http://twitter.com/#!/MattForte22/status/206563488741601281

The Chicago Bears are continuing to ignore Matt Forte’s desire for a long-term contract. As an excuse, team officials have reportedly expressed concern over Forte’s knee which he hurt last season.

The Bears are privately concerned arthritis could set in, leading to a chronic problem for the fifth-year back. Forte hasn’t signed Chicago’s $7.7 million franchise tender, and is sitting out OTAs.

Questions about Forte’s durability aren’t new. According to the Tribune, the wear and tear of Forte’s knees drew the attention of multiple teams before the 2008 NFL Draft. The Bears were among that group, though they took the Tulane star in the second round anyway.

In response to the report, Forte quickly tweeted a link to a video which shows the running back running up a hill while carrying a 100lb sled.

Hard to argue with @MattForte22 on this one. Knee looks good. http://t.co/A76mxvm8 #deweydefeatstruman

— Chris De Luca (@ChrisDeLuca) May 27, 2012

We're 100 days out from #nfl season..and the best multi purpose running backin the league is sitting at home training.@MattForte22 #payforte

— Jesse Tooper (@Toopdaddy) May 28, 2012

They need to stop playing an give @MattForte22 a better contract

— Devon (@rhollo757) May 28, 2012

@MattForte22 @nfl Come free agent time the bears throw out juicy contracts but when it comes to someone already here, its like prying teeth

— Willie (@Reinoeh1) May 28, 2012

I dont understand why the Bears won't give @MattForte22 a new, huge deal, the man deserves every penny of it #stupid

— Freddy K. (@MichWolverine13) May 28, 2012

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2012/05/28/matt-forte-responds-to-chicago-by-running-up-a-hill-with-100lbs/