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Bears CB Tim Jennings pleads guilty to reckless driving charge

NFL, Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Tim Jennings missed the first day of training camp Thursday because of legal proceedings related to a DUI charge in Georgia, a spokeswoman for the Gwinnett County Solicitor's Office said.

Jennings, 31, entered a guilty plea for reckless driving and speeding, said assistant solicitor Megan Matteucci. The plea allowed for the dismissal of the DUI charge and no jail time.

The sentence for the reckless driving charge was 12 months of probation, a fine of $800 and court costs. He was credited for the 24 hours he served in jail after the arrest on Jan. 7, 2015.

He'll also have to perform 40 hours of community service and attend a risk-reduction class, which Matteucci described as a "DUI school."

Jennings won't be allowed to consume drugs or alcohol while on probation, and he'll undergo random screenings for both, Matteucci said.

"Once he does everything, his probation terminates," Matteucci said.

The speeding charge resulted in a $250 fine, as police said Jennings was driving 99 mph in a 65 mph zone.

Bears coach John Fox said Jennings missed Thursday's practice for "personal reasons," but he expects Jennings back Friday.

Jennings is coming off a subpar 2014 campaign in which he contributed 50 tackles in 16 starts with seven pass breakups and one forced fumble. The team signed Jennings to a four-year, $22.4 million extension in January 2014. Jennings' deal was worth $11.8 million guaranteed and included a $3 million signing bonus.

He could face disciplinary action by the NFL.

Information from ESPN Bears reporter Jeff Dickerson was used in this report.

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