The Indianapolis Star reports: Bears Hall of Famer Dan Hampton says he no longer feels animosity toward Saints coach Sean Payton and other players who crossed the picket line during the 1987 NFL strike.
"I'll be honest. For a time, I thought all those (replacement players) were scabs, rats who were sticking a knife in us and our union,'' Hampton told columnist Bob Kravitz. "This guy came in and played and replaced Jim McMahon, I mean, c'mon. His only entrée into the league was by being a scab.
"But you know, over the years, I've softened toward those guys -- mostly because I can't stand our current union and the way they've turned their backs on the older players. They've flashed a giant, 10-foot middle finger at us. The way I look at it now, the guys who really (angered) me were the Howie Longs and Randy Whites, players who crossed the line for themselves and for monetary gain. Kids like Payton, they were chasing a dream. I can't be too hard on them''
Get the full story: IndyStar.com
"I'll be honest. For a time, I thought all those (replacement players) were scabs, rats who were sticking a knife in us and our union,'' Hampton told columnist Bob Kravitz. "This guy came in and played and replaced Jim McMahon, I mean, c'mon. His only entrée into the league was by being a scab.
"But you know, over the years, I've softened toward those guys -- mostly because I can't stand our current union and the way they've turned their backs on the older players. They've flashed a giant, 10-foot middle finger at us. The way I look at it now, the guys who really (angered) me were the Howie Longs and Randy Whites, players who crossed the line for themselves and for monetary gain. Kids like Payton, they were chasing a dream. I can't be too hard on them''
Get the full story: IndyStar.com
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Chicago Bears - 12 NFL Championships. Don't question greatness and tradition. The Bears ARE the NFL.
He was asked a question and gave an honest answer, because
obviously someone more important than you or I does care what Dan Hampton thinks.
I still think the 85 Bears are the best and how you feel that answer changes anything is beyond me. Was that fight between our(bald dude) Olineman and Randy White linked to that? or was it bc Randy White would use his uppercut against the Olineman and our guy got tired of White's cheap shots? or both lolol Sweeeet fight!!! remember someones helmet off too.... f white!!!!
Always knew there was something about Howie Long i didn't like. A SCAB it figures , thats why he does commericals for government motors oh i meant GM
"Long Suffering Bears Fans" are not Bear fans. They are bandwagaon fans. I cant wait for next year. Lovie, Martz, and Marinelli can do it. By the way Big Bob we beat the Vikings on the last Monday night of the season. Culter throwing bullet tds and Hunter punchin the ball out of the superstar rbs hands to win the game!
Say what you all like. Personally, I loved the replacement players. During that strike year there was more pure football being played and less hot dogging and self congraulating tribal performing. I rarely bother watching any pro sport these days, including the Bears. Wait. Isn't it oxymoronic mentioning the Bears and pro in the same sentence? I've been a very long suffering fan for over 70 years and a 30 second wonder at the Bears 1954 training camp but still can't get interested in this "entertainment" that's being over hyped as a sport.Bah humbug
Its an honest answer, flame him all you like.
My question is: who gives a crap what Jeff thinks? Seriously!!
Get over yourself Jeff. Dan was approached with a question and he gave a honest answer. I don't see any entitlement here. Give the guy that posed the question some grief.
my only question is: who gives a crap what Dan Hampton thinks? seriously?
his new media-driven attitude--(even though he can't keep a full time job on the radio due to the amount of commercial breaks that are missed thanks to his inability to complete a sentence)--is very unbecoming. he is just another in a long line of old bears that think they know it all.
i just hate having to bring this to everyone's attention because i love those good bears teams as much as the next guy; but the fact that they believe one super bowl victory gives them some sort of entitlement is a bit too much.