Harris says 'classy' talks led to deal with Bears

[June 21, 2008]  LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) -- Tommie Harris says the talks that led to his four-year, $40 million contract with the Chicago Bears were businesslike and "classy."

Speaking at a morning news conference at Halas Hall, the defensive tackle said he and Bears management kept negotiations private in reaching a deal that will keep him with Chicago through 2012.

That differs from what has happened between the team and linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs. They've both gone public with complaints and either hinted or threatened holdouts.

Harris started 56 of his 60 career NFL games and recorded 208 tackles during his four seasons with the Bears. The three-time Pro Bowler had 13 total sacks over the last two seasons - ranking him second among defensive tackles.

[Associated Press]

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