Blocked! Bears Players Turned Away At A&K

Bears star Brian Urlacher and a number of his teammates were denied entrance to Angels & Kings Monday.


The long-running industry night event at River North's Angels & Kings has ended following a ridiculous incident Monday night.

A large group of high-profile Chicago Bears players—including stars Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs—were denied entrance, according to Stella Foster of the Sun-Times:

"According to my inside source, who was on the scene every step of the way, they were all refused entrance to the club by three bouncers on the door, and no reason was given for not allowing Chicago's home team to go inside to party.

"Also, the club was not packed at that time, which was 11:30 at night, and the fellas were not intoxicated. The source said, 'The Bears were angry and hurt and felt disrespected because the arrangements were OKd by the head bartender at the club in advance.'

"Though it was a racially mixed group of players, my source said the Bears felt they weren't let in because there were too many African-American men."


Angels & Kings is located in River North.


This isn't the first time I've heard about similar incidents at A&K, especially during this particular Monday night affair when a team of promoters rent out the spot. But what's shocking is that it happened to the Bears—of all people. Maybe it'll finally bring light to discriminatory door policies going down at many of the city's downtown nightclubs, particularly in River North.

Thankfully, in this case, the club took immediate action by dismissing the promoters, who should have known better. These guys have been in the nightlife business for more than 10 years, and they're certain to snag another bar to host their Monday night party. Here's to hoping they have more sense next time . . .