Scott, I have never understood why most people believe that drill press bearings aren't made for a side load. They are ball bearings. I just looked up parts for a Grizzly DP. Bearing # 6202ZZ and 6207ZZ. The same bearing series are used in dust collector blowers, planers, jointers, table saw (6203), etc., which operate with the shaft horizontally which creates a side load force.
What isn't designed for a side load on a drill press is the morse taper on the chuck/spindle. That is designed for end loading.