From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 30s
Mike Ditka's fiery moments
Mike Ditka threatened fans, his boss and media with blunt outbursts.
In brief
Mike Ditka threatened fans, his boss and media with blunt outbursts. Mike Ditka threatened fans, his boss and media with blunt outbursts. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Mike Ditka's fiery reputation
Chicago loved Mike Ditka for his blunt outbursts and direct responses to fans and reporters.
“I think it hurt him. It bothered him, even though I said it in jest.”
Threatening Neal from North Lake
In 1992, Ditka threatened to 'whip your ass' after a caller accused him of being a crybaby.
“You tell me what time and when, and I’ll whip your ass”
Gum throwing incident
After a 41-0 Bears loss to the 49ers in 1987, Ditka hurled gum at fans, allegedly hitting a woman.
“Any time someone throws something at me, I’m going to throw it back.”
Press conference confrontations
Ditka often challenged reporters during press conferences, especially when the Bears were struggling.
“I’d rather talk to him. I know I’m smarter than that son of a b, -h.”
Bears fan berating
Ditka criticized fans who he felt didn’t support the Bears enough, saying they were 'in a mortuary.'
“I thought we were in a mortuary for a while.”
George Halas feud
Ditka joked about Bears owner George Halas, saying he 'throws nickels around like manhole covers.'
“I think it hurt him. It bothered him, even though I said it in jest.”
Buddy Ryan rivalry
Ditka and defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan famously shoved each other during a 1985 Bears loss to the Dolphins.
“Buddy and I, we were good for each other, because we were good for the Bears.”
Ditka's retirement
Ditka retired his jersey in 2013, saying it 'hurt' owner George Halas but he 'never really meant it.'
“I think it hurt him. It bothered him, even though I said it in jest.”
Bears fans mourn Ditka
Bears fans mourned Ditka’s death, remembering him as a unifier who 'taught Chicago to hate Green Bay.'
“Bears fans mourn Mike Ditka, the man who unified city sports fans and 'taught Chicago to hate Green Bay'.”
Ditka's legacy
Ditka’s fiery style left a lasting impact on Chicago sports culture and the NFL.
“Buddy and I, we were good for each other, because we were good for the Bears.”
Ditka's final words
Ditka said he 'never really meant it' when he joked about George Halas, but it 'did bother him.'
“I think it hurt him. It bothered him, even though I said it in jest.”
The one thing
Mike Ditka threatened fans, his boss and media with blunt outbursts.
