Kam Buckner believes state, Bears are getting close to reaching a stadium deal (Hour 2)

The second hour of the Mully & Haugh Show dives deep into the ongoing saga of the Chicago Bears' potential stadium move to Arlington Heights, Illinois, and the broader implications of the state legislature's role in finalizing the deal. Hosts discuss Governor J.B. Pritzker's recent comments about the 'scaffolding of a deal' being nearly complete, emphasizing that the legislative process is now in its final stages—what State Representative Cam Buckner describes as being on the 'punch list' with only minor details left to resolve. Buckner firmly denies rumors that House Speaker Chris Welch is stalling the process, calling such claims 'fabrication with confidence' and asserting that all key stakeholders—including the governor, Senate leadership, and the Bears—are aligned and moving swiftly. The episode highlights the pressure from the NFL Stadium Committee, which has set an April 29th deadline for the Bears to provide a status update, though Buckner frames this as a normal part of the negotiation process rather than a coercive tactic. The hosts also reflect on the emotional weight of the Bears potentially leaving the state, with Buckner acknowledging the cultural significance of the team to Chicagoans, especially on the South Side, while affirming that the goal is to keep the franchise in Illinois through a fair, sustainable deal. The segment transitions into a detailed interview with Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottavy, who discusses Shota Imanaga’s strong performance on normal rest, Javi Asad’s sinker effectiveness, Riley Martin’s inspiring journey from pharmacy school to the majors, and the league-wide challenges of arm injuries, emphasizing the importance of data-driven recovery and workload management. The episode closes with a critical look at Live Golf’s financial instability, including reports of Saudi Arabia’s potential withdrawal due to losses and the use of 'act of God' clauses to exit contracts, raising concerns about the tour’s long-term viability.