LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) - Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould ripped the surface at Soldier Field and then apologized for it.

Gould blasted the field on Wednesday, saying he might have to think about re-signing with Chicago when his contract expires after next season. He told reporters he hopes to remain with the Bears but isn't sure he wants ``to deal with that as I get older as a kicker.''

He says the field has been ``a lot softer'' than in previous years.

Later, however, the Bears issued a statement from Gould in which he apologized to the grounds crew and said he has ``since learned a lot more about the NFL's policies and the measures that are taken at Soldier Field to ensure a reliable and safe playing surface.''