CHICAGO (AP) -Ricky Manning Jr. joined the Chicago Bears on Monday, a day after the cornerback was arrested on suspicion of assault following a fight at a restaurant in Los Angeles.

``Unfortunately, I can't talk about any legal business,'' Manning said during a conference call after the Carolina Panthers declined to match the Bears' offer sheet. ``I was advised by my agent that I can't talk about any legal business or what happened Sunday morning. But when things are sorted out, I'll be more than happy to tell my side of the story so you can find out what happened.''

Manning, a 25-year-old restricted free agent, signed a five-year, $21 million offer sheet with the Bears last Friday after three seasons with Carolina. A Panthers spokesman said the decision not to match it was unrelated to the arrest.

Manning was arrested early Sunday after he allegedly hit a man in the face along with four or five companions at a Denny's restaurant in the Westwood section of Los Angeles near UCLA, said officer Mike Lopez, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department.

Police didn't know what prompted the fight, or whether Manning knew the alleged victim.

Manning, a former UCLA star, and his companions left the restaurant in an SUV and were pulled over by police soon after when the vehicle was spotted by a helicopter, Lopez said.

Police said Manning was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon despite not being armed because he was aided by companions, and because great bodily force was used.

Manning was released after posting $30,000 bail.

``I was pretty down this morning because of the situation,'' he said. ``But when I found out I was a Chicago Bear, it kind of brought a little light to the day. ... I can't let something like this let me have a bad start to my football career in Chicago.''

Manning spent his first three seasons with the Panthers, who beat the Bears in the playoffs. But he lost his starting job when Carolina signed Ken Lucas before the 2005 season and was used as a nickel back.

Manning will likely fill that role in Chicago, replacing the retired Jerry Azumah. He could also push starters Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman.

``I'm coming in here ready to compete and doing my part to make the team better, whatever that may be,'' said Manning, who has nine regular-season interceptions and four in the 2003 playoffs. ``I've been preparing for this moment since the offseason started. ... I'm excited about this opportunity and working my butt off and getting with the coaches and learning the system as fast as possible.''

Carolina, which had until April 28 to match the offer, will receive a third-round draft pick from the Bears.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.