Getty Images

The headline at the Chicago Sun-Times suggests that Bears coach John Fox has taken issue with criticism of the team’s practice fields from former Bears safety Antrel Rolle. Fox’s comments, however, suggest that Rolle may have been onto something.

“[W]e’re trying to get better at everything, including our fields,” Fox said, via Adam L. Jahns of the Sun-Times. “I think they’re in a lot better shape this time this year than they were a year ago.”

In other words, they weren’t in great shape a year ago.

“Any time you come in and try to create a winning culture, I think the list is long, and we’re trying to improve in all areas,” Fox added.

“Putting more time into it,” Fox said regarding the steps being taken to improve the practice fields. “More effort. We’ve re-sodded. Quite a bit of stuff. Our guys are working very hard to make it better. It was pretty worn down. I think it was a pretty brutal winter I think the year before, so we had some catch up to do. Obviously, the warm weather, when it does hit, is helpful.”

Rolle said after being released that the practice fields contributed to a serious knee injury last year. Fox claimed to have no recollection of any complaints about the quality of the fields a year ago.

But does he really need to recall any complaints? It sounds like they were legitimate, based on the comments from Fox himself.