Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson was excused from practice on Friday so he could go to the Cook County Criminal Courts Building to answer a grand jury subpoena related to the murder of his bodyguard and friend, sources said.
Prosecutors questioned Johnson about the murder of Willie B. Posey, 26, at the River North club Ice Bar on Dec. 16, according to sources in the Cook County state’s attorney’s office. But the sources said prosecutors chose not to have Johnson go before a Cook County Grand Jury at this time.
Sources described the prosecutors’ interview with Johnson as “preliminary,” and said there were no surprises in his answers. Andy Conklin, a spokesman for the state’s attorney’s office, would not say what prosecutors discussed with Johnson. He said he could not comment on pending grand jury matters.
Michael Selvie, 34, an alleged gang member, is charged with first-degree murder in Posey’s death.
Johnson’s lawyer, Lorna Propes, confirmed the player was in the courts building at 26th Street and California Avenue to answer a grand jury subpoena.
Johnson, who is on home confinement under bond conditions for an alleged probation violation and is not allowed to drive, was driven to the court building by a member of the Bears’ security detail, a source said. He was allowed to go the courthouse because he was responding to a grand jury subpoena. Under the bond, he also is allowed to go to Bears practices and games.
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csadovi@tribune.com
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