Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley

Say it ain't so. A player from the University of Texas running afoul of the law? Surely one of Mack Brown's kiddos knows better.

In reality, news of Bears running back Cedric Benson allegedly boating under the influence in Austin shouldn't come as a shock. He's just following the example set by his predecessor at UT, Ricky Williams, who's worked diligently to puff away a once-promising career. To this point, Benson had been a bit more discreet with his law-breaking, but the Bears' "franchise" back has probably earned himself a pink slip.

The only columnist in Chicago who seems to be reserving judgment is David Haugh, who preaches caution just before making a sweeping generalization about law enforcement officers in Texas. Why might head coach Lovie Smith take a wait-and-see approach with Benson?

"Smith grew up in Texas and probably doesn't have to go too far in the recesses of his mind to imagine an overzealous police officer using excessive force on an African-American suspect."

Someone get this man an editor. I'm pretty sure you can find an overzealous police officer in every state. And if officers used unnecessary force, as Benson is suggesting, then they deserve to be held accountable. But that's a pretty big leap to make about the "recesses" of Smith's mind unless Haugh knows something he's not sharing. And even if he did, it's still a ridiculous thing to say.  

The authorities and Benson are providing completely different accounts. Benson, who refused a breath test before failing a sobriery test, had this to say:

"Even after they pepper-sprayed me, I have no idea why they did that. I was cooperative. I asked them several times why they did that, and they didn't give me an answer."

In some ways, Benson may have just done the Bears a favor. Sure, it's another embarrassing episode in the aftermath of the Tank years, but at least they'll feel better about cutting their losses. Even if Benson's personal conduct had been exemplary, it doesn't make up for the fact that he's been a major disappointment on the field.

Chicago Sun-Times columnist Rick Telander has way too much fun in this column. He takes the nautical theme to another level. Here's his best stuff:

"Several police officers reportedly were needed to drag the Bears running back to the squad car.

It is not clear if the car was more than 3.4 yards from the dock or if Benson used second effort to avoid capture. The multiple tacklers were, however, a record -- the previous high being one.

Rim shot please!

It seemed like Mike Mulligan of the Sun-Times was also calling for Benson's job, but then he offers a slight reprieve at the end. Benson's already lost his "feature back" status.

The Bears were looking for a way to eventually cut him. Now that he's done his part, the Bears should do theirs.