Don Tiny wrote:
More money for people to pretend the McClaskey's aren't paying players with .....
While I will agree with you the typical meathead bears fans uses this criticism way too much, it is also then improperly used by those claiming to have some superior knowledge of the team.
The Bears are a VERY unique ownership structure. They have about 40 families that receive money from football operations. I cant tell you if they rely upon on it, but it is enough money for most of them not to work, so why would you?
Over 80% of the shares of the Bears have been distributed to various family members, but none have voting rights. I assume this was done as to avoid losing the Bears when the old lady dies due to inheritance Tax.
Now, because they distribute so much cash, they dont keep much cash on hand and thus dont pay many signing bonuses. Sure, they can easily acquire the cash. Mike Mccaskey can "LOAN" the team money, and I am sure even he feels it is a very low risk, as he would get it paid back the next year. regardless, it is a step that most teams dont need to consider.
Additionally, The Mccaskeys dont have another business to support the football operation. They didnt make millions outside of football and neither have the cash or a an ongoing business to help create cash.
So the fact the NFL itself makes sure that all teams stay within a $23 Mill payroll of each other, doesnt allow a team to SPEND more, SPEND less more than another team in terms of simple payments. You need to be aggressive and creative to make such payments and while the Bears are creative, I dont think they do so to win, I think they do so to make sure they dont GO OVER THE CAP....instead of pushing the limits of the cap.
However, the NFL does allow teams to SPEND as they wish on a stadium and I think we can all agree, there isnt a worse place to play football than Soldier Field. Its terrible for the fans, player and even the owners.
So when you really get to look at TEAMS SPENDING MONEY, we all know the Bears "FAMILY" is on the bottom of the pile because they need to milk the team to support the families.