Bears Notes: Harris says he is sorry
By TOM MUSICK – Shaw Suburban Media
LAKE FOREST – Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris apologized to fans, teammates and children Monday after his sucker punch led to an ejection from Sunday’s game.
“I feel like I hurt my team,” Harris said as reporters crowded around his locker. “I was very embarrassed. Hopefully, I’ll make up for it the next time I go out there.”
The NFL is expected to fine Harris, who punched Arizona Cardinals guard Deuce Lutui on the fourth play of the game. Harris said the incident stemmed from an earlier play.
“He did some unnecessary stuff during the game, but I still have to be able to control myself,” said Harris, who also apologized to Lutui. “In the six years that I’ve been here, I’ve never done anything like that. He kind of pushed me to my limits, but I apologize.”
Bears linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer said Harris’ ejection hurt the team.
“I think when Tommie is at his best, he’s one of the best players in the NFL,” Hillenmeyer said. “I’ve told him that before. But with that potential comes a huge responsibility in terms of what he needs to be for this team. … I hope we see the Tommie that we’ve come to depend on over the years for the rest of the season.”
Running low: Bears coach Lovie Smith said the team could get by with two running backs, Matt Forte and Adrian Peterson, if Garrett Wolfe is sidelined because of an injury.
Wolfe reportedly lacerated his kidney during Sunday’s game and was hospitalized. The Northern Illinois alum has rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown this season.
Depending on the severity of the injury, Wolfe could miss at least a few games.
Not likely: The Kansas City Chiefs released running back Larry Johnson on Monday, but Smith did not indicate much interest in adding the controversial player.
“Any player that’s available, we look at [him],” Smith said. “That’s been our standard policy throughout. … That’s kind of low priority right now.”
Johnson averaged 4.4 yards a carry and scored 61 touchdowns in seven seasons with the Chiefs. He also was arrested four times and released after using hateful slurs.
Bears bits: Smith said Charles Tillman (shoulder) should be OK after leaving Sunday’s game early, but he stopped short of promising that the cornerback would play Thursday. … The team also is monitoring injuries to Al Afalava (shoulder) and Kevin Payne (back).
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