Bears CB Jennings charged with DUI
Whoever the Bears hire at their new general manager, he'll have some hard decisions to make regarding the continued employment of under-performing but overpaid veteran players.
Bears cornerback Tim Jennings may have made one decision a lot easier. Jennings suffered through a disappointing 2014 season, and his 2015 is off to a bad start.
The 31-year-old Jennings was arrested at 11:54 a.m. in Gwinnett County, Georgia, on Wednesday on charges of DUI, reckless driving and speeding. His bond was set at $2,705, which he posted before he was released at 3:41 p.m. Jennings was stopped, authorities said, after he was clocked driving 99 mph in a 65 mph zone.
Jennings led the NFL with 9 interceptions in 2012 and added 4 more in 2013. He was voted to the Pro Bowl both seasons and parlayed that into a $22.4 million, four-year contract after the 2013 season.
Jennings' play fell off markedly this past season, and his his $7.5 million cap number was among the highest on the team. The nine-year veteran did not intercept a single pass for the first time since 2007 and was partly to blame for a Bears defense that finished 31st in points allowed, 30th in total yards and passing yards allowed.
The Bears issued this statement on Jennings' arrest: "We are aware of the reports regarding Tim Jennings' arrest. We are currently gathering information to learn more about the circumstances surrounding the situation."
Jennings is scheduled to be paid base salaries of $4.4 million in 2015, $4.9 million in 2016 and $5.3 million in 2017.
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