Thread: Business as usual for Bears' front office

Business as usual for Bears' front office

March 21, 2011 10:22 AM

By Dan Pompei

NEW ORLEANS -- The Chicago Bears' front office is preparing for the 2011 season even though there might not be one. Bears president Ted Phillips is taking the stance that the team needs to continue to operate as if football will be played in September.

"Our focus has to be getting reading for the 2011 season," said Phillips, who is attending the NFL meetings. "Don't worry about the labor situation, let's just do everything we can -- prepare for the draft, prepare for free agency whether it comes before or after the draft, and have all the alternatives ready to go so when we're told the season is starting, we're off and running. That's what everyone is focused on. The mantra has been business as usual."

Some teams have cut the pay of employees during the work stoppage. Others have forced employees to take furloughs. Others have laid off employees. The Bears have done none of the above.

"I've taken the position that until the regular season, we will have no layoffs or pay cuts due to the labor situation," Phillips said. "I don't think we're overstaffed. We have a good staff. It's hard to rebuild a staff and regain loyalty. I wanted to reward that. When the regular season starts, if it's still an unfortunate situation, we'll talk about it then. Everyone was a little on edge about it, and I think now they feel better. They can be more focused on business."

Also on the labor front, Phillips makes it clear he supports the NFL's position on not opening the books to the players.

"There are legal requirements in the collective bargaining process where you have to release certain financial data, and the league has offered up significantly more than that," he said. "I don't think financial disclosure should be an impediment to a deal."

Phillips also is in favor of a rookie wage scale.

"It's been well documented that money paid to unproven rookies, especially in the first round, has gotten out of hand," he said. "I really believe both sides will find a solution to that issue. I think both sides acknowledge that it's an issue. The question becomes how do you address it and make sure those savings are diverted to the veterans or the retirees."