Report: Bears CB Manning suspended for Patriots game

Tweet

The Chicago Bears apparently will be without cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. when they face the New England Patriots on Sunday. According to a report on the Chicago Tribune's web site, Manning received a one-game suspension from the NFL stemming from a felony assault charge to which he pleaded no contest in September. Manning, who leads the team with four interceptions, was arrested on April 23 after he and several companions allegedly hit a man in the face at a restaurant. "It stinks," Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher told the Tribune. "I'm not real excited about that. I don't know why they decided to do it right now. He's been a good player for our team and we're going to miss him, the way he plays. "He's a fiery guy out there, has a good time, and you miss the personality in the locker room because he's not going to be around this week. Like I said, I don't know why they did it this week but that's the NFL for you." After spending the first three years of his career with the Carolina Panthers, Manning had signed a five-year, $21 million offer sheet by Chicago just two days prior to the incident. The 25-year-old was selected in the third round of the 2003 draft by the Panthers. He is best known for recording three interceptions in the January 2004 NFC championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Last season, Manning had 33 tackles and two interceptions as a nickel back.