Defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff announced that he was the devil and that he wanted the children of Chicago Bears’ staff members to die after being released by the National Football League team last week, according to a Lake Forest (Ill.) police report. He was seen that day having an animated discussion with general manager Ryan Pace in the parking lot outside of Halas Hall. He only knew that Ratliff was cut. Ratliff has not returned to the Bears’ facility since the incident, and no charges have been filed.
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“Wow”, Bears linebacker Lamarr Houston said.
It gets better. A Global Positioning System ping of Ratliff’s phone showed he made his way to Texas. “And like I said, prior to that day, there was no issues”.
The Bears viewed Ratliff as a good teammate. He was instrumental in the growth of young players like Eddie Goldman and Will Sutton, while serving as a reliable veteran presence for others.
Many Bears remain close with Ratliff.
Drawing a line between last December’s incident and recent death threats, it appears that Trestman’s foolhardy move to name Ratliff a captain only served to enable him. That’s if the league even allows him to go back to work to begin with.
The report says Bears staffers viewed Ratliff as “very angry” and “irrational” at this time.
After learning of his release, Ratliff returned, but security would not let him drive past the front gate.
“It’s a combative game played by combative people”, Fox said. “I’m not a psychologist”.
Tarpey did not provide details over the phone when the woman asked more questions.
Ratliff has a troubled history with outbursts.
Moore noted Ratliff had a heated argument with Dallas owner Jerry Jones in 2012. Ratliff did get into a training camp fight with center Will Montgomery but nothing else rated as a concern.
Asked about Ratliff’s past, Fox claimed that he didn’t view these as red flags to character flaws.
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Ratliff was in his 11th season. His career is likely over.
