Bears RB arrested

Garrett Wolfe's mug shot
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Police report: Bears’ Garrett Wolfe disputed $1,572 nightclub bill What allegedly began with his refusal to pay his bill at a nightclub in Miami Beach might end up being much more costly for Bears free-agent running back Garrett Wolfe.

The former Holy Cross High School and Northern Illinois star was arrested early Sunday and charged with retail theft, disorderly conduct, assault-
ing a police officer and
resisting arrest with violence, according to Miami-Dade County Police Department records and Miami Beach Police detective Juan Sanchez. His bond has been set at $11,500.

‘‘He became aggressive while being ejected by bouncers, and two off-duty officers were summoned,’’ Sanchez said. ‘‘They gave him the opportunity to settle his bill, and he refused. He attacked one of the officers. Both officers suffered minor
injuries.’’

The arrest might make it more difficult for the 5-7, 185-pound Wolfe, whose free-agent status remains in limbo during the lockout, to re-sign with the Bears or latch on with another team.

‘‘I’m one of those guys caught in limbo,’’ Wolfe told the Sun-Times last week. ‘‘I’ve finished my fourth year; technically, I’m a free agent. But with no [collective-bargaining agreement] and under the terms from last year, I’m not a free agent, so I’m caught in between. If we get a CBA figured out, I’ll be a free agent; but if we don’t, I’m not a free agent. I’m just stuck in between.’’

Wolfe hasn’t displayed the game-breaking ability general manager Jerry Angelo hoped for when he made him the Bears’ third-round choice in the 2007 draft. Wolfe, one of the most prolific running backs in college football history, has gained only 282 rushing yards in four seasons and has seen most of his action on special teams.

A Bears spokesman said team
officials had no immediate comment. Wolfe’s agent, Rick Smith, also had no comment.

On Wednesday, Wolfe said he was eager for the lockout to end and for his future to be resolved. Five days later, that future is more unsettled than ever.

‘‘It was good to get some time away from football, but it’s weird
because I’m used to being back at work by now,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s weird, very weird, something we could never have seen happening this long. The attitude from most of the players is, ‘This has gone on long enough, and it’s something that needs to be taken care of.’ Guys are eager to get back to work.’’