Chicago police were searching for a man who was harassing Bears player Terry "Tank" Johnson on a nightclub dance floor Saturday morning, prompting a fight that ended in the death of Willie B. Posey, Johnson's bodyguard and boyhood friend, Chicago Tribune sources said.

Less than a day after they had appeared in court on drug and gun charges, Posey and Johnson were partying at the Ice Bar in the River North neighborhood when a single gunshot hit Posey.

Witnesses told police that a man repeatedly bumped into Johnson, said a source familiar with the investigation. Posey intervened, striking the man, and both fell to the floor. When club security pulled them apart, the other man pulled a gun from his pants and shot Posey, the witnesses reported.

Sources said Johnson initially denied being at the bar, but he changed his story as he talked with police, who said Johnson was not a suspect.

The shooting deepens a crisis for Johnson, who faces weapons charges after police raided his home Thursday and seized six guns. It was his third arrest in 18 months.

The Bears had already scratched the stalwart defensive tackle from yesterday's game against Tampa Bay.

"At some point," general manager Jerry Angelo had warned his team Friday, "a player has to be held accountable for his actions."

According to league and NFL Players Association rules, only the league can suspend a player for personal conduct issues, and the league generally holds off on any action until the matter is resolved in court.

COWBOYS-FALCONS

INCIDENT UNDER REVIEW

The NFL is reviewing the spitting incident regarding Dallas receiver Terrell Owens and Atlanta cornerback DeAngelo Hall during Saturday's game at the Georgia Dome.

Owens spit into the face of Hall in the first quarter.

"I may have when we both were talking (smack) to each other," Owens told The Dallas Morning News after the game.

Owens said it was accidental and that he apologized for his actions on the NFL Network.

NFL officials said yesterday they haven't determined if and when possible punishment would occur.

Hall called the spitting incident ridiculous and said Owens should be suspended.

"At first I couldn't believe it happened, and people who know me know how I'd want to haul off on him," Hall said on Fox Sports. "But I kept my composure about it and didn't retaliate. But the league should hit him by suspending him."

The players were barking at each other most of the game, and Owens' two touchdown receptions came against Hall.

INJURIES

MCNAIR LEAVES GAME

The Baltimore Ravens won a division title with their star quarterback watching from the sidelines.

Steve McNair left the Ravens' 27-17 victory over the Browns yesterday after his right hand was accidentally stepped on by Cleveland's Andra Davis following an incomplete pass in the first quarter.

McNair was taken to the locker room for X-rays, which were negative. He didn't return to the game, and finished 0 for 4.

Among other injuries: