Devin Hester a No-Show at Bears Camp

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

As I mentioned yesterday, the Chicago Bears had a busy offseason of taking care of their own players. Well, there’s one player they “forgot” and he didn’t show up for practice today as the Bears opened their training camp in Bourbonnais, Illinois. All-world, All-Pro kick returner/wide receiver Devin Hester is holding out because he’s unhappy with his contract. And the Bears are prepared to fine him $15,000/day for each day of training camp he misses.

Let’s look at both sides here. Bottom line, Devin really has no case. He’s under contract and if he doesn’t report, he’ll eventually go broke. But does he deserve more than the $445,000 he’s scheduled to make this season? Comparatively speaking, of course. He’s one of, if not the best, at what he does — a supreme playmaker and game breaker. I know it sounds cliche, but Devin Hester really is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Should the Bears “show him the money” as a result? Yeah, I think so. If they have anything left to give. I believe Devin should honor his contract, but when he surpassed all the expectations that were placed on him when he was drafted back in 2006, maybe it’s time for the team to recognize his importance by giving him a long-term deal in advance of his current contract’s expiration in two years. Apparently the Bears have tried negotiating, but (obviously) the two sides have not yet come to an agreement.

At any rate, the Collective Bargaining Agreement will come into play (it’s complicated), so expect Devin to show up for practice no later than August 5.

Source: Chicago Sun Times, Photo: Newscom