Ex-Bears DT Jeremiah Ratliff allegedly claimed “I am the devil” and “wished staff members’ children would die” upon his release last week.
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Ratliff was seen having an animated conversation with general manager Ryan Pace on October 21 while the rest of the players were on the practice field.
“We felt moving forward without Jeremiah was in the best interest of our team”, Pace said in a press release after Ratliff’s termination.
Ratliff became angry and erratic after he was asked to leave the Bears’ facility Halas Hall for showing up in a condition inappropriate for work, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Then known as Jay, Ratliff came to Auburn as a tight end, played two seasons at defensive end, then finished his collegiate career as a defensive tackle on the Tigers’ undefeated 2004 squad.
“We were concerned for the building”, Fox said, “and that’s why the police were called”.
However, he returned a short time later, telling security he’d left his phone in the locker room. That’s when things became a bit heated and he said things like “I am the devil” and he “wished staff member’s children would die”. Ratliff has not returned to the facility since the incident.
In addition, the Bears took the precaution of notifying the Cowboys of Ratliff’s release, according to the Dallas Morning News. Head coach John Fox reiterated Friday that people in the facility were anxious. “But if you’re asking me if I’m nervous, I’m not”. At one point in time, the Cowboys thought enough of Ratliff to sign him to a $40 million contract extension.
Cops say he gathered his belongings andleft the property without further incident… only to return later that day. He had an ugly exit from the Dallas Cowboys, including a confrontation with owner Jerry Jones. Ratliff, 34, appeared in 18 games with 17 starts in three seasons with the Bears, recording 63.5 tackles, eight sacks and 2.5 tackles-for-loss.
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The Bears replaced Ratliff by reaching a deal with free-agent defensive lineman Ziggy Hood, a first-round pick by Pittsburgh in the 2009 draft out of Missouri.
