Avoiding media likely will cost Bears’ Barber $10,000
Running back Marion Barber refused on Thursday to offer any meaningful explanation as to his costly fumble and failure to stay in bounds while the Bears were attempting to run out the clock late in the game.
In a prearranged charade orchestrated by the Bears, two handpicked team employees provided the questions.
Asked how tough that game was, he said: “I’m looking forward to this week. Practice yesterday, guys are really excited about this next week, and that’s really what it’s all about.”
Asked specifically about his gaffes, Barber said: “My thoughts on it is getting to this next week and just preparing as much as I can to be ready for this game, of course.”
The “interview” continued along a similar path. Finally, Barber was asked his reasons for avoiding the media.
“I’ve been like this all my life,” he said. “Really, high school I wasn’t a guy to be in a TV interview, only when I was asked to do it. That’s kind of something that I hope people will respect from me. It’s not like I don’t do it. I do do a few, but I believe because of the circumstances that took place, a lot (of people) want to know. But like I said, it’s all about this week and doing what I can do to help this ballclub win.”
Barber has not given a legitimate interview since early in training camp, and that was close to useless.
When approached by several reporters on Friday, Barber said, “I talked yesterday.”
He is expected to be fined $10,000 by the league for his continued noncompliance.
Injury report:
Wide receiver Devin Hester (ankle) and defensive tackle Henry Melton (shin) did not practice Friday, although both are listed as “questionable” for Sunday.
Melton did not practice all week and is likely to miss his first start of the season, with Amobi Okoye taking his place. Hester tweaked his ankle during Thursday’s practice but is expected to play.
Cornerback Charles Tillman (knee), guard Edwin Williams (calf) and safety Major Wright (shoulder) all practiced without limitations, and all were listed as “probable.”
Quarterback Jay Cutler (thumb) and running back Matt Forte (knee) won’t play and didn’t practice all week.