Former Bears tackle Harris' wife dies at 29

The wife of former Bears Pro Bowl defensive tackle Tommie Harris died Sunday night at a Norman, Okla. Hospital.

Ashley Firmin Harris is believed to have suffered either a stroke or brain aneurysm. She was 29. She was rushed to the hospital Friday afternoon after the couple came to town for a visit. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday.

The couple, who have two children together, a 3½-year-old and a 4-month-old, were married on New Year's Day this year.

Harris spent seven seasons with the Bears after being selected with the 14th pick in the first round of the 2004 draft out of Oklahoma. He became the first defensive tackle in franchise history to be voted to three straight Pro Bowls (2005-07) before his performance waned because of knee injuries.

He signed a four-year, $40 million contract extension prior to the 2008 season but was released after the 2010 season. He played last season with the Chargers and had 3 sacks and 13 tackles.

“Our hearts go out to Tommie and his family,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said on the team's website. “When I first heard (Ashley was in the hospital), we all started praying and hoped there would be a different outcome. At times like this, what can you say except to try to be there for him in any way you possibly can.”

Former Bears teammates Johnny Knox, Anthony Adams, Jason McKie and Israel Idonije flew to Norman to be with Harris. The funeral is scheduled for Friday in New Orleans.

Thomas arrested:Last year's sixth-round draft pick, linebacker J.T. Thomas, was arrested and charged early Monday with misdemeanor possession of less than 15 grams of marijuana.According to the West Virginia MetroNews, Thomas was pulled over at 3:55 a.m. while going the opposite way on a one-way section of University Avenue in Morgantown, where Thomas played for the West Virginia Mountaineers. #8220;We are aware of the arrest of J.T. Thomas,#8221; the Bears said in a statement. #8220;We are currently gathering information to learn more about the circumstances surrounding the arrest.#8221;Thomas spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve with a hip injury.FILE40002718This July 27, 2011, photo shows Chicago Bears linebacker J.T. Thomas. Thomas was charged Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, with misdemeanor drug possession after police in West Virginia said they caught him driving the wrong way down a one-way street and found marijuana in his car.Associated PressFILE