Tank Is Shut Down For Eight Games

The Chicago Bears suddenly thinning defensive line just got thinner.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell came down with an eight-game suspension on Bears defensive tackle, Terry "Tank" Johnson.

Goodell gave Johnson a chance to reduce the suspension to six games if he complies with certain conditions. The league notified Johnson he could reduce the suspension by two games if he has no further adverse involvement with the law, follows all the league requirements and doesn't participate in any practices or organized team workouts during the suspension.

Johnson will be allowed to be at the Bears facility during the suspension for counselling sessions and other approved activities, including physical treatment or individual workout sessions.

Johnson stands to lose $255,000, based on his salary for next season of $510,000, if the suspension lasts the entire eight games.

The suspension is not as severe as Pacman Jones of the Titans, who is expected to miss the entire season despite not having any previous convictions. It's the same length as Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry, who had a few incidents that led to convictions.

This is a good call by Goodell. Johnson came up with his own 10-point plan on how he would clean up his behavior and presented it to the commissioner. The document shows his admittance of past mistakes and his willingness to change.

Jones and Henry have had many more run-ins with the law and have yet to show any kind of remorse or willingness to change their behavior.

The Bears are obviously happy he isn't done for the season, but suddenly a once strong position is compromised depth-wise.

Tommie Harris is coming off a severe hamstring injury that caused him to miss the final eight games and the playoffs. Starter Ian Scott and reserve Alphonso Boone are gone. That leaves the Bears with Harris, free agent signee Anthony Adams, Antonio Garay and rookie Dusty Dvoracek manning the tackle spots.

Johnson is eligible to participate in the team's offseason workout program and will be allowed to participate in preseason games.