chicagotribune--2020-02-16--Dwyane Wade’s spades game, Shaquille O’Neal’s DJ set and other celebrity sightings during NBA All-St

Dwyane Wade’s spades game, Shaquille O’Neal’s DJ set and other celebrity sightings during NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago

MJ , Yvette , Dru and Reggie .
This one means a lot to me .
Honored to play the @ @ @ @ @ Thanks MJ , we love you guys

Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West watch the first quarter of the NBA All-Star Game at the United Center on Feb. 16, 2020. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)
Here’s a look at where the stars dined and partied during All-Star Weekend.
Sunday’s sightings
After headlining the All-Star Game halftime show, Chance the Rapper performed at the North Side clubs Dance Studio and LiqrBox. Entertainment reporter Terrence J accompanied him.
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Chance the Rapper, center, watches the NBA All-Star Game at the United Center on Feb. 16, 2020. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)
Chance dined earlier at RPM Steak, which also hosted rappers J. Cole, Fabolous and G. Herbo; the singer Bad Bunny; former Suns star and Waukegan native Shawn Marion; former DePaul and Young star Quentin Richardson; and former Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.
Rapper G-Eazy hit up Ramen-san Deluxe and Tao Chicago and performed a surprise set at LiqrBox. Also at Tao: Migos rapper Quavo, who sang with Chance during the halftime show, Bears linebacker Khalil Mack, who visited RPM Steak three nights in a row during All-Star Weekend, and Rockets guard Russell Westbrook.
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Actor/activist Common, who gave a moving tribute to Chicago to help kick off the All-Star Game, closed down Tavern on Rush with a large group that included actress Tiffany Haddish. The two have sparked romance rumors.
Saturday’s sightings
Retired NBA star Dwyane Wade’s spades game at the City Hall event space in the West Loop drew several big names, including his wife, actress Gabrielle Union; Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes; Russell Westbrook; Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell; Celtics center Tacko Fall; popular Fortnite streamer Tyler “Ninja” Blevins; Queen Latifah; Common; Tiffany Haddish; NBA-star-turned-broadcaster Reggie Miller; and Sky players Stefanie Dolson, Cheyenne Parker and Diamond DeShields.
LeBron James attends the Klutch Sports Group All-Star Dinner presented by PATR"N Tequila at Swift & Sons on Feb. 15, 2020. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for PATR"N Tequila)
NBA superstar LeBron James, meanwhile, shut down Swift & Sons steakhouse in Fulton Market for his Klutch Sports Group dinner. 76ers guard Ben Simmons and Terrence J were among those in attendance.
Rapper Megan Thee Stallion celebrated her 25th birthday in Tao’s private skybox the night before her pre-game concert at Navy Pier. She wore a blue shimmery outfit and dined with a group of friends, including rapper Tory Lanez. She had not one but three birthday cakes. A slew of basketball and football players watched G-Eazy’s set at Tao, and Food Network host Guy Fieri even joined the rapper on stage.
Hip-hop couple Cardi B and Offset were at Bounce Sporting Club for Offset’s performance. Quavo and Haddish were there too. People magazine reported Offset flew in Valentine’s Day dinner from one of Cardi’s favorite New York restaurants. Offset hosted a party Sunday at Ocean Gentlemen’s Club in suburban Bedford Park.
Shaquille O’Neal — using the stage name Diesel — kicked off his Dance Studio set by encouraging the crowd to put up their hands for his former teammate Kobe Bryant, who died last month in a helicopter crash.
Someone also handed him a beaded necklace that featured a replica of Bryant’s No. 24 Lakers jersey. Alshon Jeffery and “New Girl” cast member Lamorne Morris were in attendance.
Shaquille O’Neal performs in celebration of All-Star Weekend at Dance Studio on Feb. 15, 2020. (Youngrae Kim / Chicago Tribune)
Before his set at Joy District Chicago, DJ Khaled showed off his dance moves at Sunda New Asian restaurant, met fans at the Snipes shoe store in Evergreen Park and dined with a group of friends at RPM Italian.
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LiqrBox performers 50 Cent and Ludacris dined separately at RPM Steak, which also hosted “Alexa & Katie” star Tiffani Thiessen. “Chicago P.D.” star LaRoyce Hawkins, who played in Friday’s All-Star Celebrity Game, ate at Tavern on Rush. ESPN commentator Michael Wilbon, who coached the team that defeated Hawkins’ team in the celebrity game, also ate at the Gold Coast steakhouse.
Friday’s sightings
Michael Jordan celebrated his upcoming 57th birthday at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios’ Little Village complex. Attendees didn’t know the location of Friday’s party until Thursday, and security was very tight.
The singer Miguel performed. Russell Westbrook, Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony, Celtics guard Kemba Walker, Lakers forward Anthony Davis, rapper Fat Joe, comedian Chris Tucker, Chicago native Vic Mensa and “Family Matters” star Jaleel White were among the 250 to 300 people in attendance.
Michael Jordan’s Steak House catered the event, and Moet & Chandon provided a champagne display and vending machine. There was a large Kobe Bryant jersey made of flowers to honor the late NBA legend and a large Jordan sneaker floral display.
This was the first event at Cinespace’s Little Village location — at 31st Street and Kedzie Avenue — which used to be a steel plant. The AMC network show “61st Street” moves into that space in March.
“Grocery Store Joe” Amabile, fresh off his split from “Bachelor in Paradise” castmate Kendall Long; Kelley Flanagan, who was sent home by pilot Peter Weber on a recent episode of “The Bachelor”; and Dustin Kendrick, who competed on Hannah Brown’s season of “The Bachelorette” last year, took in DJ Khaled’s set at Tao. “Bachelor in Paradise” alumnus Chris Bukowski and “Bachelor” alumna Katrina Badowski, who dined together at Bandit in the West Loop, were spotted at Tao too.
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Dustin Kendrick (from left), who competed on "The Bachelorette" in 2019; Kelley Flanagan, a contestant on "The Bachelor" in 2020; and Joe Amabile, a 2018 "Bachelorette" contestant, party at Tao Chicago on Feb. 15, 2020. (Hilary Higgins / Chicago Tribune)
Also at Tao on Friday: Carmelo Anthony (who dined at RPM Seafood); Ben Simmons (who visited Tao the night before); Anthony Davis; Donovan Mitchell (who dined at Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse); former NBA star Allen Iverson; former Bear Devin Hester; and rappers Rick Ross, Tory Lanez, Pusha T, Nas and 2 Chainz.
Former President Barack Obama dined with a small group at RPM Steak and chatted with Clippers guard Patrick Beverley, a Chicago native. Also at RPM Steak: Quavo, with his rapper girlfriend Saweetie; country music singer Kane Brown; Clippers forward Paul George; and Marcus Jordan, the youngest son of Michael Jordan.
President Obama, in Chicago for NBA All-Star Weekend, dined at RPM Steak on Feb. 14, 2020. He is pictured with two RPM Steak servers. (RPM Steak photo)
Former Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and his wife, jewelry designer Kristin Cavallari, dined at Siena Tavern, which is where they filmed a storyline for “Very Cavallari” in the fall. They were in town to meet fans at Cavallari’s Uncommon James store in the West Loop. Attendees paid $200 to watch Cavallari and Cutler — who wore loafers without socks on Chicago’s coldest day of the year — answer questions from the audience while sitting on a swing in the store.
RPM Seafood hosted rapper Lil Jon before his Dance Studio set; Grammy winner Anderson .Paak; and Bears defensive lineman Akiem Hicks. Bears coach Matt Nagy and his family dined at Bar Cargo. Former Bulls center Pau Gasol ate at Tavern on Rush.
Tiffani Thiessen and her children visited the Shedd Aquarium, dined at Sushi-san and Gino’s East and had hot chocolate at BomboBar. Rapper O.T. Genasis dined at S2 Express Grill before performing at Joy District.
Patrick Mahomes and his girlfriend, Brittany Matthews, dined at Chicago Cut Steakhouse. The Chiefs quarterback pre-ordered five dozen roses for his corner booth to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
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“Saturday Night Live” cast member Alex Moffat, who played in the All-Star Celebrity Game; and Jeff Ross, who participated in a roast of the “Inside the NBA” studio team, also ate at Chicago Cut.
Thursday’s sightings
Chance the Rapper — who has a packed schedule of All-Star Game duties and charity events — was spotted at the Bacardi Rum Room pop-up at Dance Studio on Thursday with fellow Chicago native Vic Mensa and “Power” star Omari Hardwick.
Former Bull Carlos Boozer, meanwhile, has been eating around town. He was at RPM Seafood on Thursday, and he also dined at Tavern on Rush and the Licking.
Also at RPM Seafood on Thursday were Miguel, and his model-singer wife, Nazanin Mandi; Anthony Davis, a Chicago native who dined in a private room with 20 people; and “Shameless” alumna Joan Cusack. RPM Steak, meanwhile, hosted Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard; Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma; and Magic forward Aaron Gordon. Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals were at Three Dots and a Dash, a day before dining at RPM Italian.
A foot injury didn’t stop Heat rookie Tyler Herro from partying at Joy District and Tao. Also spotted at Tao: Comedian Michael Blackson; Jazz center Rudy Gobert; Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis; Bucks forward Khris Middleton; and Celtics legend Paul Pierce.
Tiffani Thiessen and her two children visited the Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier and Velvet Taco on Thursday before Thiessen and her 9-year-old daughter, Harper, kicked off the Rookie USA fashion show at Morgan Manufacturing in West Town.
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Tiffani Amber Thiessen and her daughter, Harper, @RookieUSA fashion show in the West Loop as part of #NBAAllStar festivities. pic.twitter.com/lunoMEyp1e — tracyswartz (@tracyswartz) February 14, 2020
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” star JB Smoove accompanied his nephew down the Rookie USA runway. He told the Tribune that the cold in Chicago doesn’t bother him because his wife, Shahidah Omar, is from the South Side.
JB Smoove of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” fame @RookieUSA fashion show in West Loop as part of #NBAAllStar festivities.
He said he is calling the runway O’Hare because he’s going to land on it. pic.twitter.com/WLhhB0TEVq — tracyswartz (@tracyswartz) February 14, 2020
“I came to the airport, and you know what I said? ‘This all you got Chicago? This all you got? I heard about your reputation for freezing people, freezing eyelids, freezing eyes wide open, and you can’t blink no more.’ ”
Thursday’s fashion show benefited the James R. Jordan Foundation, which is devoted to empowering youth to reach their full potential.
Wednesday’s sightings
The National Basketball Retired Players Association had its tipoff party at Tao. Among those in attendance: Shawn Marion; Chicago native and Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas; Hall of Famer and former Loyola coach Sheryl Swoopes.
LaRoyce Hawkins dined with his “Chicago P.D.” colleagues Eriq LaSalle, Jason Beghe and Jesse Lee Soffer at RPM Seafood.
NBA legend Charles Barkley joined “Waddle & Silvy” on WMVP-AM 1000 from Chicago Cut.


chicagotribune--2020-02-16--Luis Robert is ready to showcase a ‘warrior’ mentality in the majors after reaching a long-term deal

Luis Robert is ready to showcase a ‘warrior’ mentality in the majors after reaching a long-term deal with the White Sox

“ He knows this is just the first step and he understands there are a lot of people expecting so @ @ @ @ @ ’ s our job to make sure he understands : ‘ Just go out there @ @ @ @ @ You are not the only one here .
There will be a lot of guys @ @ @ @ @ their particular job , and hopefully as you move along , you are able to @ @ @ @ @ ”

White Sox starting pitcher Dylan Cease warms up in right field before a game against the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark on Feb. 23, 2020. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Luis Robert has a tattoo on the left side of his neck.
“It means ‘warrior’ in Chinese,” Robert said through an interpreter Sunday. “As a Cuban, when you leave the island, you know that you are going to face a lot of challenges, tougher challenges. I consider myself a warrior.”
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Robert, 22, is ready to unleash that mentality in the majors.
The top prospect in the organization is in line to be the opening-day center fielder after he and the Sox came to terms on a six-year, $50 million contract this offseason.
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“The only thing that the contract changed was the certainty that I’m going to start the year in the majors,” Robert said. “But besides that, I still know that I have to work hard, I need to improve, I need to develop my game. And that’s my goal during spring training.”
Robert’s plan this spring is to “work all around on my game.”
“There’s room to improve in every aspect,” he said. “Hopefully I can stay healthy and my legs are going to stay healthy. That’s going to be the key for me.”
Robert was healthy, and a major threat, in 2019 while playing at Class A Winston-Salem, Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte. In 122 games, he hit .328 with 32 home runs, 92 RBIs and 36 stolen bases.
“(He is) a competitor,” Sox manager Rick Renteria said. "Driven. When I spoke to him once we extended him, I reached out to congratulate him and he texted me back, ‘It’s time to go to work.’
“He knows this is just the first step and he understands there are a lot of people expecting so many different things. It’s our job to make sure he understands: ‘Just go out there and play the game. You are not the only one here. There will be a lot of guys here who have to do their particular job, and hopefully as you move along, you are able to balance it out.’ ”
Renteria said Robert “seems quiet” but described him as “happy-go-lucky and funny” with his teammates.
“As he gets more and more comfortable, you get more and more comfortable in your own skin,” Renteria said. “You are always trying to prove you belong here. It takes a little time to settle down. It won’t be any different for him than any of the other guys.”
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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 42 White Sox center fielder Luis Robert is helped off the field after being injured while reaching first base with an infield hit in the first inning against the Indians on May 2, 2021 at Guaranteed Rate Field. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
Robert said his success last year “reinforced all the things that I know I can do on the field.”
“My mind is strong and in the right place,” he said. “One of the things that I’m going to learn is that I’m going to need to make adjustments as quickly as possible because in the major leagues, I won’t have too much time to waste.”
Renteria praised Robert’s ability to adjust at the plate.
“I remember him getting punched out with a breaking ball in the dirt, and the next time he spit on it and ended up getting something that was up and hit it out of the ballpark,” Renteria said. "Those are good telltales of a guy’s ability to make adjustments. You go from making adjustments through numbers of games, to game to game, to at-bat to at-bat, and then pitch to pitch.
“It’s a process of honing down where you are, and we’ve got to give him an opportunity to just be himself and experience what he’s going to experience. There’s nothing like it to make you better and to either humble you or propel you. You have to deal with all those emotions as you go along the journey.”
Robert is ready for his big-league journey to begin. He said he doesn’t feel any added pressure from being ranked the No. 3 prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB Pipeline.
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“Since I signed with the team (in 2017), I know the expectations have been high, but it hasn’t affected me at all,” Robert said. "This year won’t be any different. I just need to do my work.”


chicagotribune--2020-02-16--Yu Darvish says it’s ‘weird’ the Astros haven’t been stripped of their 2017 World Series title

“ It felt a little more realistic there , even though you ’ ve got the computers on the field @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re getting digitally , ” Cubs manager David Ross said .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ m sure the hitter gets some feedback , trying to learn the @ @ @ @ @ want to track ( pitches ) .
Catchers get feedback , and definitely pitchers .
@

MESA, Ariz. — Here are four takeaways from Cubs spring training Sunday.
1. Yu Darvish says the Astros getting to keep the 2017 World Series title gives him ‘a weird feeling.’
Four weeks after expressing amusement regarding the Astros sign-stealing scandal, Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish was more forthcoming in wondering why the punishment wasn’t stiffer.
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Darvish, who pitched for the Dodgers in the 2017 World Series, lasted only 1⅔ innings in both of his starts against the Astros and was tagged for four runs on six hits in Game 3 at Minute Maid Park in Houston.
“I’m not angry,” Darvish said Sunday, “but it’s a weird feeling. Like the Olympics. When (athletes) cheat, you can’t have the gold medal. But you can still have a World Series title? It makes me feel weird. That’s it.”
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He wasn’t finished. Darvish took exception to Astros shortstop Carlos Correa accusing Dodgers star Cody Bellinger of “not knowing the facts” when Bellinger said the Astros “stole” the World Series title from the Dodgers.
“But one more thing,” Darvish said. “So they cheat. I think for right now, (they) shouldn’t talk like that. Understand?”
Darvish was most upset about pitchers affected by the sign-stealing tactics who might have lost their jobs as a result.
“(The Astros) have to do something,” Darvish said. “Show (more) apologies. I don’t feel anything from those guys.”
2. David Ross was happy with the first round of live batting practice with umpires.
Willson Contreras hit the first pitch of his second round of batting practice off the fence as selected Cubs hit with an umpire behind the catcher and no protective cage.
“It felt a little more realistic there, even though you’ve got the computers on the field with some of the feedback we’re getting digitally,” Cubs manager David Ross said. “I like the way it looks. I’m sure the hitter gets some feedback, trying to learn the strike zone if they just want to track (pitches). Catchers get feedback, and definitely pitchers.”
Ross said first-base and catching coach Craig Driver suggested using umpires to call balls and strikes during bullpen sessions to provide feedback to catchers. But Ross initially hesitated because some pitchers were working on specific pitches.
“Being a catcher, I love that idea (of using umpires),” Ross said. “But I try to take everyone in consideration: the veteran who is throwing a bullpen, just trying to get his work in and build his arm up, (and) the young guy who may be nervous and get negative feedback the first ball he throws (with) the president, the general manager and manager watching.”
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3. Javier Baez pays tribute to Pedro Strop.
Shortstop Javier Baez moved to the locker previously occupied by reliever Pedro Strop, who served as a big brother to Baez before signing with the Reds this month.
“He’s one of the guys who taught me a lot of things mentally,” said Baez, who once credited Strop for motivating him during a victory in Kansas City in 2018. “He’s a guy that you want to have right next to you. He’s a leader, even knowing he’s from the bullpen.
“He was part of the leadership with the team and with other Latinos. It’s going to be hard not having him next to me.”
4. David Ross praises predecessor Joe Maddon.
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Much of Sunday’s chatter involved Baez’s admission that he and several teammates didn’t prepare properly before several games in 2019.
David Ross, however, praised former Cubs manager Joe Maddon for allowing players to blossom through their own experiences.
“Trying to mold yourself into somebody else, you can lose who you are and you’re not as good as a player,” Ross said. "That’s what Joe was really good at — giving players the freedom to learn who they are and how to succeed in that area. Javy is a great example of that.”
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Ross, who was a special assistant last season, declined to say the Cubs should have won more than 84 games in 2019 under Maddon.
“We can’t go back and say ‘what-ifs,’ “ Ross said. “At the Cubs Convention, when you guys were floored with my idea that this team could win the World Series, there were a lot of things that went wrong (in 2019). And every team has that.
“Look at the Yankees and what they went through. I’m not here to stand in front of this microphone and make excuses. But I do see more potential than 84 wins (in 2020).“
Ross acknowledged “there’s a lot of talent in that room, but things went wrong (in 2019).”


chicagotribune--2020-02-16--Javier Baez admits he was one of several Cubs who weren’t totally ready before games: ‘You can lose

Javier Baez admits he was one of several Cubs who weren’t totally ready before games: ‘You can lose in the first inning’

“ I ’ d get to the ( stadium ) and instead of going outside and hitting batting practice , @ @ @ @ @ , which is not the same , ” Baez said .
“ Once I ’ @ @ @ @ @ field before the game , I felt I wasn ’ t ready .
I felt @ @ @ @ @ during the first four innings , and I should be ready and excited to get @ @ @ @ @ pitch .

MESA, Ariz. — Javier Baez has emerged as one of the most dominant forces in the National League during the last three seasons, and the dazzling shortstop is adamant about helping set a tone to prevent more lapses like the ones that led to the Cubs’ disappointing 2019 season and Joe Maddon’s departure.
Baez admitted Sunday he was part of a group that took advantage of individual pregame work that led to sluggish starts and uncharacteristic errors that were common in the 2019 season.
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And after the Cubs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, Baez has completely bought into President Theo Epstein’s mission for the players to work together before each game.
“I’d get to the (stadium) and instead of going outside and hitting batting practice, I would do everything inside, which is not the same,” Baez said. “Once I’d go out to the field before the game, I felt I wasn’t ready. I felt like I was getting loose during the first four innings, and I should be ready and excited to get out there before the first pitch.
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“I promise you guys, this year it’s going to be like that.”
The Cubs committed 117 errors in 2019, second-most in the league. And Epstein is out to change his team’s preparation.
Maddon’s method of letting players take optional batting practice — often indoors — initially was welcomed by players who preferred to preserve their energy for games. New manager David Ross plans to conduct live batting practice with umpires and without a cage to increase the intensity.
“We had a lot of optional things, not mandatory,” Baez said. “And everybody kind of sat back on that — including me. I wasn’t really going out there and preparing (before) the game. I was getting ready during the game, which is not good.
“This year, before the games, we’ve got to be out there as a team — stretch as a team and be together as a team so we can play together.”
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 38 Kris Bryant smiles during a spring training practice at Sloan Park on Feb. 15, 2020. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)
Baez said there are enough leaders to police teammates.
“You can lose the game in the first inning,” Baez said. “When you’re not ready and the other team scores by something simple, I feel like it’s because of that.
“We weren’t ready. We weren’t ready to throw the first pitch because nobody was loose. We’re going to make sure everybody is outside, everybody is doing their routine and getting ready for the game.”
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Ross is pleased Baez is taking that approach.
“The fact that he’s saying it publicly, and holding himself accountable to you guys and the fans, is a strong message that I’m really happy that he’s sending,” Ross said.
Ross on Baez holding himself accountable: pic.twitter.com/jkMaorVZlf — Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 16, 2020
Baez, who has yet to take live batting practice, said his left hand feels fine after missing the final four weeks of the 2019 season with a hairline fracture. He still managed to hit 29 home runs and 85 RBIs last season.
“We haven’t been where we want to be,” Baez said. “We’ve been up and down, more down than up. We’ve got to keep that level in between. We’ve got to fight, compete and beat those (teams) that are getting better.”
He remains hopeful about his future with the Cubs, who control his rights as an arbitration-eligible player through 2021.
“If (an extension) happens, I’ll be grateful,” said Baez, who will earn $10 million this season. “I want to be here my whole career. If not, I’ve got to be focused on baseball. I’ve got to see the business side.”
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Baez said negotiations, based on chats with his agency, have been “up and down.”
“It’s business,” he said. “It’s very tough. I’ll let them work it out. If it works, great. If not, we’ve got another year.”
Baez prefers the Cubs keep their core, including Kris Bryant, who has been the center of trade speculation with two years to go before free agency.
“Everyone is close to the same age,” Baez said. “It’s the business side, and obviously not every year we’re going to have the same players.”
Baez has all but given up on winning an NL Gold Glove Award, but he seems even more motivated for this season.
“I can’t wait,” he said. “I don’t like talking much, but I let my talents show up.
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“I want to be one of the top three players out there. I’m working for that. Hopefully at the end of the season, you can see it.”


chicagotribune--2020-02-16--3 Chicago men charged after robbery at Joliet cellphone store where customers were tied up

Officers located the vehicle and tried to stop it near Bronk Road and Theodore Street .
The driver of the @ @ @ @ @ and instead increased speed .
Officers followed the car but eventually lost sight of it @ @ @ @ @ 55 .
A description of the vehicle was given to local law enforcement agencies , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s deputy located the vehicle in Lockport .

Three men from Chicago were charged in connection with a robbery at a Verizon Wireless store in Joliet on Saturday afternoon. Two of the suspects took several iPhones and iPads and cash from the register and tied up everyone in the store, Joliet police said Sunday.
The incident occurred in the 2900 block of West Jefferson about 1 p.m., police said. Two of the suspects left the store and took off in an awaiting vehicle. No one inside the store was injured.
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Officers located the vehicle and tried to stop it near Bronk Road and Theodore Street. The driver of the vehicle refused to pull over and instead increased speed. Officers followed the car but eventually lost sight of it after it got on Interstate 55. A description of the vehicle was given to local law enforcement agencies, and a Will County sheriff’s deputy located the vehicle in Lockport.
One of the suspects, Tobert G. Walls, 44, took off running before being taken into custody, police said. During the foot chase, the vehicle took off again but crashed into a snowbank in Lemont, where police soon located it.
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Blaine I. Goodall, Tobert G. Walls and Tirnell L. Williams. (Joliet Police Department)
Another suspect, Tirnell L. Williams, 43, who is paraplegic, was taken into custody and transported to Silver Cross Hospital for treatment of injuries from the crash that were not life-threatening. The third suspect, Blaine I. Goodall, 27, took off running from the vehicle and was arrested a short time later, according to police.
Williams was charged with armed robbery. Goodall was charged with armed robbery, aggravated unlawful restraint, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, unlawful use of a weapon by a street gang member, aggravated fleeing and eluding, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Walls was charged with armed robbery, aggravated unlawful restraint, armed habitual criminal, unlawful use of a weapon by a street gang member and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
All three men were transported to Will County Jail.
Two firearms and the stolen goods and money were recovered, police said. The vehicle used in the robbery was reported stolen from Indiana, according to police.
jvillagomez@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @JessicaVillag


chicagotribune--2020-02-16--Ryan Dempster will have a talk show on the Cubs’ Marquee Sports Network. Will it feature Kris Bryant

Ryan Dempster will have a talk show on the Cubs’ Marquee Sports Network. Will it feature Kris Bryant’s new guitar skills?

`` I like to let everyone see these people for who they are , not just what they do for @ @ @ @ @ lose touch with that — like , fantasy sports makes me not like a player @ @ @ @ @ Social media creates animosity .
Instead , let ’ s just enjoy people for what @ @ @ @ @ do for their community , the charity work , maybe a moment in their career @ @ @ @ @ want to share .
”

MESA, Ariz. — As spring training moves into high gear this week, here are three things we’ve learned from Cubs camp.
1. Ryan Dempster’s ready to start his new chapter as a talk-show host.
Coming soon to a TV near you — well, if your cable company carries the Marquee Sports Network — is the Ryan Dempster Show.
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The former Cubs pitcher and current assistant to Cubs president Theo Epstein will begin his own talk show on Marquee — officially called "Off the Mound with Ryan Dempster — with guests from baseball, the arts and other walks of life.
Stupid Cubs Tricks?
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“Typically, we’re going to run it like a late-night talk show,” Dempster said Saturday at Sloan Park. “More of our guests will be sports related, baseball related, but we’re not going to just limit it to baseball. There will be celebrities, entertainers, musicians, comedians, actors ... We’ll talk to them about their experiences, from Cubs baseball and Chicago, to basically anything.”
And now that Kris Bryant has revealed he took guitar lessons this offseason, Dempster said they may get the third baseman to “tug on the strings" and show off his skills set.
“I like that aspect of it,” Dempster said. "We’ve had Jake Peavy and Bronson Arroyo play (guitar) on the shows we’ve done here and in Boston. These are multi-talented guys.”
Ryan Dempster walks with Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester at Sloan Park on Feb. 15, 2020. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)
The show will be taped once a month beginning in April and air with several repeats on the new network, which debuts next Saturday with the Cubs’ first Cactus League game. The Cubs are still negotiating with Comcast Xfinity, the largest carrier in the Chicago-area.
Dempster, who will also serve as a part-time analyst for Cubs telecasts and continue his MLB Network job as a studio analyst, said the show is more than just a hobby.
“I love the game of baseball and I love talking baseball, but if this ‘Off the Mound’ thing goes well, I’d like to continue to pursue that as much as I can and have fun with it," he said. "I put my work in. I do stand-up sets around the city, and in New York and in New Jersey and here in Scottsdale.
"I like to let everyone see these people for who they are, not just what they do for a living. Sometimes we lose touch with that — like, fantasy sports makes me not like a player because he went 0-for-4. Social media creates animosity. Instead, let’s just enjoy people for what they are, what they do for their community, the charity work, maybe a moment in their career that’s special they want to share.”
Tickets for the show will be available on Offthemound.com.
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2. Alec Mills survived a near-beheading during live batting practice.
One of the changes instituted by new manager David Ross is having pitchers throw live batting practice early in camp instead of waiting until a week or so in.
Alec Mills threw live BP to Willson Contreras on Saturday when Contreras smoked a line drive that nearly took Mills’ head off. That would’ve been an unfortunate start for the Cubs pitcher, who is fighting for a spot as either a starter or reliever, and needs his head.
Fortunately, Mills stuck his glove up in time to snare the liner.
“I’m good,” Mills said afterwards. “It was just kind of in an awkward spot. I would’ve made the play.”
At the very least, it was an early spring wake-up call.
“I’ll take it,” he said. “Got to get used to that, right? Willson came up to me afterwards and said ‘Hey, you better be ready'.”
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Mills likes the idea of throwing live batting practice at the outset instead of simply throwing bullpen sessions the first week.
“A lot of us guys nowadays, we’re coming in ready to go,” he said. “I think my first (bullpen session) here was my fifth or sixth 'pen, so I’m definitely in the mindset of being ready. The games seem to start earlier and earlier, so we’ve got to be ready earlier.”
Mills, 28, is expected to compete with Tyler Chatwood for the No. 5 spot in the rotation after posting a 2.75 ERA in nine appearances last year, including a 2.70 ERA in four starts. Even though it was just a few cameos, the late success left him feeling confident heading into 2020. Mills said he has the “versatility” to either start or relieve, and could fill the swingman role that Mike Montgomery excelled in until struggling last year before being traded to the Royals.
As for the change from Joe Maddon to Ross, Mills is impressed.
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“It’s early,” he said. “’But ‘Rossie’ definitely has a presence about him — not that Joe didn’t — and a command of the team. He seems to be a real good leader.”
Mills also revealed he’s no longer “Sir Alec,” a nickname Maddon bestowed upon him in reference to actor Alec Guinness.
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“I think that left when Joe left,” he said. “Just ‘Millsy’ now. I’ll take whatever I can get.”
3. Getting ‘professional’ at-bats will be a priority for David Ross.
The world champion Nationals were second in the majors in on-base percentage last year at .342, just behind their World Series opponents, the Astros, who finished at .352. The previous two champions both led the majors in OBP — the ’17 Astros (.346) and the ‘18 Red Sox (.339)— while the Cubs were second with a .343 OBP in ’16, the year they won the World Series.
One of David Ross’ goals is to get the Cubs back to being patient hitters. They ranked eighth last year with a .331 OBP.
“There is going to be an emphasis on a professional at-bat up and down the lineup,” Ross said. “The winning teams I’ve been on, that’s been a common thread. There’s a mentality of the group to go in and make that pitcher work and understand the strengths and weaknesses when you do your homework and how to combat that as a lineup.”
Anthony Rizzo ranked sixth in the majors with a .405 OBP, which is why Ross is considering him for the leadoff spot. Kris Bryant (.382) was the only other Cub among the top 60 among qualifying hitters. Javier Baez (.316) ranked 116th of 135 players who qualified.


chicagotribune--2020-02-16--Lyric Opera review: A ‘Queen of Spades’ appealing more to the ear than to the eye

Visually , however , this production lurched in a different direction with practically every scene .
Some were utterly stark @ @ @ @ @ front of an abstract canvas or simply a black curtain , as if in recital @ @ @ @ @ with furniture and props , Gherman at one point crawling on the roof of a @ @ @ @ @ a window that reduced him to the role of Peeping Tom .
And then there @ @ @ @ @ embraced him in bed .
Don ’ t ask .

Sondra Radvanovsky's character Lisa commits suicide during a dress rehearsal of Tchaikovsky's "The Queen of Spades" at Lyric Opera in Chicago on Feb. 12, 2020. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)
“Eugene Onegin” stands as Tchaikovsky’s most celebrated opera, but the score to “The Queen of Spades” deserves at least equal attention.
If its narrative, loosely based on Pushkin’s short story, stretches credulity even by operatic standards, the music makes up for it. But perhaps it’s best simply to disregard the bizarre plot twists and supernatural elements, regarding the work more as a portrait of one man’s descent into madness rather than as a coherent or persuasive tale.
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The production that opened Saturday night at Lyric Opera did few favors for an already convoluted story, at least visually speaking. But it was so well sung, with sumptuous accompaniment from the Lyric Opera Orchestra – all under the baton of Lyric music director Andrew Davis – that this “Queen” ultimately appealed far more to the ear than to the eye, to the heart than to the intellect.
At the start of the opera, Gherman has fallen hopelessly in love with a woman whose name he doesn’t know. Thus he stalks her across the stage at the start of this peculiar production, which originated at Welsh National Opera in 2000. Of course, it doesn’t take long before Gherman, sung by tenor Brandon Jovanovich, is pouring out his heart to Lisa, played by soprano Sondra Radvanovsky (who starred in the Donizetti compendium “The Three Queens” at Lyric last December).
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Yet Gherman, a tortured soul from the outset, soon divides his passion between his quest for Lisa and his desire to learn her grandmother’s magical secret for winning at cards. These obsessions lead to three melodramatic deaths – with the help of a rather loquacious ghost – in an opera that begins bleakly and heads south from there.
All this hysteria would be quite difficult to take were it not for Tchaikovsky’s music, the arias offering one exquisitely arching melody after another, the orchestral passages as profound as the best of any Tchaikovsky symphony. The sheer craft of the composer’s writing sweeps you along, even as the leading characters’ neuroses wear you down.
Jovanovich was in superb form as Gherman, nowhere more than when appearing in Lisa’s bedroom and seducing her with declarations of love and acres of self-pity. The intensity of Jovanovich’s singing and the plushness of his instrument transcended the purple sentiments of the libretto (by Modest Tchaikovsky, the composer’s brother).
Jovanovich’s Gherman was answered in kind by Radvanovsky’s Lisa, who somehow conveyed tremendous tonal bloom via colors steeped in darkness and sorrow. Her top voice, meanwhile, thrillingly captured the ardors involved.
Prince Yeletsky completed the romantic triangle, his love aria to Lisa at the start of the second act another instance of Tchaikovsky’s high melodic craft. Baritone Lucas Meachem hardly could have brought more warmth of tone or feeling to this music.
Add to this bass-baritone Samuel Youn’s regal bearing as Gherman’s frenemy Count Tomsky and mezzo-soprano Jane Henschel’s touching Lyric debut as Lisa’s grandmother, the Countess, and you had five supple, well-matched voices. They proved it in the first act’s magnificent quintet.
Visually, however, this production lurched in a different direction with practically every scene. Some were utterly stark, the singers performing in front of an abstract canvas or simply a black curtain, as if in recital. Other scenes were crammed with furniture and props, Gherman at one point crawling on the roof of a building, then peering through a window that reduced him to the role of Peeping Tom. And then there was the singing skeleton who embraced him in bed. Don’t ask.
Whether this production -- originally directed by Richard Jones and revived by director Benjamin Davis -- was intended to get the laughs it received is open to debate.
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At some points, however, the best way to savor what Tchaikovsky created was simply to close your eyes and listen, for the music-making hardly could have sounded better. This included the Lyric Opera Chorus and Chicago Children’s Choir (prepared by Michael Black and Josephine Lee, respectively), these plush voices a balm in a sea of angst.
3 stars
“The Queen of Spades” plays through March 1 at Lyric Opera, 20 N. Wacker Drive; ticket prices vary; 312-827-5600 or www.lyricopera.org.
Howard Reich is a Tribune critic.
hreich@chicagotribune.com


chicagotribune--2020-02-16--Marcus Randle El, who played football at Thornton High School and Wisconsin, charged in deaths of tw

Marcus Randle El, who played football at Thornton High School and Wisconsin, charged in deaths of two people in Janesville

Aagaard said video from early that morning at the T.A .
Express gas station showed the two victims leaving in @ @ @ @ @ the investigation had turned up evidence that Randle El was in the area at that @ @ @ @ @ meet them .

CHICAGO — A former University of Wisconsin football player who is the brother of a standout in the 2011 Super Bowl surrendered to Chicago police on Saturday in connection with the deaths of two people who were found with gunshot wounds on a road in Janesville, Wisconsin.
Marcus Randle El, 33, turned himself in Saturday afternoon and was charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, Janesville Lt. Charles Aagaard said at a news conference. Officers from the department were in Chicago during the surrender, he said.
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A motorist found 30-year-old Seairaha Winchester and 27-year-old Brittany McAdory suffering from multiple gunshot wounds early Monday afternoon. They were taken to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Randle El was accused of taking their SUV, which was found in Justice, Illinois, about 30 miles northwest of Randle El’s hometown of Homewood, Illinois.
Randle El's brother, Antwaan Randle El, was a star quarterback at the University of Indiana and spent nine years with the NFL, including as a receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he was a standout in their Super Bowl victory. He is currently a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' coaching staff.
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Aagaard said video from early that morning at the T.A. Express gas station showed the two victims leaving in the SUV. He said the investigation had turned up evidence that Randle El was in the area at that time and had planned to meet them.
Marcus Randle El, 33, from Homewood, Illinois, was arrested in Chicago on Feb. 15, 2020 and charged with two counts of 1st degree intentional homicide in the deaths of two people in Janesville, Wis. (Janesville Police Department)
Illinois Department of Corrections records show Randle El was released from jail on parole in October 2018 after serving time for an incident in 2014 in which he abducted his daughter at gunpoint, WMTV reported.
Randle El played wide receiver for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2004 to 2007. In 2005, he was charged with battery involving a woman on campus and was arrested for battery again later that year after punching a teammate, the TV station reported. He was sentenced to 18 months of probation and ordered to complete anger management.


chicagotribune--2020-02-16--Black athlete says he was wrongly detained, threatened by Illinois police officers at rest stop whil

Black athlete says he was wrongly detained, threatened by Illinois police officers at rest stop while traveling with college swim team

“ My dad taught me at a young age what to do when you are stopped by police officers – @ @ @ @ @ hands up , drop anything you are holding , and drop to your knees , @ @ @ @ @ told The Dispatch-Rock Island Argus .
“ I hoped I would never have to use @ @ @ @ @ , but all that changed in seconds .
”

EAST MOLINE, Ill. — Illinois police officers wrongfully arrested, detained and threatened to shoot a black college athlete while pointing a gun to his forehead at a rest stop as he traveled with the school's swim team, a civil rights group contends in a lawsuit.
Jaylan Butler, who was then a 19-year-old member of the Eastern Illinois University swim team, is suing six officers for false arrest, excessive detention and use of force, according to a federal lawsuit the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois filed last month in a district court. The case is pending.
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“My dad taught me at a young age what to do when you are stopped by police officers — stop instantly, put your hands up, drop anything you are holding, and drop to your knees,” Butler, 20, told The Dispatch-Rock Island Argus. “I hoped I would never have to use this advice in my life, but all that changed in seconds.”
On Feb. 24, 2019, Butler and his teammates were traveling on a bus from a South Dakota swim meet when they stopped at an East Moline rest stop, just over the Illinois border past the Interstate 80 bridge. Butler stepped out to stretch his legs. Heading back onto the bus, his coach suggested he take a photo of a roadside sign for the team’s social media account.
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While taking the photo, several law enforcement vehicles stopped and officers drew their guns. Two officers had Butler on the ground. Butler said one cop pointed a rifle at him and another had a gun to his head.
"He said, 'If you move, I'll blow your (expletive) head off,'" Butler said.
Jaylan Butler, a swimmer at Eastern Illinois University, said he was unlawfully searched and held at gunpoint by officers during a bus stop with his team last year. (ACLU Illinois)
The team’s bus driver, Todd Slingerland, and Butler’s coach were alarmed and exited the bus to tell the officers the teen was part of the school’s swim team.
Several minutes after the officers searched his pockets and placed him, still cuffed, in the back of a police vehicle, ACLU lawyers said authorities forced him to provide photo identification before releasing him. The officers involved were part of the Hampton Police Department, the East Moline Police Department, and the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office, ACLU attorneys noted.
Rock Island County State's Attorney Dora Villarreal, whose office will defend the two unnamed county deputies named in the suit, said it is her understanding the two were not with the sheriff's department. The officers were called in to assist on a Henry County incident, Villarreal added.
Henry County Sheriff Kerry Loncka said Illinois State Police asked for help in chasing a man in a vehicle who shot at a truck on Interstate 80. When the newspaper contacted the state police to seek information, state police declined to comment.
The ACLU says Butler started seeing a therapist to address trauma and depression he's endured following the incident.
“I was scared and depressed. I remember sitting in class the next day, looking at the bruises on my wrists and replaying the events of that night,” said Jaylan. “Now whenever I see a police officer, I don’t feel safe — I feel scared and anxious.”


chicagotribune--2020-02-16--'It was nice to see the team that drafted me wanted me back’: Gio Gonzalez adds experience ― and a h

'It was nice to see the team that drafted me wanted me back’: Gio Gonzalez adds experience ― and a history of success ― to the White Sox rotation

“ He ’ s had a lot of success over his career , '' Sox manager Rick Renteria said .
@ @ @ @ @ itself brings a little bit of calm .
Even when you ’ re talking to @ @ @ @ @ s ) very low-key .
You get a sense that he ’ s very , @ @ @ @ @ skin , and that ’ s what happens when you ’ ve been in the @ @ @ @ @ years that he has and having success .

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Gio Gonzalez never has pitched for the White Sox.
But he’s very familiar with the organization.
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The Sox drafted Gonzalez in the first round with the No. 38 pick in 2004. And they traded him twice as a prospect.
First, he was sent with Aaron Rowand and Daniel Haigwood to the Phillies for Jim Thome late in 2005. A year later the Sox acquired Gonzalez and Gavin Floyd from the Phillies for Freddy Garcia. And on Jan. 3, 2008, the Sox dealt Gonzalez, Ryan Sweeney and Fautino De Los Santos to the Athletics for Nick Swisher.
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And he’s back again after signing a one-year, $5 million contract in December.
“We joke about it,” Gonzalez said Saturday. “I told (executive vice president Ken Williams), ‘What, you guys didn’t want me at 20 years old?’ ”
Perhaps the Sox would have held on to Gonzalez had then known the left-hander would go on to post a 130-99 record with a 3.68 ERA in 332 appearances (324 starts) in 12 seasons with the Athletics (2008-11), Nationals (2012-18) and Brewers (2018-19).
Gonzalez is a two-time All-Star (2011-12) and finished third in National League Cy Young voting in 2012 and sixth in 2017.
He said the pursuit of a postseason berth was a reason he signed with the Sox. Another was catcher Yasmani Grandal, a Brewers teammate last season who signed a free-agent deal with the Sox in November. They paired up in 16 games in 2019, and Gonzalez had a 3.73 ERA over 70 innings in those outings.
“Any time you can compete for a playoff berth is something very appealing to any players,” Gonzalez said. "... Yasmani made a very appealing case for me to come over here. I love the way he worked in Milwaukee. I thought he caught great games. It was good to see him establish this organization, plus it was nice to see the team that drafted me wanted me back. ...
“As the days went by after the signing — (adding Dallas) Keuchel, (Edwin) Encarnacion — a lot of names and even in-house guys that they signed (such as Luis Robert). That was very appealing to come over here. It seems like they want to do magic this year and for years to come. ... The buzz is in the locker room. We are excited.”
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The Sox value Gonzalez’s veteran presence.
“He’s had a lot of success over his career," Sox manager Rick Renteria said. "That in and of itself brings a little bit of calm. Even when you’re talking to him, (he’s) very low-key. You get a sense that he’s very, very comfortable in his own skin, and that’s what happens when you’ve been in the big leagues the number of years that he has and having success.
"He’s able to exude that. And then subtle conversations that he can have with everybody, there’s a lot that he can bring to the table.”
Gonzalez has been slowed this spring because of left shoulder soreness but is “feeling really great.” General manager Rick Hahn said Wednesday that Gonzalez “won’t participate in the first week of spring games, but we anticipate him being ready to go when the bell rings come the end of March.”
Gonzalez missed some time last season because of left arm fatigue — he was on the injured list from June 1-July 20.
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“That was because Milwaukee wanted to take their time with me,” Gonzalez said. “But I was ready to go. The second half I felt stronger, I was throwing harder and finished strong.”
He did, compiling a a 1.17 ERA in 23 innings in September and helping the Brewers earn an NL wild-card spot.
He wasn’t too worried when the shoulder soreness popped up recently.
“I told them right away: ‘Listen, this is something I think is minor,' " Gonzalez said. "I didn’t get to throw as much as I wanted to. And once things started popping up, I said ‘let me address this, tell them (it’s) something minor.’
"I feel good. I’m already throwing. (Sunday) we start a little longer and then we hit the long toss. It’s good progress.”


chicagotribune--2020-02-16--Column: The Slam Dunk contest needs a makeover after Aaron Gordon was robbed — again. Here’s one pos

Column: The Slam Dunk contest needs a makeover after Aaron Gordon was robbed — again. Here’s one possible solution.

“ We ’ re here to do four dunks , ” Gordon said after the contest .
“ So out @ @ @ @ @ should be the best out of four dunks .
I did four straight 50s — @ @ @ @ @ ’ s over .
It ’ s a wrap .
Let ’ s go home @ @ @ @ @ row in an NBA dunk contest , it ’ s over .

The Slam Dunk contest needs an intervention.
An executive order, a papal bull, an injunction. Whatever it takes.
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Derrick Jones Jr. of the Heat prevailed Saturday night at the United Center because he flawlessly executed a between-the-legs jam, but it certainly wasn’t his flashiest dunk by any stretch, and it warranted at least the two 9s (out of a possible 10) he received from a five-judge panel.
Aaron Gordon lost because he grazed the head of 7-foot-5 Celtics G-Leaguer Tacko Fall while leaping over him on the final dunk, saddling him with three 9s and a one-point loss.
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But it shouldn’t have come to that sixth attempt.
Gordon pulled off the dunk of the night on his fourth attempt, running baseline and catching a lob one-handed in midair and spinning for a turnaround jam.
Many Gordon backers say the Magic forward was robbed in 2016 during his showdown with then-Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine.
Gordon’s 2020 dunk was at least as entertaining as his best 2016 dunk, and perhaps in subtle ways more difficult. The dunk from four years ago required superhuman strength and body control. Saturday’s maneuver required pinpoint hand-eye coordination, body control and a flourish of power.
The NBA has no qualms about tweaking other contests — as it did this year with the 3-Point Contest — particularly if there’s a branding opportunity in it, such as the Mountain Dew 3-point money ball.
So why not appoint someone to intercede when common sense says the dunk contest is won and done?
In this case, Saturday’s judges — Dwyane Wade, Common, Candace Parker, Chadwick Boseman and Scottie Pippen — backed themselves into a corner by handing out perfect 50 scores like participation trophies.
Mind you, when Jones went under his left leg for a forceful left-handed slam, it looked like a winner.
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But has anyone in dunk contest history snatched a pass one-handed, spun midair — keeping control of the ball — and windmilled it into the hoop with such vengeance?
Really, though. Asking for a friend.
Cameras flashed. Gordon strutted around the court. Players and fans alike rose from their seats. It wasn’t just the best dunk of the night, it was one of the best in dunk contest history.
How do you not call it a night after that?
As a journalist colleague remarked as we looked at footage of Gordon’s and LaVine’s dunks from 2016: “LaVine’s dunk is a 50, but Aaron Gordon’s dunk is a different kind of 50.”
And such was the case in 2020 with Gordon’s fourth dunk. Everything after that would seem anticlimactic and indeed was.
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“We’re here to do four dunks,” Gordon said after the contest. “So out of four dunks, it should be the best out of four dunks. I did four straight 50s — five straight 50s. That’s over. It’s a wrap. Let’s go home. Four 50s in a row in an NBA dunk contest, it’s over.
“But I don’t know. Who’s running the show?”
Good question. Who is running the show?
The three-time participant has the most perfect 50s in dunk contest history, the most in a single night (five), and he doesn’t have the hardware to show for it.
Therefore, All-Star Saturday Night needs an arbiter, a sixth judge in the basketball court of appeals, an enforcer whose sole role is to intercede when common sense — as evidenced by the roars in the United Center — dictates that the contest is won and to call it when it needs to be called.
Can you envision Michael Jordan literally descending from the rafters to issue his holy decree?
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Certainly Wade, a Heat legend, would have been recused from his position. Not to impugn his integrity, but his 9 for Gordon’s final attempt, assisted by Fall, helped seal the win for Jones, his Miami brethren, and it’s at least suspicious.
“I don’t even know who gave me the 9s. I’m going to find them,” joked Gordon, who vowed he has competed in his last dunk contest. “Trust me, I’m going to find them tonight.”


chicagotribune--2020-02-15--Ask Amy: Daughter-in-law has had it with the baby talk

Dear Host : You sound like a very thoughtful and accommodating friend .
However , if your guest is with @ @ @ @ @ an unscheduled visit , she is going to face a few instances where she will @ @ @ @ @ You have a previous commitment ; she has a ( presumably cozy ) place to @ @ @ @ @ grateful for your hosting and understanding about your dilemma .

Dear Amy: I have an unconventional problem with my mother-in-law.
She does not meddle, undermine me, tell me how to raise my children, or imply that I'm not good enough for her son. She provides free childcare willingly, and always brings gifts for the kids, most of which I approve of.
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My problem is that she's unbearably annoying.
She has an extremely high-pitched voice, a thick Russian accent, and a pronounced stutter.
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I can't hold these things against her, and they are only mildly bothersome in normal conversation. But when she talks to my kids, especially the baby, it becomes unbearable.
She speaks exclusively in a mix of broken English baby talk and nonsense noises, and the level of repetition is borderline pathological.
She may repeat the same high-pitched sing-song "Oo goo goosh! Oo goo goosh!" sound to my baby literally hundreds of times over the course of an hour.
Once when I was feeling particularly snarky, I started timing her verbal runs. Many go for over 10 minutes without a break.
My level of annoyance is so high that I turn away, cringe, and silent-scream expletives when it gets bad.
I don't know how to address this, or if it's worth it.
I want to stop dreading spending time with her and feeling stressed waiting for the next round of high-pitched baby-nonsense to start. Please help!
— Annoyed
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Dear Annoyed: You say that you can't hold your mother-in-law's verbal tics against her, so ... don't. Just don't.
Much of what you report comes off as very unkind. I'm going to assume that you are suffering from a short-term form of annoyance-onset psychosis.
This kind woman is your children's beloved grandmother. She cannot control her accent or her stutter. Her "goo goo gooshing" and baby talk are annoying to you, but she is really singing an ancient song -- this is a song of human connection, passed from elders to babies since the dawn of time. She is also passing along part of her (and your kids') heritage.
When the kids are older, they may say to her, "Babushka, I'm a big kid now. Don't talk to me like I'm a baby, because I'm big."
All the same, I totally understand how aurally annoying this would be to grown-up ears.
When it gets to you, excuse yourself and go into the kitchen to make a cup of tea. Take deep breaths while the water is boiling. Unleash your silent rant. And then congratulate yourself for being patient.
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Dear Amy: I have an out-of-town guest visiting for a few weeks, both for work and relaxation.
It was an unplanned visit and she has been very accommodating to scheduled activities I had prior to her arrival. We have a lot of fun together and I'm including her in as many activities as possible.
I have been invited to an Oscar Night party, and she will still be in town during that weekend.
I would like to include her in my plans, as she doesn't have anything else to do that night.
I asked the host if I could bring a plus one to the gathering. The host replied that it was a small group and they would prefer not to entertain an extra.
Well, now what do I do? I can see the situation from all sides. The host shouldn't feel obligated to include another guest and I shouldn't be expected to cancel. But I also feel bad that my guest has nothing to do that night.
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What would be a good way to handle this situation, and similar ones in the future?
— Good Host
Dear Host: You sound like a very thoughtful and accommodating friend. However, if your guest is with you for several weeks on an unscheduled visit, she is going to face a few instances where she will have to entertain herself. You have a previous commitment; she has a (presumably cozy) place to stay. She should be grateful for your hosting and understanding about your dilemma.
Ask Amy Daily No-nonsense advice for better living delivered to your inbox every morning. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >
She'll have to sashay solo down the Oscar red carpet this year.
Dear Amy: You answer a lot of questions about how to communicate across the political divide. Unfortunately, all of your questions seem to be from liberals who hate Trump supporters. Wow. Biased much?
— Disenchanted
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Dear Disenchanted: My theory is that these days liberals simply feel more aggrieved. I assume this goes with the territory of the "underdog," but my advice -- to talk and to listen -- runs both ways.
Get the latest no-nonsense advice for better living delivered to your inbox every morning with our Ask Amy newsletter. Sign up here.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)
Copyright 2019 by Amy Dickinson
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency


chicagotribune--2020-02-15--Celebrities at NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago

CHICAGO , ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 15 : Kobe and Gianna Bryant are honored before the 2020 NBA All-Star - Taco @ @ @ @ @ Farm All-Star Saturday Night at the United Center on February 15 , 2020 in Chicago @ @ @ @ @ USER : User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this @ @ @ @ @ to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement .
( Photo by @ @ @ @ @ OUTS - ELSENT , FPG , CM - OUTS * NM , PH , VA @ @ @ @ @ LA or MoD ** ( Stacy Revere/Getty Images )

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chicagotribune--2020-02-15--NBA All-Star Weekend: Zach LaVine falls short in the 3-Point Contest, and the dunk showcase ends in

NBA All-Star Weekend: Zach LaVine falls short in the 3-Point Contest, and the dunk showcase ends in controversy

“ I don ’ t think us as NBA players sometimes realize how much of an impact we have on @ @ @ @ @ at the Robert Clemente Academy where he served as camp host .
“ I probably @ @ @ @ @ year just by seeing me and me being just who I am .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ but I still act like a kid , I am a kid .
I still @ @ @ @ @ so I ’ m out here clowning and jumping around playing with them .
”

Jamal Collier, Teddy Greenstein, Deantae Prince, Phil Thompson, Tracy Swartz, Javonte Anderson

Anthony Davis of Team LeBron is fouled by Kyle Lowry of Team Giannis in the fourth quarter of the NBA All-Star Game. Davis made one of two free throws to win the game. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)
Team LeBron topped Team Giannis in a nail-biter in the All-Star Game at the United Center on Sunday, 157-155, earning $400,000 for Chicago Scholars.
The game capped off a busy weekend around Chicago, that included the Celebrity Game, Risings Stars game, charity events by Bulls players, Slam Dunk Contest and too many celebrity sightings to count on one hand.
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And we tracked it all.
Winners and losers from NBA All-Star Weekend, including that scene-setting Chicago video, Common’s rhymes, cold weather complaints and of course, GarPax
10 takeaways from the NBA All-Star Game, including Anthony Davis’ poetic ending and Kobe Bryant’s presence
Friday, Feb. 14
In weather news, it was cold in Chicago. And celebrities who came to town weren’t happy about it. But Chance the Rapper made an appearance at Dance Studio in River North, while Tiffani Thiessen and her 9-year-old daughter, Harper, kicked off the Rookie USA fashion show at Morgan Manufacturing in West Town.
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 43 Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West watch the first quarter of the NBA All-Star Game at the United Center on Feb. 16, 2020. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)
Meanwhile, Charles Barkley had a few free minutes to talk before the TNT pregame show from the House of Blues. And he has some thoughts about all things Bulls.
True to form when “First Take” goes on the road, the ESPN morning show lines up local guests, and Friday at Navy Pier was no exception, with Dwyane Wade, Zach LaVine, Diamond DeShields and Common among the guests with Chicago ties.
Here are some highlights:
Co-host Stephen A. Smith asked Wade what role he played in recruiting former Bulls teammate Jimmy Butler to the Heat. Wade said, “I talked to (Heat president) Pat (Riley) yesterday about this, I said, ‘Listen, I did my part. You did your part,’ that’s all I’m going to say. I’m not going to say I delivered Jimmy, I’m going to say I did my part as one of the faces of this franchise, and you did your part of the president of this franchise to bring in a player that fit the culture, that fit the cloth.”
Smith asked LaVine whether he’s interested in recruiting players to Chicago, where “it’s freezing.” LaVine replied, “We’ve got to have a certain style of player and a culture to where they want to come and play with us. I think, me personally, it starts with hard work and us having an understanding of where we want to build this thing and where it wants to go. “I’m always in the mood to bring good players and talent in here. Obviously, the elements ain’t going to help that a lot. It’s not L.A., but we’re going to do what we can do, and I’m going to definitely do my part.”
And on his All-Star Game snub: “Am I mad about it? I’m upset because I feel like I played at an All-Star level. But I understand what goes into as well. The way it’s going now you have to be in the playoff hunt and things like that.”
Smith asked DeShields, who enters her third WNBA season this year, how she stacks up against elite players. She said, matter-of-factly, “Honestly, Stephen A., I don’t think there’s anybody in the league that can do what I do. When it comes to comparatively, as far as talent and skill level, I think that I’m the best guard in the league. Co-host Max Kellerman asked her to elaborate, to which she said, “If you watch me play I think that there’s a certain level of speed and athleticism that I have that I don’t think that anybody else has, and so that’s what kind of allows me to have an edge.”
Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama made a surprise appearance at the Rising Stars’ NBA Cares event at Wintrust Arena.
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President Obama joined the Rising Stars player’s at Wintrust Arena for an NBA Cares event. pic.twitter.com/8MjEBUbZUo — DeAntae Prince (@DeAntae) February 14, 2020
Obama worked the room and dropped stats and sports references, bonding with players, coaches and children on hand for the event.
Wendell Carter Jr., Zion Williamson and Trae Young were on hand. For all three players, the only thing more shocking than meeting Obama was hearing his basketball knowledge.
“He knew what college I went to, knew that I played for the Bulls and was wishing that I’d get healthy soon,” said Carter, who hopes to return to the court for the Bulls after the All-Star break. “It shows how big of a basketball head he is. It was pretty neat.”
My best video of President Obama from the Rising Stars event. It was amazing to watch him work that room. He shook every hand and knew small details about every player. pic.twitter.com/4m8gI2nSsu — DeAntae Prince (@DeAntae) February 14, 2020
Trae Young, who was eye-to-eye with President Obama, talked about how exciting it was to meet No. 44 at the Rising Stars’ NBA Cares event. pic.twitter.com/AugjqFR6V6 — DeAntae Prince (@DeAntae) February 14, 2020
Zion Williamson was stationed with President Barack Obama at the Rising Stars’ NBA Cares event. He said he was shocked Obama knew so much about his game. pic.twitter.com/zCM9qjauUN — DeAntae Prince (@DeAntae) February 14, 2020
The NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Basketball Game was held at Wintrust Arena before tonight’s Celebrity Game. On hand were Dikembe Mutombo, Muggsy Bogues, the Sky’s Cheyenne Parker, former Bulls player Toni Kukoc and many others.
Former NBA player Dikembe Mutombo, center left, stands with teammates during the national anthem before participating in the NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Basketball Game at Wintrust Arena. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Sky player Cheyenne Parker is introduced for the NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Basketball Game at Wintrust Arena on Feb. 14, 2020. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)
Former Bulls player Toni Kukoc is introduced for the NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Basketball Game at Wintrust Arena on Feb. 14, 2020. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)
The All-Star Celebrity Game on Friday night at Wintrust Arena was filled with actors and rappers who hail from Chicago. It also featured trash-talking, showboating — and some unintentional laughs.
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ESPN commentators Michael Wilbon and Stephen A. Smith went head-to-head as coaches, with Wilbon’s team winning 62-47.
Rapper Common, a South Side native, won MVP honors after scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
“I think about how important basketball has been to Chicago,” Common said. “Me coming up as a young man, I really wanted to be a ballplayer.”Gamer link: Common link:
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 47 Quavo reaches for a loose ball as Common defends. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced its finalists for the 2020 class. The list of eight finalists is so strong — leading with Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett — that the Hall will limit the size of the class.
In addition to Bryant, Duncan and Garnett, the finalists are Tamika Catchings, a 10-time WNBA All-Star; Rudy Tomjanovich, who coached the Rockets to NBA titles in 1994 and 1995 and was a five-time All-Star as a Rockets player; Eddie Sutton, the first coach to lead four schools to the NCAA Tournament; Baylor coach Kim Mulkey, the first woman to win NCAA championships as a player, assistant coach and head coach; and Barbara Stevens, a five-time Division II national coach of the year.
The Rising Stars game served as the official tip-off to NBA’s All-Star Weekend with a game filled with highlight reel moments between the best first- and second-year players, both domestic and international.
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The best moments started at halftime, however, when Hornets guard Miles Bridges sent out a tweet from the locker room, with a man sitting up in his seat at attention with two words “alright bet.” Bridges then proceeded to put on a show during a 13-point third quarter, which included an emphatic ally-oop dunk to himself off the backboard, to help lead Team USA to a 151-131 victory over Team World. Bridges was named MVP of the game after scoring 20 points with five rebounds and five assists.
The clock was winding down toward halftime of the NBA Rising Stars game on Friday night, when Luka Doncic began dribbling the ball slowly up the court. He paused just before crossing half court, collected his dribble and pulled up from the logo, knocking down a 3-pointer off the backboard, much to the disbelief of Hawks guard Trae Young, who finished with 18 points himself.
The end of the game belonged to Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson. He attempted a pair of 360 dunks, bringing the crowd to their feet in anticipation although he could not finish either. Still, Williamson’s misses were one of the highlights of the night.
Williamson, who entered the game as an injury replacement for Bulls center Wendell Carter Jr., finished with 14 points and a few rim-rattling dunks of his own, an introductory showcase for a player who figures to be apart of All-Star Weekend often in the future.
Zion with one of the best misses you’ll see to close Rising Stars. pic.twitter.com/pL6dVd73wF — DeAntae Prince (@DeAntae) February 15, 2020
Zion Williamson was in awe after meeting with former President Barack Obama, particularly because Obama mentioned Williamson’s 32-point effort Thursday against the Thunder.
“I was like, you probably have one of the most busy schedules in the world," Williamson said, "and you’re able to keep up with a rookie, like superstars, college people, even high-school people, and tell them their stats and like what they’ve been doing good, what they can work on.”
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Williamson, in turn, impressed Trae Young by dunking so hard in the second quarter that he bent the backboard.
“Yeah, I didn’t even realize that” at first, Young said. “That isn’t the first rim he’s probably bent throughout his career. I’m surprised I didn’t see it, but, yeah, that’s crazy.”
Simeon’s own Kendrick Nunn took a measure of pride when it was brought up that the undrafted Heat rookie was part of a U.S. team starting five that included four top-five picks.
“That’s big, man,” Nunn said. “Straight up, that says a lot about just the hard work that I put in. My success has been a tremendous story, my story has been a long, hard journey, (and) I have been patient. I’m having success and it’s a lot of fun out there.”
Kendrick Nunn on the realization that he started on #RisingStars USA squad with four high first-rounders even though he went undrafted. #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/xjkrWLNVgF — Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) February 15, 2020
Who could have foreseen that the stars would align and rookie Heat guard Kendrick Nunn would be playing in the Rising Stars game in his hometown of Chicago?
@nunnbetter_ Kendrick Nunn talks about being back in hometown Chicago for All-Star Weekend and reconnecting with fellow Simeon alums @JabariParker and @drose. pic.twitter.com/nTDfgAsAnZ — Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) February 14, 2020
“Honestly, I didn’t envision that back in Simeon, this aspect of it,” said Nunn, who’s coming off his third straight Eastern Conference Player of the Month award. “I envisioned being in the NBA, but (this) in depth, All-Star Weekend, it’s something I hadn’t visualized when I was in high school. But I started to visualize that maybe the beginning of this year that I would be able to participate.”
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Recognizing the city in which he’s playing, Bridges touched on a couple of Chicago themes. He was asked was was the words “Chicago basketball” meant to his experience growing up: “I would say tough, gritty, played great defense. I mean, I grew up watching, I’d say, the Derrick Rose era, but Joakim Noah and all those guys. They hustled for everything that they had. Even now when we play Chicago, they’re a good defensive team, and that’s what I think of when I think Chicago.”
Bridges also was mindful of the fact he was playing in the house his boss — Hornets owner Michael Jordan — built.
“I didn’t have any extra motivation really, I wouldn’t say that, but MJ putting Chicago on the map, it definitely plays a big part, though,” Bridges said.
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 38 Miles Bridges poses with the MVP trophy after scoring 20 points in the Rising Stars game. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)
Saturday, Feb. 15
Almost immediately upon arriving at the House of Hoops highlight camp Saturday afternoon, Bulls guard Coby White became a kid again.
He sat on the base line with a basketball and began talking to one of the kids attending the camp. He challenged another kid to see if he could score a basket on him and when he was successful, the rest of the camp, about 100 10-13 year-olds from the city, worked themselves into a frenzy.
“I don’t think us as NBA players sometimes realize how much of an impact we have on kids,” White said at the Robert Clemente Academy where he served as camp host. “I probably made some of these kids year just by seeing me and me being just who I am. I’m in the league, but I still act like a kid, I am a kid. I still like to have fun, so I’m out here clowning and jumping around playing with them.”
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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Coby White works with campers at the House of Highlights basketball camp on Feb. 15, 2020, at Roberto Clemente Community Academy. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
Although the Bulls were largely absent from the NBA’s premier events during All-Star weekend, aside from Zach LaVine’s participation in the 3-point shootout, several players still stuck around for the weekend to host events around the city, including White, who called his Saturday morning the most fun he’s had all weekend.
“I wanted to give the kids something, something I didn’t have growing up,” he said. “When they first see you, they’re shy and kind of star struck. But once they realize, you’re like them, but just a little but older, I think they all just open up.”
White, 19, also admitted he was disappointed to miss out of Friday’s Rising Stars challenge. The Bulls rookie is averaging 11.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 55 games as a reserve this season.
“I was disappointed because I’m competitive,” White said. “And I want to be good. But like I always say, just use it as motivation. Next year I’ll be playing in it.”
Don’t include Jimmy Butler among those crushing #GarPax.
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Asked at media day whether he’s surprised the Bulls rebuild is taking so long, Butler replied: “I don’t know, is that the goal or point of a rebuild? I would think so.
“You know what? I have faith in management here. I think they have to know what they’re doing. I think their decision (to trade me) was right for them. I’ll continue to wish them the best. I think they have some really great young talent. They’ll figure it out. They’ve got nothing but time.”
The Bulls drafted Butler with the 30th pick in 2011, and he rewarded them with three All-Star seasons.
Jimmy Butler might not be a Bull anymore, but he’s happy the city of Chicago is hosting the 2020 All-Star Weekend. https://t.co/Wp23HJA9QK pic.twitter.com/15g7StA99Y — Chicago Tribune Sports (@ChicagoSports) February 15, 2020
They traded him to the Timberwolves in 2017 for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the rights to Lauri Markkanen. Butler is now thriving with the Heat (35-19), while the Bulls (19-36) have lost six straight, and some fans are calling for the firing of executives John Paxson and Gar Forman.
Asked if he’d ever like to come back and play for the Bulls, Butler replied: “Yeah, of course. Like, c’mon, this is Chicago. This was home for me for a long time and still is home for me now. It’s a definite possibility, maybe toward the end of my career. Who knows? We’ll find out when that time gets here.”
Anthony Davis appealed to Dwight Howard to get himself and fellow Lakers teammate LeBron James involved in tonight’s Slam Dunk Contest.
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“I told him he should dunk from the free throw line over me and ‘Bron and he for sure would get a 50 (score), but he said, ‘No,’” Davis said. “I think he’s got some dunks with him that a lot of people haven’t seen. I’m not going to tell ya’ll what it is."
Anthony Davis on Dwight Howard: “I told him he should dunk from the free throw line over me and ‘Bron and for sure would get a 50, but he said, ‘No.’” pic.twitter.com/cUp4YGkv6K — Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) February 15, 2020
Davis teased that Howard had something special planned.
“He ain’t show me, he told me. If he does the dunk that he said, he should win. He should win for sure.”
Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell reveled at the thought of playing as an All-Star in the same arena as Michael Jordan and the ‘90s-era Bulls, who he considers to be “rock stars.”
“Honestly I think the biggest thing was looking at Michael Jordan. I still have the VCR tape of the ‘Unforgettabulls.’ I have ‘Michael Jordan’s Playground.’ I have all of those on VCR. I grew up watching that so to be able to be here where all that has happened is truly special, it’s truly inspiring. You just want to go out there and continue to work, continue to get better.”
Donovan Mitchell talks about the VHS tapes he watched of Michael Jordan and the Bulls. #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/1aoANMSHGN — Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) February 15, 2020
Zach LaVine had plenty to say during his interview with ESPN’s First Take, but it was the fans who stole the day. During that visit fans screamed “Fire GarPax” in reference to team management, GM Gar Foreman and Vice President of Basketball Operations John Paxson.
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LaVine was asked about that experience at NBA All-Star Media day and reaffirmed his stance that he’s committed to the team and management.
Zach LaVine said at NBA Media Day that he wasn’t affected by the “Fire GarPax” chants that started during his interview with ESPN’s “First Take.” pic.twitter.com/Z2Bv7fZSRJ — DeAntae Prince (@DeAntae) February 15, 2020
Zach LaVine on the “fire garpax” chants from fans during his First Take interview: “I don’t speak for the fans, I think some fans in Chicago been frustrated”
Added that some Chicago fans get rowdy, but it is what it is. — Jamal Collier (@JamalCollier) February 15, 2020
All too briefly, Spencer Dinwiddie was a member of the Bulls. He appeared in five preseason games in 2016 and then averaged 19.4 points for the D-League (now G-League) Windy City Bulls.
The Nets snapped him up and he has blossomed into a player worthy of his three-year, $34 million contract.
The 6-6 Dinwiddie will compete in the Skills Challenge tonight. He won it in 2018.
Asked if he wishes it had worked out with the Bulls, Dinwiddie replied: “Of course. You never want any stop on your journey to not work out. In a sense I wish Detroit worked and I wish Chicago worked. I love the city here, but everything happens for a reason. I don’t have any hard feelings for the Bulls.”
Has he run into fans who say: We wish you were still here?
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“All the time,” Dinwiddie replied. “Which I appreciate obviously. We’ll see what happens.”
Kobe Bryant owned All-Star Weekend throughout his 20-year NBA career with the Lakers, first as a brash 18-year-old winning the 1997 Slam Dunk contest and later as a grizzled veteran reasserting his dominion over the league.
The renamed NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP Award is on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver tonight at the United Center. pic.twitter.com/OFBIgauIJv — DeAntae Prince (@DeAntae) February 16, 2020
The numbers support that claim. Bryant played in 18 All-Star Games and won the game’s MVP award four times — both records. In his media availability that many consider basketball’s state of the union, NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced the All-Star Game trophy has now officially been named the NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP Award in honor of Bryant, who died at 41 years old in a helicopter in January.
It wasn’t a good start to the Skills Challenge for players with Chicago ties.
Clippers guard Patrick Beverley — a Chicago native — and Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie — a former Bull — both missed their passes through the ring Saturday night in the opening competition of All-Star Saturday Night at the United Center.
Beverley actually missed two of them. Then he “accidentally” drifted into Pascal Siakam’s path while both were trying to make layups — probably no surprise to anyone familiar with Beverley’s tenacity.
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If it was an attempt to slow down Siakam, it didn’t work. Siakam completed his layup and then got back to the other end of the court to sink his 3-pointer to move on to the second round.
The Heat’s Bam Adebayo took the trophy, beating the Pacers’ Domanta Sabonis in a what came down to a 3-point contest at the end. Adebayo eliminated Dinwiddie in the first round and Siakam in the semifinals; Sabonis knocked off defending champion Jayson Tatum in the opening round and the Bucks’ Khris Middleton in the semis.
Zach LaVine’s All-Star Saturday Night came to an early end in the 3-Point Contest.
The Bulls guard fell short with 23 points, placing fourth in the first round behind Devin Booker (27), Buddy Hield (27) and Davis Bertans (26).
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Bulls guard Zach LaVine participates in the 3-Point Contest at NBA All-Star Weekend at the United Center on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)
LaVine missed several shots from his money rack, which he set at the top of the circle, and whiffed on both 3-point balls.
He came into the contest as a long shot, according to oddsmakers.
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Zach LaVine talks about the differences between the 3-point and dunk contests and explains why he chose to place the money rack at the top of the key. #Bulls #NBAAllStar #NBAAllStar2020 pic.twitter.com/buWXHWnnc6 — Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) February 16, 2020
Hield jumped around like a kid on Christmas morning after hitting the final shot to win the contest, edging Booker 27-26. Hield made five in a row on his second rack and 4 of 5 on his money rack, including his last shot.
Bertans finished third with 22.
“There’s more moving parts, there are more competitors on the floor,” LaVine said. “You’re doing more things, you’re doing more moving parts in the 3-Point Contest than the dunk contest. But still, (it’s) bright lights, man, you’ve got to push on.”
He got plenty of encouragement from Bulls teammates.
“Everybody texted me," LaVine said. “They expected me to bring the trophy home. I’m upset with myself, but it’s all fun.”
We have controversy, folks, courtesy of the Slam Dunk contest.
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Derrick Jones Jr. and Aaron Gordon were so good they needed extra innings. Both players received perfect scores of 50 on their two second-round dunks, placing judges in a tough spot at the end of the night.
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 17 Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr. cradles the dunk contest trophy after his victory. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)
Jones received a third 50 to start the dunk-off, and it was on Gordon to deliver and keep it going. Gordon did just that with a between-the-legs dunk over Chance the Rapper.
The judges tightened it up on the next dunk, with Jones earning a 48 on a windmill from the free-throw line.
Gordon then pointed to Dwight Howard, who then pointed to 7-foot-5 Tacko Fall. Gordon hopped over him and finished the dunk ... and the crowd was stunned — after he earned a 47 to lose.
The crowd believed Gordon was short-changed the dunk, reacting with guttural boos.
Aaron Gordon robbed (again?) in the dunk contest. Boos are raining down in the United Center. Judges go three 9s and two 10s on the dunk in which he clipped Tacko Fall's head. — Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) February 16, 2020
Sunday, Feb. 16
Chicago native Chance the Rapper gave a spirited performance of his hits and a soulful tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant during halftime of Sunday’s All-Star Game at the United Center.
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The 13-minute set featured appearances by DJ Khaled, Migos rapper Quavo and Lil Wayne plus fireworks and a marching band — but the highlight was Chance’s performance of “I Was a Rock” as footage of Bryant played in the background.
The NBA paid tribute to Kobe Bryant and David Stern before the All-Star Game on Sunday.
The basketball community still is reeling from the deaths last month of the two iconic figures, so the game was an opportunity for the league to celebrate and honor their legacies of the legendary star and former commissioner, respectively.
The lights in the United Center were dimmed with shades of purple and gold as Magic Johnson began the pregame ceremony by asking the crowd to stand and hold hands during an 8-second moment of silence.
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 18 Jennifer Hudson sings a tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, before the NBA All-Star Game in Chicago on Feb. 16, 2020. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)
“We all are hurting,” Johnson said. “This is a tough time for the whole NBA family.”
Chicago native Jennifer Hudson then sang a tribute to Bryant, and Chicago rapper Common then dedicated his performance to him.
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As for the game, Chicago native Anthony Davis made the final free throw in the untimed fourth quarter to put Team LeBron over the top.
Team Giannis won $100,000 for After School Matters by winning the second quarter.
And Kawhi Leonard scored 30 points to go with seven rebounds and four assists to capture the NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP Award.


chicagotribune--2020-02-15--Eight children, ages 8 to 16, are wounded in 5 Chicago shootings — 3 of them accidental; teenage boy

Eight children, ages 8 to 16, are wounded in 5 Chicago shootings — 3 of them accidental; teenage boy in custody

Guglielmi cautioned parents to lock away guns when they are in the home with young children , though he noted @ @ @ @ @ the cases appeared to have tried to do so .
He also said people should @ @ @ @ @ on how guns work , including taking classes .

Deanese Williams-Harris, Madeline Buckley

Officers cross under crime scene tape in the Parkway Gardens housing complex in the 6500 block of South King Drive, where six people were shot in an apartment hallway on Feb. 14, 2020. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)
At least eight children were wounded in five separate shootings in less than 24 hours on Friday and Saturday during a long weekend in Chicago, police said.
Police officials said three of the shootings were accidental, prompting a warning for parents to take precautions when they have weapons in the home with children.
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“We’ve seen time after time how dangerous it is,” said Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.
About 10:20 p.m. Friday, an 8-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl were accidentally shot by a juvenile male relative at a residence in the Bronzeville neighborhood. The relative was playing with a weapon inside the home in the 4700 block of South Forrestville Avenue. The boy was shot in the shoulder, and the girl suffered a graze wound to the arm. Both were taken in fair condition to Comer Children’s Hospital.
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Chicago police walk inside the gangway of an apartment in the 2400 block of South Troy Street after a teen girl was shot inside the property on Feb. 15, 2020. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)
Guglielmi said the gun was secured in a lockbox, but the child who caused the gun to discharge found the key and took the gun to another house. The family was cooperative, and charges are unlikely, he said.
Earlier in the evening, about 8 p.m. on the West Side, a 7-year-old girl gained access to a weapon, and it discharged, striking an 11-year-old boy in the neck. The shooting happened in the 3100 block of West Fillmore Street in the Lawndale neighborhood.
The boy was taken in serious condition to Stroger Hospital.
In that case, family members told investigators that the weapon was in a locked room, according to Guglielmi. They said the key to the room was hidden, but the child was able to find the key.
About 12:15 p.m. Saturday, a 14-year-old girl was with a 15-year-old boy who was handling a weapon when it discharged, striking the girl in the cheek in the 2400 block of South Troy Street in the Little Village neighborhood, police said.
She was taken in fair condition to Stroger Hospital, and the boy was taken into custody.
Police said the shooting was accidental but were investigating to determine the circumstances leading up to it.
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Two residents wait for clearance from police to enter a building at the Parkway Gardens housing complex after a shooting on Feb. 14, 2020. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)
Guglielmi cautioned parents to lock away guns when they are in the home with young children, though he noted the parents in two of the cases appeared to have tried to do so. He also said people should take steps to educate themselves on how guns work, including taking classes.
“It’s important to train people about how dangerous weapons can be,” he said.
A South Side shooting that was not accidental wounded three more girls — two of them 14 and the other 15 — as well as three adults on Friday night, according to police.
They were shot shortly after 9 p.m. at the Parkway Gardens apartment complex in the 6500 block of South King Drive when what appeared to be a Valentine’s Day celebration spilled into the hallway.
A 20-year-old man was shot in the face, chest and arm, and was taken in serious condition to the University of Chicago Medical Center. An 18-year-old man, who was shot multiple times in the leg, went to the same hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. The 15-year-old girl, who suffered wounds to a leg and a foot, was also being treated there.
The 14-year-old girl was in good condition with a wound to the leg at Stroger Hospital. The other 14-year-old girl was shot in the back, shoulder, leg and lower backside. She was in critical condition at Comer Children’s Hospital.
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A 23-year-old woman was also critically injured after she was shot in the back, head, abdomen and shoulder, police said. She was taken to Stroger Hospital.
About 4:52 p.m. Saturday, a 16-year-old boy was walking in the 400 block of East 113th Street in the Roseland neighborhood when shots were fired from a vehicle and he was struck in the left thigh, police said. He was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition, police said. Detectives were investigating.
Tribune reporters Paige Fry, Javonte Anderson, Jeremy Gorner, and photographer John Kim contributed.


chicagotribune--2020-02-15--Column: Why can’t the Bulls sign big-time free agents? Kevin Garnett had this in his head — ‘The way

Column: Why can’t the Bulls sign big-time free agents? Kevin Garnett had this in his head — ‘The way they did Mike.’

Garnett : “ I don ’ t really have a why .
There was never an opportunity to , and @ @ @ @ @ Reinsdorf ) , how they did Mike , you know , keeping it 100 ( @ @ @ @ @ all players keep that in the back of their minds .
If you treat the @ @ @ @ @ greatest didn ’ t even have a chance to come back and have ownership .
@ @ @ @ @ the Bulls , he didn ’ t even get a chance to come back and @ @ @ @ @ , so … players see that and remember that or put that in the back @ @ @ @ @ least I did .

Late in his NBA career, Kevin Garnett took a 13-hour flight to Beijing for a preseason game. His agent suggested Garnett go upstairs to the first-class cabin to meet the president of Showtime Sports, Stephen Espinoza.
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“A double-decker plane … dammmmmn,” Garnett, 43, recalled. “Steve looks like he’s about to (sleep). He’s tucked in. And we’re up for the next seven hours. I’m talking his head off. I threw all these ideas at him.”
One was to document Garnett going to college, either Michigan or North Carolina.
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Wait, didn’t Rodney Dangerfield already do that?
The idea that stuck is what developed into a Showtime documentary that will air in the fall. Why then? Barring something ridiculous, Garnett will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in late August.
Garnett, who played for three teams and was a 15-time All-Star over a 21-season NBA career, could be frosty with the media as a player. And he said he was tempted to “fade to black” after retiring in 2016.
But as more entertainment and broadcasting outlets approached him, here’s the thing Garnett realized about himself: “If you ask me a question about something, I feel like I’ve got a story for damn near everything.”
KG on why he didn’t retire quietly and why he’s teaming up w/@Showtime on a new project*
*thank god he didn’t retire quietly pic.twitter.com/GTnjJLAhVj — Teddy Greenstein (@TeddyGreenstein) February 15, 2020
OK, I thought Saturday while sitting at the Ace Hotel Chicago for a Showtime promotional event during NBA All-Star Weekend.
My question: Were you ever close to signing with the Bulls?
Garnett: “I was never close to signing with the Bulls. Ever.”
Silence.
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Why?
Garnett: “I don’t really have a why. There was never an opportunity to, and I saw how Jerry (Reinsdorf), how they did Mike, you know, keeping it 100 (% truthful). And all players keep that in the back of their minds. If you treat the greatest like this … the greatest didn’t even have a chance to come back and have ownership. What he invested to build the Bulls, he didn’t even get a chance to come back and reap the benefits of that, so … players see that and remember that or put that in the back of their minds. At least I did.
“But I don’t know why in the hell the Bulls can’t sign any free agents. I don’t know.”
But you just said it.
“Yeah,” Garnett replied, “I just probably gave you the answer all in there.
“But who knows? Different times, though. (Shoutout) to Zach LaVine, he’s doing his thing. Let’s see if they keep that nucleus together.”
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Garnett has no ties to the Bulls but credits Chicago for making him a beast. He left South Carolina before his senior season of high school to suit up with Ronnie Fields at Farragut Career Academy.
“It helped me with competition,” he said. “I was never lacking in opportunity, never lacking a matchup. I was confident. Not to say I won every battle, but I competed against … you ask anyone in this city, they know me for hooping. Not just on the West Side but the South Side where West Siders don’t go. … I was playing on courts, I’m in people’s hoods, I’m in projects. I wasn’t even supposed to be there.
“West Siders don’t go past 81st and 82nd here in the city. I was at Kennedy-King (College) every Saturday playing against the Carver kids, the Simeon kids, the King kids, you know? I’d play against the DePaul guys when they were out of practice. We played ball all the time … kept (me) out of the headaches and the streets.”
Garnett remembers playing ball and having Scottie Pippen tell him: “You’re too young to be out here.”
But Isiah Thomas told him: “You can play in the league right now.”
“I said: ‘Zeke, what you say?’ ”
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“He said: ‘Boy, do you know you can go to the league from high school?’ ”
Thomas was right: The Timberwolves took Garnett with the fifth pick in the 1995 draft.
Garnett was nervous before the draft while working out for NBA executives, giants such as Pat Riley.
“He said: ‘What the (heck) is this? You’ve got me watching a high school guy?’ ” Garnett said. “And then I dunked it. Hey, (you bleep), what you mean, why you here?”
Garnett was asking himself that during the shooting of “Uncut Gems,” the Adam Sandler movie that won several critics’ awards.
“They tricked me, said I’d have a cool little get-in, get-out (role),” Garnett said. “And then two days turned into two weeks. Next thing you know I’ve got a book in front of me and have to learn this whole exchange with Adam. Acting is not something I’m looking to do but if y’all are looking for a 7-foot villain …”
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Garnett was happy to play the role of bad guy while being named nine time All-Defensive First Team.
“I didn’t want to be cool on the court: Hey, what’s up? You cool, dog?” he said. “Nah. I wanted you to feel this smoke. I wanted you to be nervous, sweating. When I’m off the court I’m a whole different person.
“Pat Riley stayed in my head, and I played off that. When I watch film of myself, I was such an angry kid. But it was really coffee. Coffee made me a wild animal.”
Now you sense Garnett needs no java to be intense. And thoughtful. And funny.
Showtime execs hope those qualities come across in the doc about his life, career and legacy.
“We’re gonna build something here, put some dope product out,” he said. “And we’re gonna present it to the world.”