Mannelly Surprised At Briggs' Absence From Monday's Practice
(CBS) Bears linebacker Lance Briggs was excused from Monday's practice by coach Marc Trestman so that he could attend the opening of his restaurant in California, a move that immediately raised eyebrows and one that Tuesday morning received criticism from longtime teammate Patrick Mannelly, who is now a co-host of the midday show here at 670 The Score.
"There's a limited amount of time that they have as a unit in meetings and on the practice field," Mannelly said in his debut on the Spiegel and Mannelly Show. "I don't understand why coach Trestman let him take that day off. Because the other thing ... is today (Tuesday) is their day off. Why didn't he go today? I'm floored. As a teammate, if they missed OTAs (in the offseason) for whatever reason -- if they had a charity golf tournament -- I just didn't understand that either. You need to give your full commitment to the game."
Trestman didn't provide specific details of Briggs' absence, other than to say the veteran starting linebacker came to him weeks ago with the request. Many view it as an odd move by Briggs to even ask and Trestman to grant the request, given that Chicago opens against Buffalo on Sunday and has been inconsistent defensively this preseason after a 2013 season in which it set franchise records for futility.
Below are a few photos Briggs posted from his trip out West.
https://twitter.com/LanceBriggs/statuses/506605006326218752 width="340"
https://twitter.com/LanceBriggs/statuses/506635263196422144 width="340"
Matt Spiegel and Mannelly are still on air until 1 p.m. and talking plenty of Bears. You can stream the show here.
