Da' paycheck

Jeremiah Bartz - J's World

The world of professional sports reached a new low this week.

And unfortunately it is my beloved Bears that brought it to this level.

Early this week, the Chicago Bears and their capitalist president and CEO Ted Phillips announced they had signed a multi-year, multi-million dollar deal with Bank One.

Apparently now the Windy City's National Football League franchise is known as the "Chicago Bears presented by Bank One."

We have seen companies cling their name to the titles of stadiums and sporting events, but never has a franchise completely prostituted itself.

The Bears were once virgins in the Jerry Jones, George Steinbrenner-morally corrupt state of pro sports. The once pure Chicago team has now deflowered themselves with this disaster of a deal.

What will this lead to?

We already have to deal with the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and Invesco Field at Mile High.

Will every team latch themselves to a company?

Will we have the Green Bay Cheeseheads presented by Kraft?

The Denver Broncos presented by Elmer's Glue?

The Oakland Raiders presented by the California Psychiatric Institute?

Will this transfer over to pop culture?

Will there be the Rolling Stones presented by Geritol?

Long since athletes sold themselves out, but how long is it until it is not just there name on the back of their jersey?

Soon a Los Angeles Lakers jersey will have Bryant presented by Nike on the back, rather than just Bryant.

A Texas Rangers jersey will have Palmeiro presented by Viagra.

The next time I buy a Chicago Bears sweatshirt or hat, what will stand out? The Bears logo or the Bank One logo?

It is bad enough that on one of my sweatshirts, the Reebok logo is larger than the Bears logo.

Since my team has sold out, I have decided to sell out as well.

Like da' Bears I am now going for da' paycheck.

I am currently looking for sponsors for my weekly Sunday column in the Frontiersman.

Imagine J's World presented by Subway.

At this time I am not demanding a multi-million dollar deal, free stuff would work too.

There are a host of business' that I would not mind seeing as sponsor for my column.

The Pepsi corporation could fuel my addiction to Diet Pepsi.

Even local businesses such as Tony Chevrolet, Schwabenhof's or Bagels Alaska would work.

I would sign on the dotted line to transform J's World into J's World presented by Bagels Alaska.

Since former Frontiersman photographer William Woody left the paper, the newsroom has received no bagel love.

Woody's bagel mistress would routinely send free bagels this direction, but normally only for the long-haired vagabond.

Valley Life editor Casey Ressler may follow in my search for a sponser, especially if Rogaine calls.

We can just follow those associated with professional sports who are selling out at an exponential rate.

Its like a train speeding toward a mountain.

The Fighting Irish won one for the Gipper, I guess the Bears will now try to win one for the banker.

Jeremiah Bartz is the sports editor for the Frontiersman.

Those interested in sponsoring J's World, call 352-2273.