With the signing of sixth-round pick Bear Pascoe, a tight end, to a four-year contract, the 49ers have now gotten four of their seven draft selections under contract.
The only remaining unsigned picks are receiver Michael Crabtree (first round), running back Glen Coffee (third round) and quarterback Nate Davis (fifth round). The 49ers have already signed an earlier fifth-round choice, linebacker Scott McKillop.
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The 49ers took this week off from organized team activities. They are scheduled to return to the practice field Monday and Tuesday. Their mandatory minicamp is set for a week from now, Friday, June 5, through Sunday, June 7.
The 49ers will conclude their OTAs June 8-11 and June 15-16. Mostly rookies and first-year players are expected to take part in the final two days of OTAs. The team's offseason program will run through June 14 for veterans and June 25 for rookies and first-year players.
Because of arcane league rules, rookies are ineligible to take part in full participation during the offseason program until either they have graduated or their college class has graduated. Two 49ers rookies have felt the impact of that rule. Stanford defensive end Pannel Egboh can join the 49ers on a full-time basis June 11, while
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I will not be at practice Monday or Tuesday because of memorial services, but I plan to attend the mandatory minicamp next weekend. One piece of advice I received from a friend is to return to normal activity as soon as possible.
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When I turned on my computer just hours after my father's death to write about him, I did it for cathartic purposes. I held onto what I had written for most of the day Tuesday before deciding it was appropriate to post on my blog.
The response has been unbelievable. Believe me, I read every syllable of every comment - some comments I read three or four times. I also read everything written on Facebook, Twitter, personal email, the cards I've already received and a thread devoted to the topic at 49erswebzone.com, too.
My family and I truly appreciate all the thoughts and memories the article evoked. We were moved to tears by many of the poignant comments some of you shared about your own parents.
Here's another thing my mother told me: "There are a lot of really good people out there who read your stories."
I could not agree more. Thank you.
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The Ernest L. Maiocco Scholarship Fund has been established through Butte Community Bank, 950 Highway 99W,
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Thanks again Matt. You're the best. Take all the time you need. We'll be here when you're ready for normal activity.
Matt,
It's still surprises & amazes me about the good in people in times like these. Never underestimate the human spirit!
Are these early signings an indication of how Coach Singletarys' and Jed Yorks' aggressive mentality is transforming the way this franchise operates?
Matt -- The support and thoughtfulness you received is simply proof of the old adage that you get back what you put out there.
As for your own adjustments to your new reality -- take your time, do what you need to do (or not do). As JustAFan notes, we'll be here when you get back.
You are clearly a good family man and that legacy was given by your mom and dad. You can never repay them, just pass it on.
Glad to see the SF organization is improving. I have real hope for once in 7 years. Coach Singletary is a special man. He improves everyone around him including Scott & Jed.
Matt,
I just read the article about your father and wanted to let you know how sorry I am for your loss. My wife just lost her father two months ago to the day so I have a sense for what you and your family is going through. I just wanted to let you know that while it feels like the hardest thing you have ever gone through, there are bright moments as well. Maybe you have found this already but memories of your father that you had forgotten about or maybe never knew come back as people tell you stories about your father. Take the time to listen and soak it all in. Your father would be proud of the work you do on the blog. Keep it up and us readers will be here for you with open arms when you are ready to come back.
Also, a book that I gave my wife (and everyone else in her family) that they have found really helpful is called Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations For Working Through Grief. They are small daily readings, a small page, that are very poignant and often deal directly with some of the emotions that you feel. Hope it helps. Take care of yourself and spend the time you need with your family.
First my Dad, then Mom, and finally my youngest daughter each left me with the identical rock-solid knot you have in the center of your gut. The agony is indeed awesome - but, it does pass. Trust me - this too will pass. I pray for you Brother - and all those that you care about.
Matt,
I’ve been struggling with what to post mostly due to wanting it to be perfect and the memories your loss brings up in me when I lost my Dad. It’s been 11 years since I lost my Dad and while I might not think of him every day, there are those days when inexplicably I just break down and bawl at how much I miss him...like now. Don’t rush through the grieving process, live it, embrace it and understand that it is a process, it will get better. Your Dad sounds like he was an outstanding and “old school” kind of guy, the kind that you just want to hang with and shoot the stuff. I am truly sorry for the loss to you, your family and his wife. Hang in there, man.
Matt,
I feel like if I ran into you someday we'd talk like old friends. So happy to have found your blog and the community on here. I read different ones and think some are good. But I feel like we have our own family here.
And who knows... maybe your Pops will sprinkle down some good luck on his beloved Giants?!? LOL
Keep on keeping my friend :)
AND GO NINERS!!!
MM.. just wanted to add my condolences. Sure do appreciate reading your work. Take care.
Hi Matt,
This is actually my first time posting here but I've been reading your blog ever since a fellow 49er fan turned me on to the site about a year ago.
First of all, let me extend my warmest condolences to you and your family. I've fortunately never lost a parent yet but have experienced similar grief. I'm sure you'll find the best outlet for your mourning and eventually be at peace with the situation. Keep your head up brother.
Second, thanks for your tireless coverage of our favorite NFL team. The past few years have been rough but the true fans stick around during the lean times. Our reward for this loyalty will come soon enough, possibly even this upcoming season. I was a big proponent of hiring Singletary (hence the display name) and I feel that the organization is finally headed back in the right direction. Looking forward to reading more of your articles throughout the year.
Thank you again for sharing your thoughts MM. You present your work with the most professional integrity, and write with an eloquence that is unmatched. Like everyone else said, take all the time you need brotha, we'll be here. Your work is worth the wait. God Bless.
Thanks for all your hard work Matt. Just wanted to extend my condolences… I was saddened to hear of your loss. I almost lost my father last year, and felt like my world was falling apart. Luckily, my Dad had surgery and is recovering better than expected. We even had the chance to go the Giants home opener this year for the fourth year in a row (priceless!!!). Having lost my older brother years ago, I am all too familiar with how devastating losing a loved one can be. Just know that there are many of us MM fans out there whose thoughts and well wishes are with you and your family. One love, Bobby.
In remembering what you shared about your wonderful dad, I remembered how my dad was able to play on the farm team for the New York Yankees. That was a dream come true for him in his youth back in the 1930's. His dad, an immigrant from Italy, died from a fall while my father and him were working together on a construction site in the off season. Needless to say, my dad became the new income maker for his mom and brother and sisters and was unable to continue with his dream of being a Yankee. But that's how it was in those days. A man knew he was needed and did what was expected despite everything else.
I share in your grief and feel the memories and pain you shared.
We remember you and all your family in our prayers!
Matt,
My thoughts are with you. I lost my mother several years ago. What has surprised me is how much I still use the wisdom and spirit that she embodied to make decisions to this day. Reading about your father, I bet he'll be with you for a long, long time.
Bruce
From Germany thoughts are with you. You will know when your soul will begin to mend. I think it initiates in the pit of your stomach. As i read your review I thought even bad Dads have their good moments that are passed on to their sons. And some of the good things your Dad passed to you reminded me of the same things my Dad passed to me. Thanks for the elbow in the side reminder.
Hey Matt - Your dad will always be with you. Both my parents are gone, yet I feel them everyday. Tho this may sound extremely strange, I feel that it has made me a better person. I am so very afraid of letting them down and seeing them again and not making them proud of my time here on earth scares me. I don't know why that is. I just know that they are with me constantly and at times through prayer I can feel them help me. You do have some incredible people following you Matt. What a very strange and wonderful and yet heartbreaking thing, this thing called life. God Bless Matt to you your incredible family and to all of you who shared with us.
Matt,
Condolence to you and your family. Nothing is more important than to be with your family right now. Fans and readers take a back seat to all the thing you need to do. Your work is always exemplary as well as your radio interviews at KNBR so we will miss you.
God bless,
NinerRonnie
Matt,
As I've read through all these posts the past few days expressing sympathy, condolensces, shared experiences, and heartfelt well wishes I've come to realize that you've created a community of fans. 9er fans have been around for decades but there really isnt another comparable avenue where so many share their thoughts. The popularity of this blog begins and ends with your writing. The people that read your work are passionate about the 9ers and often vehemently disagree. However, when a truely important event occurs the community comes together and supports one of our own. I am certain that your father is very proud of you.
Take all the time you will need, Matt.
If I may, a little advice. It is one that I actually use in my life : The best way to remember your father, will be to life with the values he has given to you and your brother.
Take care of yourself and your family.
Philippe vH
Matt,
I read your beautiful letter about your father, it is filled with your love for him. I lost my mother this last month on Mothers day, she was 86. It is with out question, that our folks came from a generation that gave them and then us a sense of self reliance and responsibility that can only help us see our way through this shared experience. I know you are doing what your father would most want and that is sharing his love for you with your family .
Paul
Pro football talk just posted that the 49ers and Santa Clara have agreed to the new stadium.
Matt Best wishes for you and your family!
Hi Matt,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on your loss. Times like these show us that nothing is more important than our families. In the larger scheme of things our arguments about Draft picks, coaches, players etc seem really petty.
The advise of your friend about returning to normal activities as soon as possible is indeed good. I remember the same thing helped me tremendously in getting through the days following my Dad's passing 4 years ago.
I am saddened for your loss Matt, and wish you the strength to face this difficult period of adjustment.
Take solice in the support of your faithful SRPD extended fanily and know how much your life has grown for having your Father with you to share it.
Good parents produce good children who,in turn, have the option to improve the parenting process yet some more.
By all accounts, you my friend, are a stand up guy and a 'Class-A' Dad. Apples don't fall far from their trees.
Love your children as your Dad loved you and get all the HUGS you need. When they tell you how much they love you, answer simply, I Love You MORE.
From here in Cyberspace, I send you a warm embrace and the strength to carry on.
Family matters most when times are the toughest.
We're Cyber-Family, and we too lost a fellow 49er Fan.
For now, make everyday count, tomorrow is promised to no one.
Peace, Love and Strength My Friend!
We may bicker on the board, and sound foolish at times when discussing football, but push comes to shove, we're people with families.
Words will never fillthe void of your loss, Matt. I've struggled to find the right words since the death of my mom in 1984 and I have come to that conclusion.
My deepest sympathies to you, Matt.
Matty,
Take all the time you need!! It sucks that you don"t know us as well as we know you through these posts and articles as you seem like one of the family. If you want to write about your dad, family or whatever, I'll read it. You're not only a great reporter, but a great writer as well!
God Bless
Matt
Again heratfelt wishes to the Maiocco Family.
My dad passed away when I was 7, almost 50 years ago. I think you will always miss him as I do.
I find solace in hearing this song, so here is the video
http://new.music.yahoo.com/videos/--2157864
Everyone, cherish your parents and grandparents while they are still with us.
We are all busy with our lives
but spending quality time just talking to them can be amazing as we all get older that will provide lasting memories. We take for granted that they will always be with us which we all know is false hope. Do the right thing. Peace.
I'm so sorry, Matt. I lost my father in 1989. Biggest Niner fan I ever knew. I miss him everyday. Be well, my friend, and all the best to you and your family in this sorrowful time.
So sorry to hear the news. Wish you and your family the best. Take your time and whenever you feel it's appropriate, don't forget how therapeutic going for a run can be.
I agree with "roaringback." My father died when I was not quite ten years old and I'm now approaching seventy. You never get over it but you learn to deal with it. I miss him every day, just as you will miss your father.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Matt,
You are in both Alex's and my thoughts today. Neither of us can imagine what you are going through right now and we will be here if you need us. You are a valued member of this crazy family of ours and it was very sad to hear that our family lost a member on Memorial Day.
Hang in there Matt and I will talk with you soon.
Chris
Here is Matt's dad Obituary.
http://www.legacy.com/RedBluffDailyNews/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=127784692
Navy Vet, Coal Miner, and Southern Pacific Railroader!
Each day will get better and the legacy he left you will become richer in your memories.
I thought this was worth posting. I follow the players that are on Twitter, and this is what Takeo Spikes posted a little while ago:
TakeoSpikes51-At the facility practicing with the team. I haven't felt this good about any team in my 10 years in the league!
It gives me hope that a vet is excited about the team. Hopefully all the players will follow up with the same enthusiasm. Go Niners!
P.S. We miss you Matt, and are excited about your return. Can you compare for us when you come back the difference between now, and this time last year, that would prompt Spikes and others to feel this way? Is there an overall difference besides the coaching change?
Thanks for posting this!