Hester shocks Bears by no-showing

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BOURBONNAIS - Devin Hester's decision to hold out from training camp did more than just disappoint the Bears. It pretty much blindsided them. General manager Jerry Angelo and the front office had little inkling Hester would be a no-show until Wednesday, when he was absent from the first class work and practice of camp. Hester chose not to report because of his contract, which is due to pay him $445,000 this season. As one of the NFL's most dynamic players, and a budding star at wide receiver, Hester thinks he deserves a lot more. “I can't go out and play this year making $445,000,” Hester said to ESPN.com. “Come on, man.” For now, at least, Hester sounds firm enough in his stance that he will not report until he has a new contract. When that will be is anybody's guess. Until he shows up, the Bears can fine him $15,000 a day, according to the collective bargaining agreement. “That's part of the CBA, and I'm sure his agent (Eugene Parker) apprised him of the rules,” Angelo said. The Bears and Hester had been discussing a new deal for months, even as the team agreed to extensions with Tommie Harris, Brian Urlacher and several other players. A few days ago, according to Angelo, Parker mentioned the possibility that Hester would be a holdout. “I didn't really take it serious because we are still [negotiating],” Angelo said. “We're still in the process; there's no closure. Usually when you say, ‘Hey, it's over, take it or leave it, we're out of money,' you might get a reaction like that. “But as you're continuing on in negotiations as we have been, it's surprising.” Hester's contract talks are trickier than most. Not only has he set a new standard for NFL return specialists, with 13 special teams touchdowns in only two seasons, but he also is an emerging threat as a wide receiver. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner said Hester, who dabbled at the receiver position last season, has progressed enough that he would have run with the first-team offense Wednesday. “It's very difficult given the situation,” Angelo said. “It's probably one that I won't ever experience again quite like this. But again, we're working at doing it. We want to do it. He's earned it. He is a very, very good player for us.” Angelo reiterated the Bears' policy of negotiating with players only if they show up for work. It remains to be seen how strict they are in abiding by that guideline. “I don't have any idea how long it will be,” coach Lovie Smith said. “We would like to get him out here as soon as possible. I know he would like to be out here. He realizes how important this work is, especially this early work with him becoming a full-time receiver.” And then there is the void on special teams, where Danieal Manning and Rashied Davis on kickoffs and Nathan Vasher and rookie Earl Bennett on punts are the primary options in Hester's absence.