MOORE SUSPENDED FOR 4 GAMES

Bears safety Damon Moore arrived for the start of the regular season in time
to serve a four-game suspension for a second violation of the NFL's drug
policy.

Moore, on the physically unable to perform list while rehabilitating a torn
ACL in his left knee, will be eligible to rejoin the Bears on Sept. 30. He
failed to report for training camp after signing a team-friendly deal in
June. Moore said he was dealing with personal issues, including an appeal of
the suspension, which he says is not for steroid use.

"I don't want to make a big deal,'' said Moore, who indicated the failed
test came in February, after the Philadelphia Eagles made it clear they
would release him. "We went out one night and had some fun, and I tested
positive. It wasn't cocaine, nothing like that. I'm a good person. I wasn't
driving drunk where I could kill someone. I didn't beat my kid. We went out
and partied and had what I thought was a good time.

"I know the regulations. I'm not making light of it, and I'm definitely very
grateful for the Bears to give me a chance. I won't do anything in the
future to misrepresent them. I'm very fortunate everyone stood by me while I
got my mind straight.''

Moore, who injured his knee in the NFC Championship Game last season, can
begin rehabbing with the team Sept. 30 and is eligible to come off the PUP
list and begin practicing Oct. 14. The Bears then have three weeks to
determine what they want to do with him--activate him, waive him or retain
him as ineligible for the rest of the season.

"I'm running real well right now,'' said Moore, who moved his family to the
area last weekend. "I should definitely be ready by the time we play the
Eagles [Nov. 3]. Truthfully, it won't be 100 percent until after the season,
but I'm excited. I'm looking forward to watching the games from home. I know
they could have used me Sunday with all of those guys dehydrating.''