Lately, it’s been puzzling times for the Chicago Bears and their fans in regards to linebacker Roquan Smith. Furthermore, the team is giving him time off indefinitely while he deals with an undisclosed ‘personal issue’.
Of course in the year 2019 – when an athlete suddenly goes into this status without reason – speculation runs rampant. While we won’t do that here, it’s definitely an interesting and equally puzzling storyline.
Dan Graziano of ESPN breaks down the situation nicely.
Here’s what little we know on Roquan Smith. Timetable for return is completely up in the air while he deals with a personal issue. https://t.co/Wr8oawabwa
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) October 1, 2019
First, this is a puzzling quote and it would be interesting to know a little more detail.
Smith had not been acting like himself around the team facilities for the past week or so, sources said.
Then, Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy weighed in slightly. Moreover, Nagy continues to lean on ‘personal issue’ without divulging any further detail on the matter.
“Again, he’s completely a personal issue,” Nagy reiterated on Monday. “For us, it’s something that we’re gonna leave it at that right now.”
Finally, Nagy became a little cranky with prying reporters who were digging for details.
“It’s completely a personal issue,” Nagy said. “I’m not going to answer any more about it. That’s where it’s at right now. I understand where you all are coming from, but out of respect to this right now, I just want to leave it at that.”
Obviously, it’s no one’s business what is really going on with Smith. However, the microscope only grows while no further details are given. There are several recent examples of this in sports, including the untimely passing of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs.
Personal issues could range from a wide variety of things – and if history is any indication – we will learn this full story eventually. Whether it’s an ESPN 30 for 30, or a highly-detailed article from a publication that has sources close to the situation; the truth always comes out.
Smith is a 2018 first-round pick out of Georgia, selected 8th overall. Equally important, he ended his rookie season with 122 tackles and five sacks. Without question, he was expected to be part of a vaunted Bears defense during the 2019 season.
Now, we wait for more details on this story. Without a doubt, we hope that Smith is alright and back on the field in a short time.
