[bears9]

If you had ''no'' in the Will Brian Urlacher Show Up for OTAs Pool, you're a winner.

Three days after mandatory minicamp concluded at Halas Hall, the Bears' middle linebacker was nowhere to be seen Wednesday when voluntary organized team activities resumed. When Urlacher spoke last Friday, he either hadn't made up his mind or wasn't sharing.


''Not sure,'' he said when asked if he would be at OTAs. ''Possibly. Maybe. Yes. No. Pick any one of those answers you want.''

Urlacher's absence increases the likelihood his contract staredown with the team will drag on toward training camp, as well as the possibility he will be an unhappy camper at Olivet Nazarene University. The Bears have a policy of not negotiating with players who are AWOL, so as long as he's not around, it's doubtful any progress will be made. The thinking was if Urlacher stuck around after minicamp, a deal could have materialized quickly.

He has four years remaining on his existing contract, and the Bears have offered him a one-year, $18million extension through 2012. Only $5 million of that is guaranteed, but he could earn $1 million each of the next four seasons with a playing-time incentive if he remains healthy. General manager Jerry Angelo has been firm in speaking about the situation, saying sometimes players are not going to be happy with their contracts.

Urlacher takes pass on OTAs :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Bears