[CBFF] CT: Vasher joins list of angry Bears

[Victor Waldron]

Geez, third and fourth rounders become ProBowlers and look what happens??

:)



Vasher joins list of angry Bears
DB has 2 years left but wants extension
By K.C. Johnson
Tribune staff reporter

June 13, 2006, 10:40 PM CDT

The Bears consistently have touted returning all 22 starters. That
doesn't necessarily mean all of them will be happy.

Cornerback Nathan Vasher is the latest Bear to leave organized team
activities over dissatisfaction with his contract, which has two years
remaining and is scheduled to pay him $425,000 in 2006.

Currently, 130 cornerbacks are paid more than Vasher. Since 2000, he's
the only one of 217 fourth-round draft picks to make the Pro Bowl on
the original ballot.

His eight interceptions in 2005 were the third-most in team history.
Vasher also set an NFL record with a 108-yard return of a missed field
goal in a victory over San Francisco.

"I'm understanding of all of Nate's accomplishments," general manager
Jerry Angelo said. "They're great. But part of why we've been able to
keep so many players under contract is we operate under a pretty sound
philosophy. If we do something that is an exception, then we might be
opening Pandora's box."

Angelo has a history of signing his own to extensions. He doesn't have
a history of doing so with two years remaining on the contract.

Linebacker Brian Urlacher, who had completed three years of his
five-year rookie deal, is the exception. Angelo said he shared his
philosophy with Vasher in a Monday meeting.

The Eagles recently extended cornerbacks Lito Sheppard and Sheldon
Brown with two years remaining on their contracts before they had
completed three years of service. Jacksonville did the same with
Rashean Mathis.

"Why would a team not want to take care of a player who exemplifies
what is good about the NFL on and off the field?" said Michael
Sullivan, Vasher's agent. "We have made no demands. Based upon Nate's
accomplishments, we find it appropriate to have his compensation
discussed. I'm shocked that the team won't even have a discussion with
me."

Vasher signed a four-year deal, which the Bears make clear to agents
is non-negotiable for lower-round picks. That prevents players from
hitting the restricted free-agent market earlier. Vasher received a
$390,000 signing bonus.

Vasher joins linebacker Lance Briggs and running back Thomas Jones as
players not working out at Halas Hall. Briggs also played in the Pro
Bowl and Jones is the Bears' leading returning rusher.

Attendance at the OTAs is optional but strongly encouraged. Coach
Lovie Smith demoted Briggs and Jones from the first team at the
mandatory minicamp for leaving workouts in late April. Vasher hasn't
participated since last week.