Pubdate: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 Source: Chicago Sun-Times (IL) Copyright: 2002 The Sun-Times Co. Contact: http://www.suntimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/81 Author: Brad Biggs MOORE SUSPENDED FOR 4 GAMES Bears safety Damon Moore arrived for the start of the regular season in time to serve a four-game suspension for a second violation of the NFL's drug policy. Moore, on the physically unable to perform list while rehabilitating a torn ACL in his left knee, will be eligible to rejoin the Bears on Sept. 30. He failed to report for training camp after signing a team-friendly deal in June. Moore said he was dealing with personal issues, including an appeal of the suspension, which he says is not for steroid use. "I don't want to make a big deal,'' said Moore, who indicated the failed test came in February, after the Philadelphia Eagles made it clear they would release him. "We went out one night and had some fun, and I tested positive. It wasn't cocaine, nothing like that. I'm a good person. I wasn't driving drunk where I could kill someone. I didn't beat my kid. We went out and partied and had what I thought was a good time. "I know the regulations. I'm not making light of it, and I'm definitely very grateful for the Bears to give me a chance. I won't do anything in the future to misrepresent them. I'm very fortunate everyone stood by me while I got my mind straight.'' Moore, who injured his knee in the NFC Championship Game last season, can begin rehabbing with the team Sept. 30 and is eligible to come off the PUP list and begin practicing Oct. 14. The Bears then have three weeks to determine what they want to do with him--activate him, waive him or retain him as ineligible for the rest of the season. "I'm running real well right now,'' said Moore, who moved his family to the area last weekend. "I should definitely be ready by the time we play the Eagles [Nov. 3]. Truthfully, it won't be 100 percent until after the season, but I'm excited. I'm looking forward to watching the games from home. I know they could have used me Sunday with all of those guys dehydrating.'' - --- MAP posted-by: Josh