Source: Bears Release Benson After Latest Arrest

June 9, 2008 -- Cedric Benson's time with the Chicago Bears is up.

The troubled running back, whose relationship with the team soured further because of his second arrest in little more than a month Saturday, was waived by the team on Monday, sources told ESPN.com's John Clayton.

Before his release, Benson made one last ditch effort to repair the situation, issuing an apology on Monday afternoon.

"I apologize for making the poor decision to drink and drive during the early morning of Saturday, June 7th," he said in a statement. "Given the incident last month, it was a particularly bad decision. I have no excuse for this lack of judgment.

Though I strongly believe that I am not guilty of any crime, I realize that the public and the Bears organization hold me to higher standard. Though my local attorneys will continue to work hard to prove my innocence, I confess to using poor judgment. Please accept my deepest apology."

The Bears released the running back shortly thereafter.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported on its Web site earlier in the day that Benson showed up at Monday's OTA and was sent home by coach Lovie Smith.

"I know that he went to practice today and Lovie told him to go home," Benson's attorney Sam Bassett said before the release, according to the newspaper. "I don't know if it's because of the publicity or because it's a distraction, or if the Bears are trying to decide what to do. He's just kind of waiting to see what they tell him and what they are going to require of him.

"His agent and business manager are doing some stuff with the Bears that I am not privy to. He knows the Bears may release him. He hopes they don't. He knows he screwed up."

Benson was arrested on a drunken driving charge in Austin, Texas, early Saturday and Bears officials said they would treat the matter seriously. Benson's attorney said the former Texas star had a few drinks with dinner but didn't think he was intoxicated and cooperated with police.