Bears linebacker Jerrell Freeman apologizes for violating NFL drug policy
Inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman, the Bears' leading tackler, has been suspended without pay for four games after a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs.
A week earlier, Bears Pro Bowl wide receiver Alshon Jeffery received the same suspension for the same violation, though not necessarily the same drug.
"Obviously, much like Alshon, I'm very disappointed," said Bears coach John Fox, whose team dropped to 2-8 after Sunday's 22-16 loss to the New York Giants. "These guys understand all the parameters of the drug testing involved in our league. But much like Alshon, we move on, and we'll move on without Jerrell."
Freeman had 10 tackles Sunday, and he leads the team with 92 for the season, including 6 tackles for negative yardage.
Despite suspensions in consecutive weeks, Fox said the Bears do not have a problem.
"Much like anything, whether it's DUIs or speeding tickets, I think people understand the rules, but they get broken," Fox said. "That's typically a player's responsibility to know what they put in their body, and we have pretty strict things while they're in this building. But they do leave the building, usually around 5 o'clock every day.
"I don't think this is unique to the Bears. It's an issue everywhere in the league. That's why we have drug testing in any professional sport or even Olympic sports. It happens, unfortunately."
Freeman's suspension begins immediately. He will be eligible to return on Monday, Dec. 19, following the Bears' game against the Green Bay Packers.
The five-year veteran, who signed with the Bears in the off-season as an unrestricted free agent after four years with the Indianapolis Colts, issued a statement on his Twitter account.
"I would like to apologize to my coaches and teammates, the Bears' organization and Bears fans for the embarrassment I've caused myself and them," Freeman wrote. "I made a mistake with my prescription medication for which I take full responsibility.
"As players in the NFL, we're educated on the parameters regarding substances which go into our bodies and I've prided myself on doing the right thing throughout my career. I look forward to getting back on the playing field in four weeks and finishing the season on a positive note."
The loss of another defensive leader is especially difficult because of the number injuries the Bears have suffered this season.
"We know Jerrell's a great leader on the defensive side of the ball and in the locker room," offensive tackle Charles Leno said. "It's a tough loss to have. I know what type of person Jerrell is. He made a mistake, he owned up to it, and I forgive him. He's responsible for what he puts in his body, but it's next-man-up mentality. We've got some guys that can step up big for us now."
Freeman's absence will create more playing time for rookie Nick Kwiatkoski, the fourth-round pick from West Virginia, as well as Christian Jones and John Timu.
The Bears' most recent injuries were to rookie outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (neck, head), who was hospitalized briefly but able to fly home with the team, and tight end Zach Miller (foot fracture).
Floyd, the first-round pick from Georgia, is second on the team with 5 sacks. Miller, who leads the team with 47 receptions and 4 receiving touchdowns and is second with 436 receiving yards, is not expected to return this season.
Floyd's injury is not serious, but his return is uncertain.
"He's got some neck soreness," Fox said. "He's in the concussion protocol. The real serious stuff is behind him."
Floyd is unlikely to play this week.
"It's a little bit too early to say," Fox said when asked about Floyd's return. "We were just very, very happy and relieved that it wasn't anything career-threatening or very serious."
Guard Josh Sitton (ankle) and cornerback Cre'Von LeBlanc also left Sunday's game and did not return.