BEARS OFFER REFUNDS FOR SEASON
After their firm deadline for season-ticket renewals in March, the Bears are now offering full refunds for the upcoming season.
Season-ticket holders can get their money back and retain the rights to their seats at Soldier Field for the 2021 season.
It’s a near certainty the Bears won’t be able to hold capacity crowds this season because of the coronavirus pandemic, and it’s not even clear if fans will be allowed at all. The NFL hasn’t issued any policies on the matter despite preseason games beginning Aug. 13.
“The presence of and the exact number of fans that will be allowed into Soldier Field has not yet been determined,” the team said in a letter sent to season-ticket holders Monday. “Our hope is to build a model that provides the opportunity to see the Bears play this fall to as many season-ticket holders as possible.”
The letter acknowledged “the experience this season will be different.” That’s also true for coaches and players, who are still waiting on safety protocols from the league.
The NFL has so far proceeded with business as usual and has the advantage of observing restart attempts by the NBA, NHL and MLB before players report for training camp July 28. It’s widely assumed the NFL will cancel two preseason games — the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6 is already scrapped — but is otherwise preparing to play the season as scheduled.
If nothing changes, the Bears will open the preseason Aug. 15 against the Browns and play their first home game Sept. 20 against the Giants.
Team president and CEO Ted Phillips said two weeks ago the Bears were “extremely hopeful, confident” that they would have fans at games this season but also were making contingency plans.
The Nationals will try to defend their World Series title without at least two holdovers from last year’s team, including one of the faces of the franchise.
Longtime infielder Ryan Zimmerman and pitcher Joe Ross elected not to play this season, the team announced Monday. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Major League Baseball is attempting to start a 60-game season in late July.
General manager Mike Rizzo said Zimmerman and Ross are opting out for the safety of themselves and their families.
“We are 100% supportive of their decision to not play this year,” Rizzo said. “We will miss their presence in the clubhouse and their contributions on the field.”
Zimmerman was due $740,741 and Ross $555,556 as prorated portions of their salaries, originally $2 million for the first baseman and $1.5 million for the pitcher. Only players deemed high risk are paid if they opt out.
Zimmerman’s mother is at high risk for complications from the virus. He also has three young children, including a three-week-old.
“Everyone knows how much it means to me to be part of a team, and I will miss that camaraderie dearly this year,” Zimmerman said in a statement. “Of course I would love to pursue back-to-back titles. I cannot speak for anyone else, but given the unusual nature of the season, this is the best decision for me and my family.”
Diamondbacks right-hander Mike Leake also opted out of the season because of concerns about the coronavirus. The 32-year-old started 10 games for the team after being acquired from the Mariners at the trade deadline.
Leake, who earned his first American League Gold Glove Award for his time with the Mariners, was expected to compete for a spot in the rotation. He was due $5,555,556 as the prorated share of his $15 million salary.
Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond posted on Instagram that he won’t play this season because he feels he needs to be home with his pregnant wife and four young children during the pandemic and social unrest.