LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — As tension grew between receiver Chase Claypool and the Bears, the team made a decision that has set the course for a divorce.
Claypool was told by the Bears to stay away from Halas Hall this week after he was a healthy scratch in their 31-28 loss to the Broncos on Sunday, when he was also instructed to not attend the game at Soldier Field. Though coach Matt Eberflus has deferred to general manager Ryan Poles on Claypool's future with the organization, the expectation is Claypool will be traded or released soon.
Eberflus told Bears players that Claypool was told to stay away from the team’s facility in part due to critical comments he made to reporters last Friday in which he expressed his belief that the team hasn't put him in the best position to succeed. Additionally, the 25-year-old Claypool has been a volatile presence in the locker rom and was widely criticized for his poor effort in a loss to the Packers in the season opener on Sept. 10.
Bears quarterback Justin Fields spent part of this past offseason working alongside Claypool in an effort to develop chemistry with him. On Tuesday, Fields expressed his disappointment in the Claypool-Bears union nearing its likely end.
“It sucks,” Fields said. “But at the end of the day, you can’t control it. You got to go out there with the guys we have and execute like we did this past Sunday. So, I wish nothing but the best for Chase. I think he knows that he kind of messed up by saying that. I wish nothing but the best. He’s a talented player, great person, has a good heart and works really hard. I’m definitely going to be staying in touch with him, regardless of what happens to him.
“If he got asked that again or if he wished he could take it back, he would. Of course, he can’t. It is what it is."
Claypool has 18 receptions for 191 yards and a touchdown in 10 games in his Bears tenure, including four catches for 51 yards and that lone score in three games this season. He was acquired by the Bears last November in a trade with the Steelers that sent a second-round pick to Pittsburgh. That selection became the No. 32 overall slot in this past NFL Draft.
Eberflus declined to reveal specifics of Claypool’s troubles with the Bears as he addressed reporters Monday, but he spoke openly about a standard of conduct that he felt wasn't met.
"I would say that what we think is best for the team and how we operate here as a football team, the Chicago Bears,” Eberflus said. “When I came here Day 1, I talked about being on time, being respectful and working hard. That to me is important for every individual — if it’s a staff member, a player or a coach. That’s where we are. We feel right now this is the best decision for us."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.