If two is a coincidence and three a trend, the Bears have the wrong kind of the latter going on at Halas Hall.
Thursday, defensive lineman Ego Ferguson became the third Bears player to be suspended this week alone when he was docked four games without pay for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing substances.
Despite being on injured reserve — he was placed there Oct. 17 because of a nagging knee injury, and is out for the season — the second-year player from LSU will begin serving his suspension immediately. He has been away from Halas Hall while rehabbing.
The 2014 second-round draft pick lost weight in the offseason, saying he wanted to bring versatility to the Bears’ new 3-4 defense. He made two tackles in four games, starting once this season.
In a season that started with Jeremiah Ratliff’s suspension — he missed three games for violating the league’s substance of abuse policy, dating to a two-year-old DUI — the Bears faced a wave this week.
Tuesday, the Bears lost tackle Tayo Fabuluje and injured practice squad receiver Jalen Saunders for four games apiece.
Fabuluje took an over-the-counter appetite suppressant during training camp that he claimed contained an unmarked amphetamine, for which the rookie tackle tested positive.
Bears coach John Fox was unavailable after Thursday afternoon’s announcement, but said Wednesday the team is clear with its players about the risks of using supplements.
“They’re taught that they’re responsible for anything that goes in their body,” he said. “A lot of GNC products or different stuff, in the U.S, they’re not governed like some of the other medications, prescription medications.
“Obviously disappointed (in Fabuluje). They’re preached to a lot about the dos and don’ts. Unfortunately, that one slipped through the cracks.”
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Email: pfinley@suntimes.com
