(670 The Score) The Bears' press conference featuring general manager Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy on Monday was meant to help put a bow on questions left by an early playoff exit at the hands of the Eagles in a wild-card round matchup.
But when it concluded, Bears fans were left with a concerning question about a possible pursuit of ex-Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt, who's on the commissioner's exempt list after he kicked a woman in an assault in February. When questioned about Hunt, neither Pace nor Nagy shut the door to signing him. Nagy went on to say he does believe in second chances, depending on the situation.
Given his talent -- he was a Pro Bowler and the NFL's rushing leader in 2017 -- the 23-year-old Hunt is going to be signed at some point. When that time comes, my hope is the decision isn't reached with typical process. Usually, teams selling the addition of troubled players with testimonials from coaches, teammates, agents and friends who end up being wrong. Perhaps all that keeps a franchise from wearing its bad decision like a scarlet letter is the fact that not enough fans care enough to pin it on them.
While there's room for a good debate about whether an NFL franchise should be an arbiter of morality, I worry about the Bears revisiting this old, tired act.
When the Bears signed defensive lineman Ray McDonald in 2015 after he'd previously been arrested on domestic violence charges, the news came with plenty of testimonials both excusing his acts and purporting his character. McDonald paid for his own flight. He proclaimed his innocence. Then-defensive coordinator Vic Fangio vouched for him. This was all presented to the public as though it outweighed his actions. I want badly to leave the world where a coach's word on a player's character excuses past behavior.
While we're not there yet with the Bears and a possible signing of Hunt, the press conference Monday may have been a testing of the waters.
Whichever team signs Hunt should have qualified individuals vouch for him, not a college teammate or former coach. Therapists, counselors and officials with prevention programs should certify a player's rehabilitation and allow him to return to a league ready to forgive in exchange for 1,000 yards rushing.
Too often, team officials and coaches are wrong when they pull for a move like this. It's not all their fault. They work in a violent business that can't employ 53 players with perfect character.
But it shouldn't be on owners and team executives to decide whether Hunt is ready for a second chance. Stop asking old teammates if they think their buddy deserves another paycheck. That's asking a biased audience. Leave that decision to professionals.
There are professionals in the field trained to help players like Hunt through whatever issues he's dealing with. In utilizing them more heavily and trusting their opinions, the NFL would validate a reconciliation by a player in this circumstance and help chip away at the notion that getting help is a weakness.
I don't hold confidence this will happen. The NFL is preoccupied in its massive TV ratings and gigantic piles of money. When Hunt signs with a new team, the league will take criticism in a 48-hour news cycle before most just move on.
Connor McKnight is a co-host of 670 The Score's Bernstein & McKnight Show in middays. You can follow him on Twitter @C1McKnight.
