REPORT: Chicago Bears Discipline Rookie After He Showed Up to Practice Drunk

Chicago, IL — As the Chicago Bears struggle to recover from a difficult start to the 2025 season at 2–2 and mounting pressure on the offense, the team now faces an internal controversy. Rookie running back JP Richardson has been disciplined after showing up to practice intoxicated, adding further trouble for head coach Matt Eberflus heading into the bye week.

The Bears, fresh off a narrow 25–24 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, are still dealing with issues ranging from quarterback Caleb Williams’ inconsistency to injuries to key starters such as WR Keenan Allen (hamstring) and LT Braxton Jones (knee). Eberflus, who had announced a lighter practice schedule to “help the team regain rhythm and spirit,” was left frustrated when Richardson’s scandal broke focus. “We need everyone here at 100% for the team,” Eberflus emphasized in his postgame press conference after the Raiders game, unaware of the trouble that would soon follow.

According to ESPN and the Chicago Sun-Times, Richardson—an undrafted free agent (UDFA) out of TCU who signed a three-year, $2.85 million deal in May—was spotted at a downtown Chicago bar on Tuesday night. By Wednesday morning at Halas Hall, the 22-year-old (5’10”, 203 lbs) showed up smelling of alcohol, staggering, and unable to complete basic running drills. Assistant coaches quickly intervened, escorted him off the field, and called an emergency meeting with team leadership.

Eberflus, known for his strict management style and “H.I.T.S.” philosophy (Hustle, Intensity, Takeaways, Smart), showed no leniency. “Discipline is the backbone of this football team,” he said Thursday in a brief press conference, avoiding direct mention of Richardson. Internal sources confirm the rookie has been suspended from practice for at least five days and must undergo mandatory counseling on responsibility. A repeat offense could see him released from the practice squad, where he has been competing behind D’Andre Swift after an impressive preseason with 85 yards on 15 carries.

Richardson, who posted 1,127 rushing yards and 11 TDs at TCU last season, had been viewed as an “X-factor” candidate for Chicago’s offense thanks to his speed and receiving ability. However, the incident recalls past Bears scandals, such as David Terrell’s disciplinary issues in 2001. With the Bears’ offense ranking 24th in the NFL in rushing yards and the bye week meant to serve as a reset before Week 6 against the Washington Commanders, Richardson’s behavior has been described internally as “a gut punch to team morale.”

The Bears declined to provide further details, reiterating only their commitment to “holistic development of young players.” With the bye week now underway and a demanding schedule ahead, Eberflus hopes this proves a hard lesson that Richardson—and the team—can learn from as they chase their first Wild Card berth since 2020.

The Bears will return in Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field. Whether Richardson can earn redemption remains to be seen.