Bears show up at Halas Hall

Less than 24 hours after a federal judge lifted the NFL's 45-day-old lockout of players, several Bears showed up at Halas Hall Tuesday morning and were allowed inside but were not permitted the use of facilities.

Kicker Robbie Gould, the Bears' player representative, defensive end Israel Idonije and defensive tackle Matt Toeaina were among those who arrived at the Lake Forest facility around 9 a.m. They were met in the lobby by team president and CEO Ted Phillips and senior director of football administration and general counsel Cliff Stein, who informed them that they were welcome at the facility but could not work out, either in the weight room or on the practice field.

It was the same scenario at NFL training facilities across the country.

The holding pattern is expected to last at least until Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson said it will take her at least that long to rule on the NFL's request for a stay of her order. Nelson wants to hear from players, while attorneys for the players have asked her for clarification of her order.

Like most players around the league, the Bears who came to Halas Hall left shortly after arriving.

The league issued a statement that called for players to be “treated with courtesy and respect” if they show up. But the NFL said it needs “a few days to sort this out” before “football activities” can take place.

“I don't think there are any hard feelings,” Phillips said mid-morning. “It's never been about the team vs. the

players. We love the players. They're what make the game great. We're hoping that as soon as both sides can get a collective bargaining agreement worked out, then we'll be able to get back to playing football, which is what both sides want.”

Phillips said there was no animosity on either side during their brief conversations.

“They did some hellos and then they left,” Phillips said. “We're looking forward to getting things done.”

Gould said Bears players would not return to Halas Hall until there is some clarification on their status or until Judge Nelson rules on the league's request for a stay.

Follow Bob's Bears reports via Twitter @Bob LeGere and check out our Bear Essentials blog at dailyherald.com.