The Washington Commanders’ thrilling Hail Mary has had a big impact in Chicago, rippling through the media and players alike. It’s dominated sports TV shows nationwide for the past 48 hours. This kind of chaos is almost inevitable when coaching mishaps lead to poor decisions in the final plays, and a player focuses on taunting the crowd rather than staying engaged.
One of the key questions after Sunday’s heartbreaking loss was whether the Bears would take disciplinary action against second-year cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. He went off-script on the final play, ultimately tipping the ball to the receiver he was supposed to cover. Many fans called for his release (which was never likely) or suggested he be benched and fined. However, under the players’ collective bargaining agreement, fines are off the table. According to Bears insider Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, though, some other actions might still be possible regarding Stevenson.
There’s no chance the Bears would consider the extreme measure of placing Stevenson on waivers. If they did, he would be a member of the Carolina Panthers, who have the top position for waiver claims, before the week ended. If they want him out of the building — and I doubt that’s the case — they could trade him. But that’s a non-starter, in my opinion, unless something else crops up.
Trading Tyrique Stevenson would be an overreaction.
As Biggs pointed out, it’s highly unlikely that Chicago will trade Stevenson at this point, given his talent and potential. While the Bears do have some depth at cornerback and the trade deadline is approaching, there’s only a slim chance they’d consider moving him—particularly if a strong offer comes in. However, it’s doubtful that a team would pursue Stevenson right now, given the media attention surrounding him. This week, several defensive teammates stepped up to support him, acknowledging that although the recent play was immature, Stevenson is still a valuable asset to their defense. Biggs also spoke to a league source who offered insight on how Chicago might best handle the situation.
“Just move on. It was a mistake and immature. It’s the young “me” generation. It is what it is. Overreacting would derail the kid’s career in Chicago. That’s just me. I am sure he feels awful already. Everyone in Chicago and on ESPN is killing him.”
Stevenson’s willingness to own up to his mistake, address his teammates, and take full responsibility shows genuine remorse and a desire to be better. I believe the best approach now is to leave the situation as it is. The public humiliation he’s faced this week—and will continue to face for years—should be enough. However, if there’s another incident like this, a trade will very much be on the table. It’s up to Stevenson to make sure that doesn’t happen.
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Idk why this is even an article worth posting. Clearly they’re very high on this kid and he’s a strong young asset to this team. He’s still young and a bit immature. In that moment his mindset went from his job to playing the ball to make a game sealing play for his team. I fault him for not staying engaged during the play of course. But the amount of crap he’s went through for it is punishment enough. If you want to bench him for a game that’s fine. But trading or letting him go? That is just absurd.
Flustered, Shane the Drifter, and serial offender Stevo Devo should be tried in the ICC. All three are football criminals in the very important Washington game. Peter Principle lives in Beardom. That was not just a bad luck game, it was structurally systematically filled with error and mediocrity from start to finish.
Any updates on the trade yet?
Seems kinda extreme to trade or waive a guy for one play. Trading him alone, you’re not getting your value back. Olin Kreutz said it Sunday night, “has this been normal behavior or is this the first time? If this has happened before, why wasn’t it corrected before”. So to your point Dr Melhus, maybe bench him for a quarter or half, if it was a first time offense. Players need to be held accountable for their actions (and yes, I know, Flus should be held accountable too).
Cut or trade Stevenson? Eberflus first. You could bench him for a game, but why even consider that when Gordon and Smith have been injured and you’re battling for a playoff spot? It was a terrible mistake in game, getting rid of him would be worse. If anyone has to go you start with the coaching staff.