Mon Jun 9 17:36:14 2008

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Bears release Cedric Benson

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Lake Forest, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago Bears have waived running back Cedric Benson following a pair of alcohol-related incidents in a little over a month.

Benson was charged with boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest near Austin, Texas last month and had another incident this past Saturday. He reportedly failed a field sobriety test in downtown Austin early Saturday morning, was charged with driving while intoxicated and released on bond.

"Cedric displayed a pattern of behavior we will not tolerate," Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said in a Monday statement. "As I said this past weekend, you have to protect your job. Everyone in this organization is held accountable for their actions. When individual priorities overshadow team goals, we suffer the consequences as a team. Those who fail to understand the importance of 'team' will not play for the Chicago Bears."

Benson was selected by the Bears with the fourth overall pick of the 2005 draft after a stellar career at the University of Texas. He finally became the club's starting tailback in 2007 after the trade of Thomas Jones and finished an injury-shortened campaign with 674 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

In 35 games over three seasons, Benson ran for 1,593 yards and 10 touchdowns.