Bears Re-Sign Harris

Tommie Harris says the talks that led to his four-year, $40 million contract with the Chicago Bears were businesslike and “classy.” Speaking at a morning news conference at Halas Hall, the defensive tackle said he and Bears management kept negotiations private in reaching a deal that will keep him with Chicago through 2012. That differs from what has happened between the team and linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs. They’ve both gone public with complaints and either hinted or threatened holdouts. “We didn’t try to go out there and talk about one another or dispute different things, and I feel like we did it all in-house,” Harris said. “I would never go out and talk about the Bears in front of the media or disrespect my team,” added Harris, whose deal was the richest ever for the Bears in terms of dollars per year.
Harris started 56 of his 60 career NFL games and recorded 208 tackles during his four seasons with the Bears. The three-time Pro Bowler had 13 total sacks over the last two seasons—ranking him second among defensive tackles.

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Walker Robbed, Beaten

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker could be released from the hospital Tuesday, a day after he was beaten, robbed and left unconscious on a Las Vegas street after a night of partying, police said. A large amount of cash and some jewelry were taken from Walker, who suffered “significant injuries,” police said. Police Lt. Clinton Nichols said detectives are retracing Walker’s activities in the hours before he was found injured Monday morning on a street off the Las Vegas Strip. “That’s one of the first things we do, backtrack what he did and where he stayed,” Nichols said, adding that the investigation was still in the early stages. “We knew there was a large amount of cash taken, and some jewelry.” Nichols said he believed Walker would be released after a 24-hour stay at the hospital. A hospital spokesman said he had no immediate information about Walker’s condition. A Raiders spokesman said the team was in the process of gathering information and had no further comment. On Monday, police Officer Bill Cassell said in a statement that Walker was taken to a hospital with “significant injuries” and was in fair condition at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center. Walker, 29, signed a six-year, $55 million deal with the Raiders after being released by the Denver Broncos in February.

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Giant Mix Up?

Star wide receiver Plaxico Burress is refusing to practice because the New York Giants haven't renegotiated a new contract since winning the Super Bowl. Burress reported to Giants Stadium for the mandatory minicamp Wednesday. But he says he told the coaching staff he won't work out without a new deal. Burress, who battled through an injury-hampered season last year, caught the game-winning touchdown in the Giants' stunning 17-14 victory over the undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, tight end Jeremy Shockey showed up for minicamp Wednesday, despite hints he had made last weekend with the New York media that he might skip it. Shockey, who isn't expected to participate in drills, headed for treatment with Giants trainers for the broken leg he suffered last season. ESPN

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Benson Released

The Chicago Bears waived running back Cedric Benson today. Benson played in 35 regular season games for the Bears over the past three seasons with 12 starts. He was originally acquired in the first round of the 2005 draft. “Cedric displayed a pattern of behavior we will not tolerate,” General Manager Jerry Angelo said. “As I said this past weekend, you have to protect your job. Everyone in this organization is held accountable for their actions. When individual priorities overshadow team goals, we suffer the consequences as a team. Those who fail to understand the importance of ‘team’ will not play for the Chicago Bears.” Where he might land is questionable... character is playing a much larger role for teams today. But Benson does have to go through Roger Goodell first. More to come...

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Strahan To Retire

Michael Strahan has decided to go out on top. It's been reported that Strahan has decided to retire after 15 seasons in the NFL, with a total of 141.5 sacks, and an NFL record 22.5 sacks in 2001. Strahan will be eligible for the hall of fame in five years, and looks like he'll make it in. Last season, Strahan helped the Giants achieve a superbowl season with nine sacks, and playing in all 16 games. The major networks have already started to talk to Strahan about broadcasting, which is a likely landing spot for him. Though he could have waited until the start of camp, Strahan decided this was the time to make his decision public. Though many of the Giants' players expected Strahan to retire, they will have to start adjusting to a locker room without him starting this week at their minicamp, which starts Wednesday.

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