http://www.benmaller.com/archives/rumorsnotes/2004_01_30_rumorsnotesarch.shtml The Bears are putting a chokehold on Brian Urlacher's pro wrestling career. The face of the organization won't be clotheslining any more bad guys after bouncing off the ropes or throwing anyone known as ''The Worm'' from the ring -- at least not in a pay-per-view event. That's what happened Wednesday in Nashville, Tenn., in a two-minute appearance by the $56.65 million middle linebacker in an NWA-TNA event. It appeared harmless, with Urlacher's most strenuous act coming when he picked up and launched Jonny ''The Worm'' Fairplay, who is less imposing than your average kicker or punter. Nonetheless, the Bears were not thrilled Thursday. ''Contractually, he can't get himself in those types of situations,'' general manager Jerry Angelo said. ''That's not something we're going to condone. We're not going to make a big deal out of it. We understand who he is, and he needs to understand who he is.'' What Urlacher did is probably less likely to result in injury than playing in a charity basketball game, which the Bears encourage players to do during the offseason. The brief appearance in the ring was mapped out. In an interview with Fox affiliate WZTV in Nashville, Urlacher said he is friends with Erik Watts, who was wrestling Don Callis in the match. ''I know a lot about wrestling, and it's a whole different thing than what we do in football,'' Urlacher said. "So I'm going to do what they tell me to do, try not to get anyone hurt or get myself hurt and have a good time.'' There is nothing in Urlacher's contract that specifically mentions wrestling, only that he can't participate in activities that might expose him to significant personal injury. The Bears consider wrestling such an activity.
