Bears' Matt Forte skips award ceremony; continues absence from team
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte is not expected to attend voluntary minicamp with the team this week, an understandable absence for many veterans.
But he has also no-showed the 2015 Brian Piccolo Award ceremony, a notable move considering the award is a particularly meaningful one to the organization.
For context, the ceremony is extremely important/meaningful to McCaskey family. Piccolo's family attends, as well. No-showing is a statement
— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) April 28, 2015
Forte's absence reportedly stuck out like a sore thumb as the Piccolo awards honor the courage, loyalty, teamwork and dedication of the late Brian Piccolo, according to Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times.
"That's an intensely personal decision, and I think that decision should be respected," Bears chairman George McCaskey said before indicating that he would have liked Forte to attend.
This is the strongest indication so far that Forte could be a holdout during the offseason, looking for a lucrative contract extension to secure his position within the organization.
The coaching staff is eager to get Forte in the mix as a new offense is being installed and the 29-year-old all-purpose back is expected to be a major part of it.
"Growing up as a Bears fan, I know what this means to this (McCaskey) family," said Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase at the ceremony. "Matt being a second-time award winner, winning as a rookie, we're looking forward to working with him. I know his production in his career and his personality has been outstanding here with the Bears. And I know this staff is really anxious to get him back in the building."