Opposition No Real Alibi for Bears

The Bears are not the only team eligible for Hard Knocks hoping to avoid it and the end result could be someone being told to do it, report suggests.

Speculation continues to build about the Bears' chances of being this year's Hard Knocks team despite George McCaskey's wishes.

It was McCaskey, the Bears board chairman, who told reporters at this year's owners meetings in Arizona: "We feel there are a number of teams that have compelling stories to tell on 'Hard Knocks ... 31 others."

The Bears have always taken a dim view of appearing on the show that offers a behind-the-scenes look at training camps. Nevertheless, right now they remain one of the four teams eligible with the Jets, Commanders and Saints.

Usually the team of choice has been lined up already so expect an announcement within the next few weeks but John Breech of CBS Sports pointed out as recently as 2021 they waited until July 2, just three weeks before camps were operating. Dallas did it that year.

Breech, in an article about the situation, points out the Bears are not the only team among the four eligible hoping to avoid participation, but says the league can force a team to accept being on the program.

The obvious choice of the four is the Jets because of Aaron Rodgers. However, coach Robert Saleh has expressed a desire to avoid the show just like the Bears have. It's also pointed out the Commanders might not be a good choice because of their ownership situation. Breech also says some players have expressed negative views of appearing on the show but this is hardly a reason for any decision involving the league, as the recent Thursday Night Football decision reflects—teams being told they have to appear more than once.

Breech does point out the Raiders didn't want to be on Hard Knocks in 2019 and were tabbed, anyway.

Then again, that's the Raiders. They've always been an NFL outlaw team and the league hasn't alway seen eye to eye with Al Davis or his family.

The salvation for the Bears could be if they simply pick New Orleans, where there hasn't been much opposition, or if another team volunteers. Breech points out this has happened before, with the Rams and Chargers doing it together in 2020.

It's a situation to watch closely in the next few weeks and, at the moment, all that can be said for the Bears' chances of avoiding it is they're not in the clear just because McCaskey opposes it.

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