My Bad, Cutler #StoryTimeWithEarl

By Earl Bennett

In the locker room, when certain things occur, you know that those things are sacred. Marital discord, financial restraints all fall under that category. However, when news of a baby circulates, it is a congratulatory ordeal. Well, unfortunately for me, I did not know that the sex of a teammate’s child was only a locker room secret.

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After an offseason practice, I interviewed on The Boers & Bernstein 670 Show. The interview was smooth as Boers & Bernstein asked me about the addition of Brandon Marshall and the news of Cutler’s child. I responded with “New toys, a baby on the way, he’s having a boy and I’m excited for Jay. It’s a great time.” Subconsciously, I spewed the sex of Cutler’s child. After the interview, I thought nothing of it. I did not know that this was a locker room secret. Shortly after the call on 670, I received a phone call from Jay.

CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 13: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears talks with Earl Bennett #80 on the sidelines during a game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on November 13, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Lions 37-13. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Jay was upset with me breaking the news. He felt I betrayed our friendship and lost trust in me. I sincerely apologized to Jay on the phone and asked him to share my sentiments with Kristin because it was an honest mistake. I thought this was a celebratory situation because Devin Hester and I had just had boys a year ago and genuine excitement filled the locker room for Cutler. Looking back on it, I do not think it dented our friendship. Yes, he was extremely upset with me broadcasting the news on 670. However, three months later, we gave birth to our daughter, Skylah. She had hearing complications for a few days. Jay was the first one to call and check on her status every morning. So there was no animosity after we talked about it. Looking back, I should have kept my mouth shut about the sex of the child. The loaded question threw me off because I was genuinely excited about my friend having a child no matter the sex.

#StoryTimeWithEarl