Blagojevich Critiques Pritzker Over Bears’ Potential Move to Indiana
Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich recently stated that Governor J.B. Pritzker was outmaneuvered, particularly as the Chicago Bears look to leave the state for Indiana. An Indiana House committee has moved forward with a bill aimed at helping the Bears finance a new NFL stadium, which may be constructed in Hammond, Indiana, close to Wolf Lake.
On a recent episode of “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Blagojevich commented, “The Indiana Legislature did what they had to do, and the governor was asleep because of it.” He didn’t hold back in his criticism of Pritzker, claiming this isn’t the first time a significant company has considered leaving Illinois.
He pointed to the state’s high taxes as a contributing factor in the Bears’ potential relocation, referencing other companies like Boeing and Tyson Foods that have already departed. Blagojevich said, “We spent $3 billion on illegal immigrants, and clearly they don’t have the money or they don’t care about keeping the Bears in Illinois.”
Pritzker’s office has not yet responded to inquiries about these claims. Blagojevich further accused Pritzker of caring more about protecting sanctuary for undocumented immigrants than about keeping the Bears in Chicago.
The Bears did issue a statement saying that this development plan represents a significant advancement in their quest for a new home. While they are looking at options, Chicago officials remain hopeful. Mayor Brandon Johnson stressed in a recent press conference that the Bears should stay in Chicago, expressing willingness to negotiate with the team.
Blagojevich lamented, “He turned his back on the Chicago Bears’ working-class fan base,” adding that it would be shameful if the Bears were to leave due to Pritzker’s actions.
Pritzker expressed disappointment regarding the Bears’ moves, admitting they caught him and his team off guard during a lengthy meeting with the franchise. Meanwhile, Indiana Governor Mike Brown has stated that the Bears approached Indiana five months ago, noting previous rejections by Illinois officials.
Brown emphasized that the Bears have been striving to negotiate for three years and that what they faced in Illinois was inaction. He also highlighted that the Bears will remain an iconic franchise, regardless of their location, hoping to provide them with a better home in Indiana where the economic conditions are more favorable.
