While earlier reports suggested that Benson simply didn't show up for Monday's OTA, now it seems that Benson did show up, but Lovie Smith turned him away at the door .

Cedric Benson showed up for work this morning at Halas Hall and was told to go home by coach Lovie Smith.

That’s what Benson’s attorney Sam Bassett said.

``I know that he went to practice today and Lovie told him to go home," said Bassett, based in Austin, Texas. ``I don’t know if it’s because of the publicity or because it’s a distraction, or if the Bears are trying to decide what to do. He’s just kind of waiting to see what they tell him and what they are going to require of him.

``His agent and business manager are doing some stuff with the Bears that I am not privy to. He knows the Bears may release him. He hopes they don't. He knows he screwed up."

Benson released a statement, admitting to drinking and driving, but also saying, "I strongly believe that I am not guilty of any crime."  Maybe the problem is that he truly doesn't realize that drinking and driving/boating is in fact an actual crime?

Jerry Angelo is expected to give a statement of his own, possibly about giving Benson the boot, later this afternoon.