“Here’s the thing for me about Chicago,’’ Cowley said. “The fan base is more willing to show up and support mediocrity — or less — than other major sports markets. New York, Philadelphia, Boston, I’ve been to those cities regularly with the Bulls, and they don’t put up with it like the fans here.

“The Bulls, mediocre at best for a long time, and they are at the top of the NBA in attendance. How many show up, that depends on the opponent, but the tickets are sold. And the suites are full, which is what really matters to [owner] Jerry Reinsdorf.

“Even the White Sox … unbelievably terrible. But they trade Chris Sale to Boston, and we hear fans say, ‘Look how many players we have in Baseball America’s top 100 prospects now.’ So, after losing 121 games, they trade their next lefthanded star, Garrett Crochet, to Boston for four minor leaguers and it’s the same thing: ‘Look at our prospects.’

“How did that work out last time?’’

The Bears were the main topic on Chicago sports radio Tuesday, following an eighth straight loss, 30-12 to the Vikings here Monday night. Dan Bernstein, with The Score (670 AM), has been part of that for 30 years.

Bernstein was asked Tuesday which of these events could be the official meme for the 2024 Bears: Since-fired coach Matt Eberflus looking on cluelessly as the game clock runs to zero in a loss to Detroit, or lineman Doug Kramer sauntering into fullback formation with no hint to report to an official, thus nullifying a 1-yard TD plunge on Monday?