[CBFF] [chicagotribune.com - Sports] Benson sure 'truth will come out' about boating case

[Tom Shannon]

Benson sure 'truth will come out' about boating case

          By Vaughn McClure | Tribune reporter
  9:42 PM  21, 2008le tools

Embattled Bears running back Cedric Benson had every chance Wednesday to snap back at his critics, a
group that has grown stronger over the last few weeks after his May 3 arrest in Texas for boating while
intoxicated and resisting arrest.
Yet his only oral jousting after the day's organized team activities came with a smile that no doubt
made some wonder why he is the least bit giddy.
"Yeah, it'd be nice to go on and get [the case] cleared up, but you know, I don't really spend much time
thinking about it at all," Benson said. "The truth will come out some time, now or a year from now or
whenever."
His next court date, at which he is not required to appear personally, is June 30.


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   o David Haugh: Cedric Benson a changed man for Bears?


If Benson's story holds up in court, the distraction could be non-existent once the team begins training
camp on July 23. Coach Lovie Smith says he is reserving judgment on the case until all the facts are
presented. General manager Jerry Angelo vowed to do the same, although he criticized Benson recently for
putting himself in a compromising position.
Through it all, Benson has received support from his teammates.
"I think they took me in a while back," Benson said of them. "Last year, when [rival Thomas] Jones was
gone and I was the starter, they really took me in as a whole.
"Speaking on the situation, and the things they've had to say about it [have] been really great. They've
been really supportive. That they're just letting me know that they've got my back is good stuff."
Benson said he is fine coming off a broken left ankle suffered against the Broncos last season. He
freely admitted being overweight, but said he believes he corrected the problem by dropping 10 pounds
this off-season because of altering his diet.
"I feel great," Benson said. "Y'all didn't see? I hope you had the cameras on out there. I feel faster,
quicker, smarter, smoother, free-er.
"I feel everything is on a positive note."
But how will Benson feel come the start of the season? Drafting running back Matt Forte in the second
round wasn't exactly an endorsement of Benson, although Smith recently said it is Benson's job to lose.
"It always has been a challenge," Benson said of the position. " Garrett Wolfe came last year. The first
two years with Thomas Jones. ... I wouldn't expect any different."
The Bears expect Benson at least to show signs of the player they drafted out of Texas with the fourth
overall pick in 2005. He displayed flashes against the Seahawks and Broncos last season, but nothing
that struck fear in the eyes of opponents. Chicago fans doubt his effectiveness after watching him
average a career-low 3.4 yards per carry last season.
As for 2008 being a make-or-break season, he expressed no concern.
"I ain't really thought about that," he said. "But if it is, then come on, make or break? I'm sure we'll
make it happen."

Bradley has surgery

Mark Bradley had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee earlier this month and is questionable for the
start of training camp. The receiver lost 14 games to injury his first two seasons and caught only six
passes last year.
"They cleaned it out. Nothing serious," receivers coach Darryl Drake said. "He'll be OK."
vxmcclure at tribune.com

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