Bears vs. Lions: Henry Melton a 'clown,' says Dominic Raiola

Chicago Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton hasn't been afraid to take a few verbal shots at Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola recently, and on Thursday, Raiola responded, calling Melton "a clown."

"It's tiresome, especially from a guy like this, a guy that didn't even play the last two weeks ... In my book, he's a clown. That's all I got," Raiola said.

On Wednesday, Melton had some negative things to say about the Lions center. The Bears defensive tackle, who was named to this year's Pro-Bowl, seems to be under the impression that Raiola is a dirty player:

"He's old and he just talks. He's more just cuss words, bad language," Melton said. "Then he'll throw some cheap shots in there and then he'll say some bad words."

Regarding Melton's Pro-Bowl selection, Raiola is a bit baffled. He believes there were more deserving defensive tackles in his own division, the NFC North:

"This guy made the Pro Bowl?" Raiola marveled. "(Over) Kevin Williams, who worked through injuries all year? (Over Ndamukong) Suh, who's a better player than this guy? Come on."

Melton and Raiola will have a chance to settle their feud on the field Sunday, as the Bears and Lions meet in Detroit. Kickoff is set for noon CT, and the game will be televised on FOX. The Lions (4-11) are out of the playoff chase, but a Bears (9-6) win and a loss by the Minnesota Vikings (9-6) would give Chicago the final NFC Wild Card spot.