In pro wrestling, back in the territory days, they used to have “loser leaves town” matches to settle grudges. At least, that’s what it was to the fans who watched the programs and went to the area cities and towns.
In reality, it was time for one or more of those wrestlers to move on to another territory, be it a decision they made on their own, or by a promoter, or even a better offer from another territory.
Chicago wide receiver Chase Claypool hasn’t lost a loser leaves town, but he’s darn close.
On Friday, Claypool criticized his inclusion in the team’s offense, and was asked whether or not he had been put in the best position to showcase his skill set. Claypool answered, “No.”
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus announced on Monday that, not only will the wide receiver not play against Washington on Thursday night – he won’t be in Halas Hall this week.
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin was one of the writers who presented this news on Monday (Matt Eberflus says Chase Claypool to remain away from Bears).
It’ll be the second game this season that Claypool has missed: he was scratched from the Bears’ game against Denver last Sunday, and wasn’t injured.
Eberflus did inform the media that it was Claypool’s choice to be at the game as an inactive player or not be there at all. “We did ask Chase to stay home during that time. We felt it was in the best interest of the team. We always base our inactives based on meetings, based on practice, based on walk-throughs during the course of the week. And we made him inactive for that point.”
Cronin reported that Claypool had been informed of the franchise’s decision, and the coach felt it was the best for the team, although he didn’t elaborate why. “It comes down to this. When you’re evaluating players in meetings, in practice, in walk-throughs, all those things, it’s important that you evaluate the entire body of work, right?” Eberflus was quoted, in Cronin’s espn.com story. “And we just feel that right now Chase is going to be out of the building, it’s best for our football team.”
The coach denied that Claypool’s comments played a role in the player being named inactive.
“I came here, Day 1, I talked about being on time, being respectful and working hard,” Eberflus said. “That to me is important for every individual — if it’s a staff member, a player or a coach. That’s where we are. We feel right now this is the best decision for us.”
Claypool came to the Bears via a trade with Pittsburgh last November, for the 32nd pick in the draft. Since becoming a Bear, Claypool has played 10 games, and has made 18 catches for 191 yards and a touchdown.
