Proud Moment For One Of Our Bears Sunday

Not exactly as many fans will recall, just prior to the Super Bowl a bears defensive lineman named Tank Johnson had his name in the headlines but for all the wrong reasons. As a result ol' Tank had to do some time in a local jail and was just released on Mothers Day. For the story of why he was there go here, or read the story at the Tribune yesterday below featuring his release if you already know the details.

One point I'd like to make is when our pro athletes are squeezing in jail stays in the off seasons like it was a trip to Catalina or Jamaica, things might be headed in the wrong direction, dontch'a think? I sure as hell do.

Tank Johnson released from jail

Chicago Tribune: "With a wide grin on his face as he took in the sunshine, Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson walked out of jail Sunday morning after a 60-day sentence stemming from a probation violation.

Johnson, dressed in a oversized T-shirt and jeans and wearing a jewel-encrusted pendant in the shape of a 99--his jersey number--left Cook County Jail at about 7:05 a..m. on Mother's Day, flanked by private security personnel." Johnson—a jewel-encrusted New York Yankees cap perched backward atop his head, and an equally bling-heavy medallion in the shape of his jersey number, 99, dangling from his neck—left the jail at 7:05 a.m., flanked by private security personnel and several sheriff's deputies.

After making his way through a gaggle of news cameramen, he hauled his 300-pound frame into the front passenger seat of a black Land Rover. He ignored reporters for the most part, only uttering a hushed Mother's Day greeting.

Moments later, the SUV sped away.

Johnson, 25, was sentenced in March to 120 days in jail and fined $2,500 after pleading guilty to violating his probation on a 2005 weapons conviction. On April 30, he also pleaded guilty in Lake County to possession of a firearm without a valid Illinois Firearm Owner's Identification Card. read more

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