1985 Bears Coverage: William Perry hits television

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.

William Perry hits television

Herb Gould

Originally published Oct. 29, 1985

The soon-to-be-famous comedy team of Hampton & McMichael will provide material for William Perry when he makes his appearance on “Late Night with David Letterman” on Nov. 11. “We’ll just give William a little help,” said Dan Hampton. “I imagine that gap-toothed little son-of-a-buck will try to dice up William pretty good,” said Steve McMichael, “but we’ll give him some help.” Perry said he’ll be able to handle the snide Letterman. “It’s just comedy,” he said.

Referee Fred Wyant erred in not giving the Vikings a first down on Richard Dent’s fourth-quarter penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, said Art McNally, NFL supervisor of officials. Wyant was correct in assessing the penalty from the point of the sack, he said, so the Vikings should have been awarded a first down at their 27, rather than having a third-and-three at the 27.

Otis Wilson said Dent went after Tommy Kramer on the next play because Kramer kicked Dent in the head. But coach Mike Ditka was adamant in criticizing Dent for going after Kramer.

“It doesn’t matter. We don’t play that way,” Ditka said. “He’s too valuable to get kicked out of a football game. You beat people with your play, you don’t beat them by talking or punching them when a play is over.”

Cornerback Mike Richardson won’t practice, but will test his strained hamstring late in the week and may play against Green Bay. If not, either Ken Taylor or Reggie Phillips will start, Ditka said. Of Taylor’s fill-in job Sunday, Ditka said, “I was pleased with the way Kenny played, but they’ll go after Kenny. You better believe that.”