Niners forfeit fifth-round draft pick after tampering with Bears' Briggs

[Dos Equis]

Dang.  Seems a little harsh.  They apparently made two calls to Rosenhaus and left messages that were never returned. 


Niners forfeit fifth-round draft pick after tampering with Bears' Briggs
Associated Press

Updated: March 24, 2008, 7:56 PM ET

NEW YORK -- The San Francisco 49ers forfeited their fifth-round pick in next month's NFL draft after commissioner Roger Goodell said they tampered with Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs.

In a statement released by the league Monday, Goodell also said the teams will switch picks in the third round of the April 26-27 draft. Chicago, which had the 12th pick, will get San Francisco's seventh pick and the 49ers will get Chicago's choice.

Goodell said the 49ers violated the NFL's anti-tampering policy by contacting Briggs' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, about his client during the 2007 season.

"The 49ers organization respects Commissioner Goodell's ruling today, however we do disagree with it," 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan said in a statement. "This was not a malicious act; we believe that our intent was within the NFL guidelines. Going forward, we will take the necessary steps to ensure we are in compliance with the NFL's interpretation."

Briggs, an all-Pro in 2007, had been designated as Chicago's franchise player, signing a one-year tender that meant he could not leave the Bears.

He had been expected to leave as a free agent after last season but instead re-signed with Chicago for $36 million over six years. Briggs will earn $21.6 million in the first three years of the deal and $13 million of the contract is guaranteed.

"We are appreciative of the efforts of the league office on this matter and support the commissioner's decision," Bears president and CEO Ted Phillips said in a statement.

There had been reports of contact between the 49ers and Rosenhaus last season, and the Bears filed a tampering charge with the NFL. Goodell said both teams cooperated with his investigation into the allegations.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3310056

[Earl1972]

the 9ers have sunk to a new low

they are becoming an absolute disgrace

hi gordiano, old school flip, and ozmo

want to make bets for next season?

E

[body88]

My god, I am sure the pats had something to do with this! How soon until Arlene Specter and the entire media crucify the niners for breaking a well established league rule!? This is not the first time, the niners cheated the cap back in the ninties and where fined some draft picks! Where is the outrage!

There is so much of this crap going on with every team in the NFL. The more things that come out, the more of a joke it will be that people actually believe no teams are doing everything they can to win.

[Earl1972]

This is not the first time, the niners cheated the cap back in the ninties and where fined some draft picks! Where is the outrage!

yes they are a fuckin disgrace, the 9ers should be crucified but they get ignored because they have become a loser

E

[body88]

yes they are a fuckin disgrace, the 9ers should be crucified but they get ignored because they have become a loser

E

Honestly, every single team in the NFL has some dirty laundry. It just pisses me off to see crap like this happen, and the media ignores it. Imagine if this was the pats, colts or the steelers, there would be outrage.

[mass 04]

I blame Belichick.

[body88]

I blame Belichick.

Looks like we need a senate hearing, oh comcast, I mean , Arlennnnnnnnnnn!!!

[CalvinH]

The Superbowl champs do NOT take part in any of these illegal shenanigans

 

[OzmO]

Dang.  Seems a little harsh.  They apparently made to calls to Rosenhaus and left messages that were never returned. 

Aside from what standard niner haters and niner fans say, Goodell is doing the right thing by putting his foot down.  I just hope he's applying it to all teams. 

[Dos Equis]

Aside from what standard niner haters and niner fans say, Goodell is doing the right thing by putting his foot down.  I just hope he's applying it to all teams. 

I agree and I like his style, but man this is harsh given the offense (two unreturned phone calls). 

[body88]

I agree and I like his style, but man this is harsh given the offense (two unreturned phone calls). 

Funny, because pats fans have been talking about how Goodel is obv trying to set an example with his harsh penalties.

I like Goodel, but it is obv that he is doling out very very harsh punishment.

[OzmO]

I agree and I like his style, but man this is harsh given the offense (two unreturned phone calls). 

I agree.   It's a little overboard.  But in a way he's sending a message to everyone.  It's unfortunate that the niners have to be the one to endure it.

The niners are screwed up enough to begin with and 2008 looks to be a repeat of last year unless......well too many ifs.  But you never know.

They certainly don't look as promising as they did last year at this time.

[Dos Equis]

I agree.   It's a little overboard.  But in a way he's sending a message to everyone.  It's unfortunate that the niners have to be the one to endure it.

The niners are screwed up enough to begin with and 2008 looks to be a repeat of last year unless......well too many ifs.  But you never know.

They certainly don't look as promising as they did last year at this time.

Definitely a lot of question marks.  If Manny Lawson comes back, we should be okay on D.  Have no idea how the offense will look.   

[OzmO]

Definitely a lot of question marks.  If Manny Lawson comes back, we should be okay on D.  Have no idea how the offense will look.   

Yes, the D should be good again,

but you have Martz, the anti run, anti TE coach taking over a team with the 2 best offensive players being the RB and the TE

[Dos Equis]

Yes, the D should be good again,

but you have Martz, the anti run, anti TE coach taking over a team with the 2 best offensive players being the RB and the TE

Good point.  He'll have a hard time ignoring Vernon Davis because he's the best receiver on the team.     Faulk did great under Martz too. 

Can't be any worse than last year on O.