Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith addresses the media on Thursday afternoon. The Daily Journal/Nicholas Holstein
BOURBONNAIS — Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith has shot down reports of a rift between new quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher, saying they’re simply not true.
“That’s no story,” Smith said Thursday, when his team reported to camp. “You’ve got questions about what’s going on?”
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler’s manhood during a conversation on a trip to Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a stronger version of the word “wimp” during the interview that had to be edited out.
Chicago radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune, saying “Me having to be restrained? That’s funny.”
The Bears have high expectations after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a falling out with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith’s mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
“There’s no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year,” Smith said. “No more than that. We can’t spend a whole lot of time on something that isn’t true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it’s a non-issue.”
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback — Michael Vick — deserves one, although he doesn’t see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
“I think Mike deserves a second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society,” Smith said. “He deserves a second chance. As far as we’re concerned, we like this team that we have right now.”
