(Image source: Bear Goggles On)

BY LAUREN DELANEY

You're watching multisource sports video news analysis from Newsy. 

Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs says he wants more loot, or he’ll give the Bears the boot.

Briggs has three years left on his current contract, but he wants a new deal. ESPN reports Briggs requested a trade from the Bears when the team refused to raise his salary. (Video: YouTube)
 
In a USA Today report, Bears’ head coach Lovie Smith wasn’t distraught over the matter, saying:

“Who doesn’t want a new contract? All of us would want a new contract.  But still, you go to work every day and do your job, and that’s what he’s doing. I have no complaints about him.”

ESPN says some analysts feel the timing of Briggs’ demand could disrupt the Bears’ season.
 
“Why? Why would you do this? Why would you become the distraction of your football team?”

A WGN reporter agrees. Why did Briggs wait until now to complain?

“Less than two weeks till the regular season? An obnoxious time for Briggs to make this demand and put his team in an awkward situation.  It isn’t right, no matter how much money is being handed out across the league.”

Despite the possibility of distraction, a Chicago Tribune reporter shows that Briggs’ desire for a raise might not be so far-fetched.
 
“In comparison with a pair of top veteran 4-3 outside linebackers- the Broncos D.J. Williams and the Jaguars’ Daryl Smith- Briggs, 30, has a point.  Williams has a base salary of $4.9 million this season with three years left on his deal, while Smith’s base is $4.2 million with two years remaining.  Both players are 29, and neither has been selected to a Pro Bowl.”

Despite the criticism Briggs’ received for his decision, according to Yahoo! Sports the linebacker assured the team he won’t allow this bump in the road to affect the start of the Bears’ season. (Video: YouTube)

“The Bears made their decision, now I have to make mine. It’s just how the business works.  It’s not going to take away from what I do on the field.  I’m 100 percent a Bear, until I’m not a Bear anymore.”

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Transcript by Newsy.