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Another terrible chapter for Tommie Harris

Posted by ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert

CHICAGO -- Just when you thought Tommie Harris couldn’t become a more bizarre character in Chicago, he comes up with another stunt. Harris

Harris just got ejected on the fourth play of the Bears’ game against Arizona for a blatant, ridiculous punch of Cardinals guard Deuce Lutui. The two had begun scuffling on the previous play. After the fourth play was whistled dead, Harris was lying on top of Lutui and delivered a closed-fist punch through Lutui’s facemask a few yards away from the Cardinals bench.

Referee Ed Hochuli immediately ejected Harris, who was replaced by Israel Idonije. Harris has hardly made an impact this season, as we’ve documented repeatedly, but now he’s given the Cardinals a huge early emotional advantage as well.

Before he left the sideline, Harris seemed to be telling Bears coach Lovie Smith that Lutui had kneed him. But there’s no excuse for punching a player who is on the ground.

It was a tough opening drive for the Bears, who also lost middle linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer to another injury. His status is uncertain, but for now the Bears are using Nick Roach in the middle and Jamar Williams on the strong side.

The Cardinals lead 7-0 after Larry Fitzgerald beat Charles Tillman for an 11-yard touchdown reception.