NFL commissioner says Arlington Heights remains in play as Chicago Bears stadium option
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) -- Any potential Chicago Bears stadium move would require approval from three-quarters of NFL team owners, giving NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell significant influence in the process. His recent comments have drawn attention because they appear to differ from statements made by Bears leadership about the team's stadium plans.
Two weeks ago, Bears Chairman George McCaskey described Hammond as the team's sole stadium focus and declined to specify where Arlington Heights stood in the organization's plans.
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When asked Aug. 13 whether he was hopeful Arlington Heights would be the site where the Bears build a stadium, McCaskey responded by referencing the commissioner.
"Well, somebody mentioned the commissioner. He has said to us many times in league meetings hope is not a strategy," McCaskey said.
Two weeks later, Goodell indicated that Arlington Heights remains under consideration alongside Indiana.
"We want to make sure that Arlington Heights and Illinois have an opportunity as well as Indiana to put their best foot forward," Goodell said.
Goodell's remarks came as Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker confirmed he recently spoke with the commissioner.
"Yes, I have spoken with Commissioner Goodell," Pritzker said. "I have not had the sense that Commissioner Goodell has a dog in the hunt, as they say, and that he's chosen some, one state or another or a place for the Bears."
Others interpreted Goodell's comments as a challenge to the message the Bears have been conveying about their stadium search.
"Roger Goodell's comments make clear that the NFL knows that the most valuable location is in Arlington Heights," said Ernie Rose of Touchdown Arlington.
Rick Telander, a longtime Chicago sports columnist and author, said the commissioner's remarks undercut the Bears recent messaging.
"If you're the Bears ... you see this as being a bit of an embarrassment, another little mini slap in the face of what we're trying to do, which at this point, I'm not sure anybody really knows," Telander said.
Telander also emphasized Goodell's influence within the league.
"Roger Goodell is the commissioner. If you had a king of the NFL, he would be the guy," Telander said. "If Goodell is saying, hey listen, don't cross that border. If that's what he really means, don't move to Indiana, the Bears have to listen."
The Bears declined to comment on Goodell's statement.
