LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The FBI is opening an internal investigation into the fight between Chicago Bears offensive linemen Olin Kreutz and Fred Miller at its shooting range in the Chicago area, Special Agent Richard Kolko said yesterday.

Miller, who initially said the injury occurred in a fall at home, needed surgery after Kreutz, a Saint Louis Schools grad from Hawai'i, broke his jaw in the altercation last week.

An FBI official said several Bears were invited to take target practice. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the internal investigation, said it is common for FBI field offices to invite community groups to shooting ranges.

The official said the fight took place after the shooting session, during a barbecue for FBI employees and the players at the facility. He confirmed that alcohol was consumed during the barbecue, but insisted there was no drinking during the target practice. Reports of an altercation surfaced after last Sunday's 17-9 victory over San Francisco.

The Chicago Sun-Times, citing sources, reported roughhousing between Miller and Kreutz escalated to a full-blown altercation. As he was being escorted out the door, Miller turned and went toward Kreutz. Kreutz then hit him in the face and Miller responded by striking Kreutz in the head with a five-pound weight, opening a cut that required 13 stitches.

Coach Lovie Smith said earlier this week that neither player would be suspended, but intimated they would be fined.