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Briggs Defends Skipping Practice For Restaurant Opening

(CBS) Two days after he missed the Bears' first practice of game week to attend the opening of his restaurant in California, linebacker Lance Briggs defended his decision, saying there's a "trust" between him and coach Marc Trestman.

"As a guy that's (played) over 12 years, I've poured my heart out on the field every day and every play," Briggs said. "Your questioning (about whether) I care more to be there than here, my history has always spoken for me."

Briggs certainly didn't appreciate the line of questioning, and he added his partner in the restaurant business made the decision to have the opening on Labor Day instead of sometime when Briggs had an off day from the Bears.

"It was Labor Day," Briggs said. "Labor Day, as you know, it's a day most people do not work.

"Back when I approached Trestman about it, I asked if I could have a personal day, and he said OK for me. Monday was an hour-long practice, you know. Typically, you install your game plan starting on Wednesday.

"It's trust. I asked for a personal day, and he said OK. I guess announcing the opening of a restaurant made bigger news than I kind of expected. It is what it is."

The Bears open the season against the Bills on Sunday at Soldier Field.

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