Marion Barber did some good things for the Chicago Bears in Week 14, rushing 108 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries, but his day will forever be defined by two mistakes: failing to stay in bounds on a second down run during a Bears' possession near the end of regulation, and a critical fumble in overtime that allowed Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos to seal a 13-10 comeback victory. Barber left the team locker room early to avoid a post-game interview, and now a team media relations spokesman has told Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune that the NFL has warned Barber he will be fined if he continues to avoid interviews with the media.
The seven-year NFL veteran has long been wary of media interviews ever since he joined the league will the Dallas Cowboys in 2005, but the NFL collective bargaining agreement requires all players to make themselves available to the media. If they fail to do so, media can submit a complaint and the NFL can fine the player for non-participation. Barber hasn't spoken much in a Bears uniform, and did answer several questions back in training camp, but with such critical mistakes in Week 14 he is now in serious demand.
Perhaps he will speak after practice on Wednesday if he is concerned about a fine from the league.
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