1985 Bears Coverage: Four Bears in contract disputes

Every day of the 2015 Chicago Bears season, Chicago Sun-Times Sports will revisit its coverage 30 years ago during the 1985 Bears’ run to a Super Bowl title.

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Bears feed Perry lightly

Herb Gould

Originally published Aug. 6, 1985

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – Four Bears – offensive tackle Keith Van Horne, safety Todd Bell and linebackers Al Harris and Mike Singletary, remain out of camp in contract disputes. General manager Jerry Vainisi said the Harris and Van Horne talks are stalemated. The GM is awaiting a response on his latest offer to Bell’s agent, Howard Slusher, while Singletary has returned to his hometown of Houston to think over proposals the Bears have made. . . . Tackle Steve McMichael’s three-year contract is believed to be worth about $150,000 to $200,000 a year.

Rookie wideout Jame Maness practiced yesterday for the first time since his hamstring injury, but coach Mike Ditka wasn’t pleased with his effort. “He’s not running full speed,” Ditka said. “I don’t want him to hurt himself, but he’s got to push it more. We’ve got other receivers, like Willie Gault and Brad Anderson, who are going all out.” . . . Safety Gary Fencik left practice in a golf cart after an apparent cramp or muscle spasm in his hamstring. But trainer Fred Caito said the problem appeared to clear up by the time they reached the training

room.