Despite apparent dissatisfaction with his contract, linebacker
Brian Urlacher showed up for the start of the
Chicago Bears’ mandatory minicamp Friday. “When it says mandatory, you’re supposed to be at those things, so that’s why I’m here,” Urlacher said. “I’m supposed to be here. I’m not trying to send any message. It’s a mandatory team function and we’re supposed to be here.” Due to his displeasure with a nine-year contract that expires after the 2011 season, Urlacher has not participated in the Bears’ offseason conditioning drills or their voluntary workouts, known as organized team activities. He had also hinted in an Internet report this month that he might miss minicamp. Players who miss the three days of non-contact drills at minicamp are open to demotion or fines for contract violations. “All that matters is I’m here with my teammates,” Urlacher said. “That’s really the only thing that matters right now.” Urlacher did not want to comment on his contract situation or the possibility the Bears might renegotiate the deal, which he signed in 2003 for $56.5 million, including a $13 million signing bonus.
Source: Yahoo! Sports