Josh Morgan’s Arrest Puts Him on Thin Ice with Chicago Bears
Sep 15, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Josh Morgan (15) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 38-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
In sports, like in life, timing is everything. Timing couldn’t be worse for new Chicago Bears wide receiver Josh Morgan to make a good first impression on his team. Over the weekend, Morgan was arrested and charged with assault following an incident with a valet at a Washington DC night spot. A DC TV station reported that Morgan punched a valet in the face. Haven’t we all wanted to do that at one time or another? Maybe the valet changed the seat settings for the way Morgan liked them or messed with the radio?
But I digress. Morgan, of course, insists he’s innocent.
"“I didn’t touch him,” Morgan said. “I didn’t do anything. This is crazy. I’m not worried about nothing.“I have always been a stand-up guy in the community. Nothing like this has ever happened to me.”"
Remember when Brandon Marshall joined the Bears and he was allegedly involved with a dust-up with a woman outside a NY nightclub? That turned out to be nothing. I;m not saying Morgan is innocent, but you can always hope.
The Bears, of course, released the standard “we’re aware of a situation and gathering more information” statement. Morgan is expected to compete for the third or fourth wide receiver spot, but this certainly puts him on thin ice. There is precedent for the Bears to cut a player involved in off-the-field issues. Evan Rodriguez, a Phil Emery mid-round draft pick, was dispatched after a couple of off the field run-ins with the law. For someone who has yet to produce for the Bears, it’s going to be an uphill climb for Morgan.