Linebacker Matt Adams, who followed coach Matt Eberflus from the Colts to the Bears this offseason, was arrested Thursday night and charged with misdemeanor illegal gun possession and possession of a high-capacity magazine and metal-piercing bullets, according to Chicago police.
Police arrested Adams on Garland Court, near Lake Street and Michigan Avenue. His court date is scheduled for Aug. 24.
Possessing a high-capacity magazine and metal-piercing bullets within Chicago city limits is a municipal code violation. Police found them while searching a vehicle that had been reported stolen.
Adams was questioned after he was spotted near the vehicle, according to a police report. Adams said the car was his, and police found the gun inside. Adams has a license for the gun but not in Illinois, according to the report.
In a statement, the Bears said they were made aware of Adams’ arrest Friday morning and were in the process of gathering more information. They otherwise declined to comment.
Adams was signed to a one-year deal in April after spending his first four seasons with the Colts, coinciding with Eberflus’ time as defensive coordinator. He made his mark as a special-teams player in Indianapolis, and the Bears envision him doing the same in Chicago.
His experience in the 4:3 defense is seen as a plus. When Eberflus was named the Bears’ head coach in January, many of his defensive deputies with the Colts followed him to Chicago to help implement the 4:3.
Adams is the second Bears player to be arrested this offseason and the second with a tie to one of the team’s new bosses. In April, wide receiver Byron Pringle was arrested in Florida and charged with reckless driving and driving with a suspended license. He previously worked with new Bears general manager Ryan Poles in Kansas City.
