Ex-Bear Chris Zorich gets probation in tax case

A now-broke former Chicago Bear has been sentenced to three years of probation for failing to file federal income tax returns over several years.

Chris Zorich told the court before the federal judge in Chicago announced the sentence Friday that he was “very sorry” for his actions.

The 44-year-old Chicago native was on Notre Dame’s 1988 national championship team and went on to play defensive tackle for the Bears from 1991 to 1996.

Guidelines called for a prison sentence of between 10 and 16 months. Defense lawyers cited Zorich’s charity work in requesting probation. The judge cited his “otherwise exemplary life.”

Zorich had pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of failing to file income tax returns from 2006 to 2009. Over that time he made from than $1 million.