BREAKING: Just Hours After Being Cut, Ex Bears star Arrested for Public Disorder While Intoxicated — Bears’ Actions Redefine “Family” for the NFL

Chicago, Illinois – January 7, 2026

Roster decisions made earlier this week by the Chicago Bears took an unexpected and troubling turn just hours later — not between the lines, but on the streets of downtown Chicago. According to multiple local reports, former Bears defensive back Mekhi Garner, 25, was arrested Tuesday night on allegations of public intoxication and disorderly conduct.

Sources familiar with the situation say the incident occurred only hours after Garner was informed he had been released and was no longer part of the Bears’ plans. Witnesses described the former Bear as visibly distressed and emotionally overwhelmed in a crowded nightlife district near the Loop. Chicago police responded at approximately 9:30 p.m. CST. No serious injuries were reported, but Garner was taken into custody for processing and later released on bail early Wednesday morning.

The news rippled quickly through Bears Nation — not solely because of the arrest, but because of the context surrounding it. At just 25, Garner had been viewed as a high-ceiling secondary piece, known for his length, physicality, and willingness to take on tough assignments. His sudden spiral in the immediate aftermath of his release served as a stark reminder that NFL roster moves can carry profound emotional consequences beyond the transaction wire.

What elevated the situation from a routine police report into a league-wide conversation was how Chicago chose to respond.

Rather than distancing itself after the release, the Bears’ organization reached out proactively to ensure Garner had access to legal guidance and mental-health resources during a difficult moment. The message from Halas Hall was clear: accountability matters — but abandonment is not part of the culture they claim to build.

NFL PLayer Amid Charges of Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct pic.twitter.com/J4ENvXpp2K

— Recaps News (@TTrieu54261) December 31, 2025

In a statement issued through head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears delivered a firm yet human-centered message:

“This is a difficult moment, and we will not shy away from responsibility. We brought him to the Bears, and that means we stand by him when things become darkest. We are prepared to support him — legally and emotionally — because a mistake does not erase a person’s value. Once you wear this uniform, you remain part of our family.”

Garner is expected to appear in court later this month as the investigation continues. For the Bears, however, the focus extends beyond legal proceedings to the responsibility that comes with shaping people, not just rosters.

In a league often accused of treating players as disposable assets, Chicago’s response struck a different tone. The Bears did not excuse the behavior — but they refused to strip away humanity.

Some victories never appear on a scoreboard. On this night, Chicago didn’t gain yards or force turnovers — but they reminded the NFL that family doesn’t end when a contract does, and that leadership is revealed most clearly when someone falls.