Bears release Benson

Troubled running back released after latest arrest.

Last updated: 9th June 2008

Bears release Benson

Benson: Arrested

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Troubled running back Cedric Benson has been released by the Chicago Bears after his latest arrest in Texas for drink driving.

Benson was arrested for boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest on Lake Travis in Austin, both charges he strenuously denies, and has a court appearance in Texas on June 30.

The 25-year-old's latest arrest came for suspected drink driving in Austin, Texas on Saturday - his second charge in just five weeks.

The fourth-year veteran then failed to turn up for organised team activities with the Bears on Monday - despite saying he was going to attend.

That proved to be the final straw for Bears officials and the former University of Texas man has now been released.

Bears general manager Jerry Angelo says that Benson had pushed his luck too far and he now has no future at Soldier Field.

"Cedric displayed a pattern of behaviour we will not tolerate," Angelo said in a statement.

The fourth overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft will now have to find himself an alternative team for the upcoming season as he continues to struggle with off-field problems.