Chicago Bears GM forced to break up training camp fight between star players

05 August 2023 , 19:34

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Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles had to step in to stop a fight between two of his players

It's not very often that you'd see an NFL general manager interacting with players, but Chicago Bears' Ryan Poles was forced to stop a fight between two of his stars this weekend.

The Bears were back in pads for the first time this week as they prepare for their opening game of the season in September, with players having the chance to go up against each other.

It is not uncommon for tempers to flare among teammates when the pads come on - with players having to essentially practice at walking pace and without contact for months once the season has ended - raring to get back at it.

And in one of their first sessions going up against their teammates in an offense vs defence session - both team captain Eddie Jackson and wide receiver Chase Claypool got a huge exchange - lasting several minutes.

The incident occurred when Claypool caught a pass and had been running out of bounds, before star safety Jackson came down and hit the wide receiver. Claypool was said to have retaliated by grabbing Jackson's helmet, before the two got into it.

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Jackson's helmet had come off, with the situation quickly escalating as they were separated with the team ending scrimmage soon after.

But it did not stop there, with the two continuing to talk to each other as they left the field - both seething at one another - with Poles having to step in to break them up.

Team captain Eddie Jackson had to be removed from practice

Long-time defensive starter, Jackson has been with the Bears for six years as he heads into his seventh season - and is seen as the best player on the Bears defence.

Claypool joined the team last year, in a much-maligned trade as the Bears gave up a high second-round pick to acquire him from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The wide receiver has struggled since the move, with just 140 yards in seven games and no touchdowns.

And it's not the first time that Claypool has been involved in a training camp fight with star teammate who plays safety - in a similar altercation with Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2021.

Claypool is expected to be a rotational players for the Bears this season, after the team traded for DJ Moore, while having both Darnell Mooney and a wealth of options at tight end.

Charlie Wilson