Bears waive Benson after latest brush with law

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

CHICAGO (AFP) — The Chicago Bears waived running back Cedric Benson on Monday, cutting the former first-round draft selection loose when he failed to show up for scheduled team activities.

Benson, who is battling two alcohol-related charges in Texas, had told the Chicago Tribune newspaper he intended to attend the team activities.

Bears general manager Jerry Angelo, who has voiced displeasure with Benson's off-field problems, apparently found his absence on Monday the last straw.

"Cedric displayed a pattern of behavior we will not tolerate," Angelo said in a statement. "As I said this past weekend, you have to protect your job."

Benson was stopped for a traffic violation in downtown Austin, Texas, on Saturday morning and arrested after refusing a...