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From PFT.com
TA-TA, TANK
The Chicago Bears have dumped defensive tackle Tank Johnson, only three days after he was stopped in Arizona on suspicion of driving a vehicle with alcohol in his system.
And, for a change, the team isn't trying to make the decision look like it was based on performance issues.
"We are upset and embarrassed by Tank's actions last week," said Bears G.M. Jerry Angelo. "He compromised the credibility of our organization. We made it clear to him that he had no room for error. Our goal was to help someone through a difficult period in his life, but the effort needs to come from both sides. It didn't, and we have decided to move on." (And move out.)
"A lot of people within our organization gave extra time and energy to support Tank: players, coaches and our front office," coach Lovie Smith said. "We did our best to establish an environment for him to move forward. Ultimately, Tank needed to live up to his side of the deal."
Apparently, the Bears put Johnson on last-chance status in December, after he was arrested on gun charges. He later served 60 days in jail for violation of the terms of probation arising from a prior weapons charge, and Commissioner Roger Goodell slapped him with an eight-game suspension, which could have been reduced to six with good behavior.
It remains to be seen whether Johnson accepts the punishment, or whether he files a non-injury grievance, arguing that the team is not empowered to discipline a player for violations of the Personal Conduct Policy. However, paragraph 11 of the Standard Player Contract seems to allow teams to cut players whose actions reflect poorly on the franchise.
The Bears now are forced to find a replacement for Johnson. The Dolphins recently cut defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson, who might be inclined to join the team if he can avoid most if not all of training camp and the preseason. Since the Bears were planning to be without Johnson for at least the first six games of the regular season, the team might be willing to sign Wilkinson in September, and then work him into playing shape.
Johnson, a second-round pick in the 2004 draft, had been signed through 2008. He will initially pass through waivers. If unclaimed, he will become an unrestricted free agent.
He will still be required to serve his suspension, if he lands with a new team. His latest incident could also subject him to an additional suspension.
TA-TA, TANK
The Chicago Bears have dumped defensive tackle Tank Johnson, only three days after he was stopped in Arizona on suspicion of driving a vehicle with alcohol in his system.
And, for a change, the team isn't trying to make the decision look like it was based on performance issues.
"We are upset and embarrassed by Tank's actions last week," said Bears G.M. Jerry Angelo. "He compromised the credibility of our organization. We made it clear to him that he had no room for error. Our goal was to help someone through a difficult period in his life, but the effort needs to come from both sides. It didn't, and we have decided to move on." (And move out.)
"A lot of people within our organization gave extra time and energy to support Tank: players, coaches and our front office," coach Lovie Smith said. "We did our best to establish an environment for him to move forward. Ultimately, Tank needed to live up to his side of the deal."
Apparently, the Bears put Johnson on last-chance status in December, after he was arrested on gun charges. He later served 60 days in jail for violation of the terms of probation arising from a prior weapons charge, and Commissioner Roger Goodell slapped him with an eight-game suspension, which could have been reduced to six with good behavior.
It remains to be seen whether Johnson accepts the punishment, or whether he files a non-injury grievance, arguing that the team is not empowered to discipline a player for violations of the Personal Conduct Policy. However, paragraph 11 of the Standard Player Contract seems to allow teams to cut players whose actions reflect poorly on the franchise.
The Bears now are forced to find a replacement for Johnson. The Dolphins recently cut defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson, who might be inclined to join the team if he can avoid most if not all of training camp and the preseason. Since the Bears were planning to be without Johnson for at least the first six games of the regular season, the team might be willing to sign Wilkinson in September, and then work him into playing shape.
Johnson, a second-round pick in the 2004 draft, had been signed through 2008. He will initially pass through waivers. If unclaimed, he will become an unrestricted free agent.
He will still be required to serve his suspension, if he lands with a new team. His latest incident could also subject him to an additional suspension.
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