Bears notes: Kyle Long says team 'past' Ray McDonald

Kyle Long was the most outspoken Bears player in the wake of Ray McDonald’s arrest and release, but, until Wednesday, he never said a word.

Instead, the guard’s two-word Tweet — “Good riddance” — stood as his public statement against the defensive end, who was arrested May 25 on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence and child endangerment. The Bears released him hours later, prompting Long’s Tweet.

Asked to elaborate Wednesday, Long — speaking publicly for the first time since then — said the team was moving on without McDonald.

“We’re past that now,” he said after Wednesday’s organized team activities practice at Halas Hall. “I’ve got enough on my plate right now. What’s done is done, and we’re moving on.”

McDonald was arrested again May 27 for violating his restraining order. Monday, lawyer Gloria Allred said a Santa Clara (Calif.) County Superior Court judge threw out his defamation lawsuit against her client, who accused McDonald of sexual assault in December. He was never charged.

Waiting on Bostic

Asked what he’s learned about inside linebacker Jon Bostic, coach John Fox was blunt Wednesday.

“Nothing,” he said. “He hasn’t been at practice.”

Bostic’s balky back forced him to sit out the Bears’ voluntary minicamp April 28-30 and to simply watch OTAs. His replacements, Christian Jones and Shea McClellin, have received compliments from Fox and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

A second-round pick in 2013, Bostic has started 17 games in his two seasons with the Bears.

This and that

• Quarterback Jay Cutler “wants to have everything down early and quick,” rookie receiver Kevin White said. The team’s first-round draft pick is learning about his quarterback — and Cutler’s expectations for him.

“He wants everything done on time,” White said. “But he’s willing to help all his receivers, too.”

• New cornerback Tracy Porter is “smart enough” to play nickelback and is able to play all three sub-package defensive back spots, Fox said. Porter played in Denver for the coach in 2012, and signed Monday.

“I think he’s smart, he knows how to cover, he’s got excellent ball skills,” Fox said. “He’s been with a couple teams since I last had him, but I like what I’ve seen so far. We haven’t put him in a bunch because he’s still learning the system. But he’ll pick it up fast. We’re hoping he helps us.”

• The Bears will complete OTAs on Thursday and begin their mandatory minicamp Tuesday. Fox said next week’s practices won’t vary too greatly from the ones he’s had.

“I think they’re really just opportunities to practice,” Fox said.

• Members of the Notre Dame football team attended practice Wednesday as part of a career development field trip.

Follow me on Twitter @patrickfinley

Email: pfinley@suntimes.com