Chicago Bear Charged With Drunken Boating

Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson was booked in Austin, Texas on Saturday night for boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest, the Chicago Tribune reports. The former Texas Longhorn denies all charges and alleges that police acted improperly in macing him without provocation. Bears coach Lovie Smith said he was "disappointed," but reserving judgment until more details surface.

"This is tough to deal with because you're guilty until proven innocent," Benson said. "My name is blasted out there like I was fighting these police officers or something. That totally was not the deal. I'm not stupid." Calling the officers' actions unjust, Benson's lawyer vowed to "resolve this." Each charge carries a possible $2,000 fine and 6 months in jail. (More NFL stories.)