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Briggs To Risk Fine, Wear Patriotic Gear For 9/11

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Bears linebacker Lance Briggs says he doesn't care if he has to pay a fine for donning some patriotic gear when the Bears play their season opener this coming Sunday.

Briggs tweeted a photo Thursday of gloves and cleats featuring an American flag and the message "Never Forget: 9.11.2001."

He tweeted: "Reebok great job on these gloves and shoes..looks like I'm getting fined this week. Lol! By far the best fine I will ever have to pay. Thanks"

As a caption under the photo, he pointed out, "So once the breast cancer game is played, players can wear pink gloves and shoes as much as they like."

Briggs has been making headlines throughout the past week for his quest to get traded by the Bears if they won't restructure his contract at some point.

The six-time Pro Bowl linebacker said earlier this week that he believes his days with the organization "are numbered" because management is unwilling to renegotiate his contract. He says he initially approached the Bears about a new deal after last season and went back to them recently, but the team is not budging with three years left on a six-year, $36 million deal.

"If management says they're not willing to talk about my deal now or during the season or during the end of the season or next year, then I know that my days here are numbered," Briggs said.

But Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said this week that the team does not plan on trading Briggs. He said, "Lance had a statement to make, and he made it," and that he has talked one-on-one with Briggs, but declined further comment, NFL.com reported.

Angelo also believes Briggs will no longer be focusing on his contract disappointment once the Bears kick off on Sunday.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS Radio and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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