BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift between them, saying they're simply not true.
"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."
Added Urlacher: "I never said what I was quoted as saying, and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears wide receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp," and it had to edited out of the interview.
Chicago radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times, and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," said Urlacher, noting that he was limited because of a groin injury. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
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Then why would Wade say what he did?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction with Urlacher was when he talked with the linebacker to clear the air. However, Urlacher said he already had taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned him.
"He called me, and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?"' a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did, and then here we are."
The Bears believe they are in a better place this season after going 9-7 in 2008 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with the Denver Broncos. However, there are questions about Cutler's attitude following his fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
Cutler's critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Tony Dungy, one of current Chicago coach Lovie Smith's mentors. But Smith said Cutler has been a model teammate so far and denied any animosity between his quarterback and Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is receiving a second chance in Chicago.
Smith said another quarterback -- Michael Vick -- deserves one, too, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. Vick, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday that he is "getting close" to signing with a pro football team.
"I think Mike deserves a second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
