The Chicago Bears Must Cut Evan Rodriguez

Dec. 23, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Chicago Bears fullback Evan Rodriguez (48) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Bears defeated the Cardinals 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Shortly after Evan Rodriguez’s first offseason incident in Miami Beach, Chicago Bears GM Phil Emery noted that his second year H-back had been “re-educated on my expectations.”  If that’s the case, ERod must need to go to summer school because he flunked his latest course with his latest offseason arrest, this time for DUI.   Since the second year H-back can’t get his act together, I believe the Bears have no choice but to cut him. 

Evan Rodriguez was drafted out of Temple in the 4th round of the 2012 draft, Phil Emery’s first as Chicago Bears GM, with a history of off-the-field issues, so it’s not like this should come as a surprise.  Emery has gotten a reputation as a bit of a gambler, taking chances on his draft picks and free agent acquisitions.   Rodriguez’s offseason escapades highlight the downside of taking those risks.  Rodriguez hasn’t earned the benefit of the doubt and frankly, he’s not good enough for anyone to look the other way.

Phil Emery has no choice but to cut Rodriguez to send a message to the rest of his players – this sort of behavior won’t be tolerated.   It would set the tone for the rest of the locker room and shows that Emery is not so committed to anyone – even a mid-round draft pick with high expectations on the field – that he won’t put .  Rodriguez flashed his potential at times under Mike Tice last season but troubles on the offensive line forced him into more blocking duties than working in the passing game, where he’s expected to contribute for Marc Trestman.

What do you think?  Should the Bears cut Rodriguez or should he get another chance?