GUN, AMMO CHARGES FOR NEW BEARS LB ADAMS
Linebacker Matt Adams, who followed coach Matt Eberflus from the Colts to the Bears this offseason, was arrested Thursday night and charged with misdemeanor illegal gun possession and possession of a high-capacity magazine and metal-piercing bullets, according to Chicago police.
Police arrested Adams on Garland Court, near Lake Street and Michigan Avenue. His court date is scheduled for Aug. 24.
Possessing a high-capacity magazine and metal-piercing bullets within Chicago city limits is a municipal code violation. Police found them while searching a vehicle that had been reported stolen.
Adams was questioned after he was spotted near the vehicle, according to a police report. Adams said the car was his, and police found the gun inside. Adams has a license for the gun but not in Illinois, according to the report.
In a statement, the Bears said they were made aware of Adams’ arrest Friday morning and were in the process of gathering more information. They otherwise declined to comment.
Adams was signed to a one-year deal in April after spending his first four seasons with the Colts, coinciding with Eberflus’ time as defensive coordinator. He made his mark as a special-teams player in Indianapolis, and the Bears envision him doing the same in Chicago.
His experience in the 4:3 defense is seen as a plus. When Eberflus was named the Bears’ head coach in January, many of his defensive deputies with the Colts followed him to Chicago to help implement the 4:3.
Adams is the second Bears player to be arrested this offseason and the second with a tie to one of the team’s new bosses. In April, wide receiver Byron Pringle was arrested in Florida and charged with reckless driving and driving with a suspended license. He previously worked with new Bears general manager Ryan Poles in Kansas City.