Go ahead, nix Nicks from the Bears' list

General manager Jerry Angelos increased emphasis on football character as he prepares for the draft probably leaves him in an awkward position with Nebraska guard Carl Nicks.

Not as awkward as the one Nicks found himself in over the weekend when Lincoln, Neb., police arrested him at a house party on suspicion of being an inmate of a disorderly house and failure to disperse after he wouldnt leave. Basically, Nicks didnt go home when he was told to go home.

Its not like he was on probation and got caught with loaded guns in his homesee Tank Johnsonbut its nearly certain Angelo has a zero-tolerance policy for players who cant keep their noses clean in the weeks leading up to the draft. If football isnt important enough to players this close to the beginning of a professional career, Angelo doesnt want them.

Even if Bears scout Teddy Monago wanted to check out Nicks today at the Cornhuskers pro daya source there spotted himNicks wasnt doing any working out. New Nebraska coach Bo Pelini was so incensed by Nicks, he banned him from the event.

The 6-5, 340-pound Nicks played tackle in school and most project him as a guard. He is a physical performer who did well at the combine, well enough for some to suggest he would be a solid second-round pick. Its unknown yet how his draft stock will be affected, but after hearing Angelo talk at length about the clubs renewed effort in getting the right people, youd imagine Nicks is off one list.