Former Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson, whose career in Chicago was cut short by a gun-possession controversy, seems an unlikely choice to serve as a character witness. But he and Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher are among those who wrote letters late last year praising the character of former Chicago Ald. Edward Vrdolyak before he was sentenced to probation for fraud in a controversial decision by a federal judge.
Documents made public this week show Johnson and Urlacher wrote letters to U.S. District Judge Milton Shadur, who sentenced Vrodlyak to five years of probation in February. Vrdolyak had been captured on an undercover recording discussing a plan to collect a bogus finder's fee in a corrupt real estate sale.
Documents made public this week show Johnson and Urlacher wrote letters to U.S. District Judge Milton Shadur, who sentenced Vrodlyak to five years of probation in February. Vrdolyak had been captured on an undercover recording discussing a plan to collect a bogus finder's fee in a corrupt real estate sale.
Johnson -- now with the Cincinnati Bengals -- wrote that he was friends
with the former alderman while with the Bears. Johnson was in court
here last month testifying in the case of his childhood friend's murder
in a River North nightclub. He admitted lying to police because he
feared further legal trouble could end his football career.
"During my tenure in Chicago, I put myself into many tough situations making bad decisions," Johnson wrote. "Mr. Vrdolyak and I developed a close relationship during this period. He mentored me and told me a better path to take."
Urlacher wrote that he met Vrdolyak through Vrdolyak's youngest son, Eddie. He wrote that he felt like part of the family.
"Without giving much detail about my family background, the best way I can describe Mr. V. is as a father figure," Urlacher wrote. "Over the years, I've had the opportunity to spend time with Mr. V. during the off-season, as well as going on family vacations and fishing trips."
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"During my tenure in Chicago, I put myself into many tough situations making bad decisions," Johnson wrote. "Mr. Vrdolyak and I developed a close relationship during this period. He mentored me and told me a better path to take."
Urlacher wrote that he met Vrdolyak through Vrdolyak's youngest son, Eddie. He wrote that he felt like part of the family.
"Without giving much detail about my family background, the best way I can describe Mr. V. is as a father figure," Urlacher wrote. "Over the years, I've had the opportunity to spend time with Mr. V. during the off-season, as well as going on family vacations and fishing trips."
Get the full story: ChicagoBreakingNews.com
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