Two experienced football men in Bears' Kyle Long's life are mindful of his mental challenges.
Long was absent Wednesday to see a doctor about his surgically repaired right ankle, Bears coach John Fox said. But two days after the 28-year-old was dismissed from practice for fighting, the topic of public conversation remains his mental state as he works back from injury.
Long's father, Howie, a Hall of Famer, discussed his temper and state of mind Tuesday on "The Rich Eisen Show."
"He's got to get it under control," Howie Long said. "It's one of those things where you're coming back from injury and you're switching positions, maybe you're not where you want to be right now.
"I've seen it up close and personal in our own house," Howie said, alluding to having to break up fights.
Kyle Long has been fairly open about his disappointment and frustration with not being able to fully participate in team drills because of his recovery from the surgery he had in November.
Multiple outbursts in Monday's practice earned him an early dismissal, with Fox saying Long's conduct didn't meet team standards.
Long has not spoken publicly on the matter, but Fox has chatted with Long, and the coach put his proverbial arm around the player in his comments to reporters Wednesday.
"Obviously, there was some remorse there," Fox said. "He was embarrassed for himself and for the team. Those things happen. Our guys, we've got a bond and he's one of our family and he'll be treated as such, like any kind of thing that happens in a family. Guys adapt and respond, and I think everything's fine.
"Kyle knows he's loved here by his teammates and by everyone in the building. He'll get through it, and we talked about that, and I think he feels confident in that."
