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Bears' Ricky Manning Jr. upset with reserve role

BEARS BITS BY VAUGHN MCCLURE
July 30, 2008

BOURBONNAIS — Ricky Manning Jr. let his frustration get the best of him.

Manning Jr., who has lost his nickelback role to Danieal Manning and has practically fallen off the team's depth chart at cornerback, said he voiced his displeasure to coach Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator Bob Babich after a recent practice.

"I just wanted an answer, and I got an answer: I'm third string because that's where they think I stand," said Manning Jr., who is entering his sixth NFL season. "Whichever guy is in front of me, [the coaches] think deserves to be in front me, or is better than me. That's what I was told, point blank."

Manning Jr. wouldn't reveal how he approached the coaches.

"I said something, and I was a little out of line," he said. "I just went about it in a way I shouldn't have. I had to apologize and tell them, 'That's not my character.' But the frustration, it got built up. And that won't happen again."

Although he appeared to get increased practice reps, Manning Jr. said he still believes his role is all but extinct. He blames his situation on an unproductive 2007 season.

"I know I had a bad year last year," he said. "That's one bad year out of five. I just figured my track record would be good enough to at least give me more of a chance. ... I thought I was OK. But if they feel they have somebody who can do better than that, then that's what it is."

The Bears seem more inclined to give youngsters Corey Graham, Trumaine McBride and Zackary Bowman reps in the defensive backfield.

"Ricky knows where he is on the depth chart," Smith said. "All of our guys know where they are. Whether they like it or not is a different thing."

Asked about the discussion with Manning Jr., Smith said there wasn't much to it.

"I don't know what he's admitting he's wrong on," Smith said. "He's one of our backup players who would like to get more time. There's nothing for him to apologize for. If we have a true problem with somebody, they won't be here."

Manning Jr. sounded prepared to take his skills elsewhere.

"If everybody stays healthy, I don't know what I'd be here for," he said. "I know I'm not going to be here to sit the bench."