron July 31, 2021 at 7:24 pm Read More »

Lollapalooza 2021: Day 3 photo highlightsSun-Times staffon July 31, 2021 at 6:46 pm

Day three of Lollapalooza kicked off Saturday as thousands returned to Grant Park for another day of sun and music.

Amid the numerous COVID-19 safety restrictions in place for the festival, Friday night saw the release of a new indoor mask requirement by Lollapalooza organizers.

The areas include the box office, merchandise shop, two hospitality lounges and wristband help tents.

Lolla is the largest public event to date held in Chicago since the emergence of the coronavirus last March.

COVID-19 hospitalizations increased by 35% across Illinois during a week that saw cases jump 46%, public health officials reported Friday.

City health officials said that they’d adopt new indoor masking guidelines set by the CDC as cases spike in Chicago, too.

Despite worries over the virus’ Delta variant and rising caseloads nationally, the show is continuing, with the final day set for Sunday.

Michelle Joy of Los Angeles-based band Cannons performs on the T-Mobile stage Saturday on day three of Lollapalooza.

Los Angeles-based band Cannons performs on the T-Mobile stage Saturday on day three of Lollapalooza.

Fans watch a set on the T-Mobile stage Saturday afternoon on day three of Lollapalooza.

Lollapalooza 2021: Day 3 photo highlightsSun-Times staffon July 31, 2021 at 6:46 pm Read More »

Concerned about the size of small sentences? They workon July 31, 2021 at 5:53 pm

Margaret Serious

Concerned about the size of small sentences? They work

Concerned about the size of small sentences? They workon July 31, 2021 at 5:53 pm Read More »

Chicago Cubs: Nick Madrigal and Codi Heuer will be greatVincent Pariseon July 31, 2021 at 5:16 pm

CHICAGO - JUNE 04: Nick Madrigal #1 of the Chicago White Sox hits a home run against the Detroit Tigers on June 4, 2021 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox defeated the Tigers 9-8, (Photo by Ron Vesely/Getty Images) — CHICAGO – JUNE 04: Nick Madrigal #1 of the Chicago White Sox hits a home run against the Detroit Tigers on June 4, 2021 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox defeated the Tigers 9-8, (Photo by Ron Vesely/Getty Images)

The Chicago Cubs dismantled their entire organization during the trade deadline. Only Jason Heyward, Willson Contreras, and Kyle Hendricks remain from their 2016 World Series-winning roster. It was tough when they traded Anthony Rizzo to the New York Yankees, Javier Baez to the New York Mets, and Kris Bryant to the San Francisco Giants. All of those guys meant so much to the team and they all landed the Cubs minimal returns based on their contract situation.

Craig Kimbrel wasn’t a part of that team in 2016 but he was an elite player for the Cubs at times. He also net them the largest return out of all their trade chips. The Cubs traded him to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Nick Madrigal and Codi Heuer. This is a great return for the Cubs even if it might not seem like it on the surface.

Let’s start with Nick Madrigal. He is out for the year because of a hamstring injury that he sustained earlier this season. When he is healthy, however, he is an elite contact hitting second baseman. The White Sox made him the 4th overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft and he has lived up to all of his hype.

This is a player that won’t hit a lot of home runs but his pop is developing a little bit more as well. He could, in the meantime, win a batting title in any given year. Pitches don’t miss his bat very often and he will barely strike out as a result. He is never out of a count because of his ability to put the bat on the ball with two strikes.

Madrigal is also a former Minor League Gold Glove winner. He is still adjusting to Major League defense but he is coming along. By the time he reaches his peak, he should be able to be a Gold Glove Caliver defender.

The Chicago Cubs are hoping that both pieces they received from the White Sox work out.

Now, Codi Heuer. He is a relief pitcher that was so good in 2020. The White Sox thought he would be one of their key bullpen pieces in their quest for a 2021 pennant but it hasn’t been there for him this season.

His biggest issue is his command early in counts. If he goes down 2-0 or 3-0, he is forced to throw fastballs down the middle and the other team crushes it oftentimes. With that said, his stuff is so nasty that if he gets ahead in the count, he will put you away with ease. The proof of this opinion is factually based on the fact that he has 39 strikeouts and only 10 walks despite having a very high 1.422 WHIP and 5.12 ERA.

His WHIP/ERA is clearly high because of hits, not walks. That should leave the Cubs to believe that if he works on his command, he could become an elite bullpen piece. With the Cubs, he will be able to work on his development more than working on winning like he would have to on the White Sox.

As a result, this is a great trade for both teams. The Cubs need to make sure that they manage these two assets right because if they do they will thrive. As for the White Sox, good luck to the rest of the American League facing Craig Kimbrel, Liam Hendriks, and Michael Kopech all in the same bullpen.

Chicago Cubs: Nick Madrigal and Codi Heuer will be greatVincent Pariseon July 31, 2021 at 5:16 pm Read More »

Teen boy shot in attempted robbery in RoselandSun-Times Wireon July 31, 2021 at 4:45 pm

A 14-year-old boy was shot Saturday in an attempted robbery in Roseland on the Far South Side.

About 10:45 a.m., he was inside a residence in the first block of West 109th Street, when he was approached by a person who pulled out a gun and demanded his belongings, Chicago police said.

The person then fired shots, striking the boy in his hand, police said. He was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital, where he is in good condition.

No one is in custody.

Teen boy shot in attempted robbery in RoselandSun-Times Wireon July 31, 2021 at 4:45 pm Read More »

Daily Cubs Minors Recap: Rodríguez and Rucker debut; Nwogu homers as his breakout continues; R. Morel and other AZL bats wake up; Rodriguez throws 4 no-hit inningson July 31, 2021 at 4:37 pm

Cubs Den

Daily Cubs Minors Recap: Rodríguez and Rucker debut; Nwogu homers as his breakout continues; R. Morel and other AZL bats wake up; Rodriguez throws 4 no-hit innings

Daily Cubs Minors Recap: Rodríguez and Rucker debut; Nwogu homers as his breakout continues; R. Morel and other AZL bats wake up; Rodriguez throws 4 no-hit inningson July 31, 2021 at 4:37 pm Read More »

Different Bulls regime, same target – let the free-agent frenzy beginJoe Cowleyon July 31, 2021 at 3:20 pm

Different Bulls regimes, but the same target at point guard.

Let the Lonzo Ball to Chicago rumors recommence.

With the NBA free agent frenzy officially tipping off on Monday, unofficially organizations have been back-channeling information for months, setting the stage for the best running sports soap opera going.

That’s what the Association’s free agent market has become the last decade.

High drama, franchise-changing decisions, and big checks being written.

That’s not about to change this week, as the point guard market is front and center, and the Bulls are right in the center of the storm.

It starts with Ball.

The Sun-Times reported back in April of 2019, that the old regime of general manager Gar Forman and vice president of basketball operations John Paxson had made inquiries to the Lakers about Ball, after Ball’s camp leaked that the point guard wanted out of Los Angeles and the Bulls were one of a handful of team’s on his wish list.

Fast forward a few seasons and to a different regime, but the Bulls – and new executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas – were back in the Ball sweepstakes at the March trade deadline, as multiple outlets as well as the Sun-Times reported the Bulls and Pelicans were discussing a Ball for Lauri Markkanen deal.

The rest of the package – including draft compensation – hit a snag, so Karnisovas quickly pivoted and ended up acquiring All-Star center Nikola Vucevic.

But the desire to find a point guard with positional size, a willingness to play defense, and play-making ability hasn’t gone away. What has is the circumstances of how to acquire Ball.

The former No. 2 pick from the 2017 draft is entering the market as a restricted free agent. New Orleans can match any offer thrown his way if they choose. And while the Pelicans cleared cap space last week in a big way when they traded Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe to Memphis, they became players on the dance floor, but still need a willing partner.

The first domino to fall in all of this could be Kyle Lowry.

If New Orleans can land the free agent point guard, any offer Ball receives won’t likely be matched. If their new-found $37 million can’t lure Lowry to play alongside Zion Williamson, however, and they strike out on other potential point guards, Ball could be right back in the “Big Easy” – like it or not.

On the Bulls side of this they would still have to clear more cap room – bye-bye Tomas Satoransky for starters – to make a competitive offer for Ball, and won’t be the only team interested in him. Boston and New York have each been linked to Ball, with the Knicks having one of the more open cap-space situation in the league this summer.

If Ball doesn’t become a Bull, then what?

The Bulls have also been linked to Dennis Schroder, even with his outrageous contract demands, Derrick Rose – yes, that Derrick Rose, and a reunion with Spencer Dinwiddie.

Then again, the Bulls have their own decisions to make by Sunday. They already extended Markkanen a qualifying offer to make him a restricted free agent, and could get bold in freeing up over $36 million if they decline Ryan Arcidiacono’s $3 million team option, waive-and-stretch Al-Farouq Aminu’s $10.2 million player option he picked up, and then waive-and-stretch the partial guarantees of Satoransky at $5 million and Thad Young’s $6 million.

Could they get bold and go after Lowry for their own version of a “Big Three?”

With Karnisovas and his aggressiveness, it’s not as far-fetched as it was with the old regime.

Either way, a change at point guard is likely coming for the Bulls. It’s just a matter of the first domino falling.

Different Bulls regime, same target – let the free-agent frenzy beginJoe Cowleyon July 31, 2021 at 3:20 pm Read More »

Stefanie Dolson’s gold medal dream fulfilled in historic fashionAnnie Costabileon July 31, 2021 at 1:30 pm

While many Americans were sleeping, the U.S. women’s 3×3 basketball team went undefeated in its first six games of the Tokyo Olympics to secure the No. 1 seed in the semifinals.

It was a start to the brand-new Olympic event that recalled the illustrious legacy of the more traditional U.S. team — which is exactly what Sky center Stefanie Dolson said was the goal of their four-player team.

On Wednesday morning, they solidified their own place in USA basketball lore by winning the first Olympic gold in 3×3 history.

“Years from now when the story of the start of 3×3 is told, it can’t be told without them winning the first gold medal,” coach Kara Lawson said.

The weeklong competition of nine games that took no more than 30 minutes each flew by. But the journey leading this team to gold was slow and methodical.

That was especially true for Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum.

She tore her Achilles last June playing 3×3 in preparation for an Olympics still scheduled for 2020. The postponement of the

Tokyo Games because of the COVID-19 pandemic allowed her to recover and return to the Olympic team.

When Plum put the gold medal around her neck earlier in the week, she reflected on the significance of the date. It was exactly one year earlier that she took her first steps post-surgery.

“This has been a long time coming for the people that have been in this group,” Plum said ahead of the semifinals. “But it has gone fast in a different way. This tournament is nonstop.”

The pace of play and physicality is what enticed new fans, including Dolson’s Sky teammates, Allie Quigley and Courtney Vandersloot.

Dolson said she was talking with them every day throughout the tournament via text messages and direct messages on social media.

Most conversations were taking place after her teammates had caught up on the games the night before. She didn’t expect everyone to wake up in the middle of the night.

Dolson’s Sky teammates were up for the gold-medal game against the Russian Olympic Committee, watching as she led the U.S. in points (seven) and rebounds (nine).

“We know how long she’s worked for this,” Vandersloot said. “We’ve talked about this day with her for a long time. We knew from the beginning being an Olympian was a huge dream for her.”

Dolson is a two-time NCAA champion from the UConn dynasty. She was picked sixth overall in the 2014 WNBA Draft and is a two-time WNBA All-Star.

Her gold medal sits at the top of all prior accomplishments.

“To win this one for my country is something that I’ve dreamed of and wanted for a long time,” Dolson said.

Dolson and the rest of her 3×3 teammates left Tokyo on Friday. The Sky resumed workouts this week and will welcome Dolson back next week marking the start to the second half of the season.

Stefanie Dolson’s gold medal dream fulfilled in historic fashionAnnie Costabileon July 31, 2021 at 1:30 pm Read More »

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