William Perry weighed in Wednesday at 327 pounds. That`s six pounds lighter than last week, but it will cost him $350, according to coach Mike Ditka`s edict.
Ditka said Perry will be fined $50 for every pound over 320, double last week`s $25 a pound. Next week, the limit is 315 for the season, and Ditka wants to double the fine every week until the players` union screams.
Perry advised Ditka via TV: ”Leave my wife out of it.” Ditka had challenged Sherry Perry to help the Refrigerator stay away from the refrigerator.
The NFL Players Association said Wednesday it ”obviously” does not endorse the $1,000 strike protection stipend offered by the Bears to players they cut Tuesday. Several teams offered the nonrefundable $1,000 to players in return for a promise they would play with scab teams during a strike.
The Bears told players the $1,000 was approved by the union. They apparently were using a quote by union chief Gene Upshaw on Monday, when he said: ”It`s a free $1,000. Nobody offered me $1,000 when I was released.”
Free-agent cornerback Bruce McCray said he felt uncomfortable about accepting the offer after the Bears cut him. He said club official Bill McGrane told him Upshaw was in favor of it. ”They said he condoned it,”
McCray said.
”Obviously, we don`t endorse it,” said Mark Murphy of the NFLPA executive board.
Wilber Marshall missed practice with a strained ankle but is due back Thursday. Mike Tomczak threw lightly with his bruised shoulder. He`s expected to throw in a regular practice Thursday.
Linemen Ronnie Carter and Brent Sowell and receiver Votie Patterson, all rookies, went on injured reserve.
