Marcus Riley, Web Development Manager

It's been kind of a rough week for me. I woke up Wednesday to a friend's text message that my doctor had been brutally killed in his downtown office.


I'd been seeing Dr. David Cornbleet for more than a year, and the news hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt it was appropriate to write about it here, because, among other things, Dr. Cornbleet and I always talked about the Bears. He was obviously a big Bears fan, and the last time I saw him -- last week -- our main topic of conversation was the Bears thrilling comeback victory over the Cardinals.

One of the reasons I like sports is because it creates a common bond. People who may not otherwise have anything in common, can always rally together around a team. Not to say Dr. Cornbleet and I didn't have any other common ground -- we talked extensively about travel, current events and other topics -- but it always seemed to come back to sports, whether it was the Sox or the Bears.

I'm constantly getting reminders this week of this gentle, sweet man whom I considered a friend, whether it be the cover of the Sun Times, the bill that came in the mail yesterday, the medicine I take every day, or the chatter in the newsroom as our reporters follow the story. Of course, it pales in comparison to what his family must be going through.

I can't help but think that if this does turn out to be a magical season for the Bears, they got a little extra help from someone in a very special place. Rest in peace Dr. Cornbleet.