Im a Texas Tech alumni and was a huge Crabby fan, but if he dont sign before sunday, Ill lose all respect for him. I hope he just tells Parker hes ready to play and earn his next big contract

My sentiments exactly Matt, we don't miss what he didn't deliver.

I'm still appauled at the notion that Deion and the Commish blatently acknowledge a conflict of interest in these 'Exclusive Rights' bargaining processes and there is no investigation warranted by the League?

Speak to us again Roger about the flagrant offense committed with Lance Briggs?

I'm dying to have 1 tiny snippet of information surface, to prove the infractions suggested by Primtime, in Prime Time, to force the League to provide additional compensation for the wasted time and effort our Team suffered.

My only hope is that we get a Rookie Cap instituted, to protect future 'hold ups' at the negotiating table.

How can you expect a Trade in good faith when the whole process has been polluted with corruption already either?

I'd GO FOR IT, the 2010 draft is going to be prolific (which is why we invested another 1st round pick into it from Carolina).

Given our SS issues, I'm almost for certain we're either gunning for Eric Berry, or Taylor Mays (Mays is a FS, but if we landed him we could adjust Reggie Smith to SS).

Dude has proven he will be a serious problem in the future. I realize if it did get done and he played well all would be forgotten by most fans, but I got to be honest I really don't want it to work out, I hate what TO did to this team and I see him in Craptree. I've been a 9ers fan since I was 9 yrs old watching them for the first time as Joe dismantled Dan and his guppies in the SB! I want to see a team like those eighties teams that were tight as hell and wanted to win for their mates and fans over all else. I realize todays gen of players are different from those days but damn this dudes an ass no matter how you turn him and I don't want to see him in a 9ers jersey ever, it's complete disrespect to the players of 9ers past!

i wouldn't trade him unless it was a 1st rd pick. Otherwise i think it would serve him right to go through the draft again, and see what a stupid mistake he made.

Even though i side with you on this one Matt, i still think the 49ers front office need to be a little sensitive to the fact of how our organization is percieved throughout the nfl. I mean, the 49ers and Eddie D. had a good thing going. The Yorks came in, gutted our already playoff team with garcia and Owens, and have put us in rebuilding mode for 5 years.

Based on how we screwed up Alex Smiths career, bein the 1st team to ever get off a #1 pick so fast, Crabtree has a point. Every first overall pick get's 3 full years to show what they could do. We gave Alex Smith 2 and an 8th. Vernon davis is another player supposed to be the next "thing" at TE and who is to say we haven't contributed to his nonproduction. How many targets did he have last year?

The 49ers need to stop LISTENING TO THE MEDIA (I don't mean you Matt you rock!) and do whats right! Crabtree is a stud of a reciever and he just wants some compensation just in case we don't mentor his career correctly. Had we picked Aaron Rodgers in 2005 this wouldn't even be an issue.

I can't believe the advice Crabtree is getting, any way you look at it this is gonna be bad for him. he needs Singletarys mentorship. maybe Crabtree belongs on the Cowboys and work for Creampuff Phillips. The cowboys seem like the team most likely tampering, maybe that's where he's trying to go. Anything less than a 1st rd pick in a trade and i say no.

I really think we are far better without him....as Singletary said, its a TEAM game....is a *WE* rather than *ME* kind of game...
We had Owens in the past, and even if with him we didn't had this problem in signin him, we saw later what kind of CANCER was to the team a player with this kind of character...
How it is that EACH first round player of this year draft HAS signed his contract, thus accepting the fact that he should get paid by where he was taken, and this little poor guy not ?
Who he think it is ? What he has demonstrated so far ?
Why ?
Looking at his presumption and ego, i think we will end up with the same kind of problems we had with Owens...
So...better off without him !
Is not the first time we miss a player on the draft...even first round pick.. and unfortunately will not be the last, so is not the end of the world.
Next year we have two first round pick and then something more from his trade.
Let's look ahead and forget this crap !

If i were Mr. Marathe, i will lower our offer a little by each week until Nov.17.
Just to send him a clear message that the 49ers are NOT depending on him !
If he want to be PART of the 49ers, great, if not, well..here is the door !!

A question, Matt :

Do You know if team representatives can ask questions like ...Do you wil agree to sign a contract that pay You depending on where You will be choosed ?...during the visits of the players before the draft ?

Regards

I was one of those that was holding out hope for him. Truth is that who was to know this guy was going to act like this when he fell to them. Nobody knew. I hate to see the niners squander yet another first round pick, but if they can redeem crabs for atleast another first, I'd be satisfied to let him walk. The truth is, the guy clearly has issues. He doesn't care enough for his game to push it in front of a few million he would easily redeem later so long as he's certain of his ability. He's no flash in the pan I don't believe, just dosen't love the game. Lots of other players have been guilty of the same, many of them good players. We'll see. As of now though, he's a cancer, a prima dona and clearly diluded himself into thinking he can sit, let his body stay away from the game for over a year and still be productive. I hope for his sake he's right, but I don't think he's making the right move. For my niners, I hope they explore their options fully and definately do not relent on there offer.

At this point you have to wonder if he just isn't worth the trouble down the road. Certainly gone when he becomes a free agent, possibly 5 years of being dissatified even if he does sign...I'm beginning to hope that he doesn't sign. What can you expect with Deion as an advisor. I'd give him until the 4th game and then start decreasing the offer every week.

I don't think it would be a wise move for the niners to start lowering the offer at all. Someone on NFLN made a point (I think it was jamie dukes) that you don't want a player who thought he was lowballed playing on your team, you want him to feel that he got what he was worth. granted from all media accounts it seems that everyone outside of crabtrees camp believes he is getting a fair offer from the niners, but they don't have to lower their offer for crabtree to be penalized because every week he sits it out, he loses money.

If the niners start lowering the offer more and more, not only will it not make him want to sign, but it may deter other players from wanting to sign with the niners too. in fear that if they may be put to the screws just like crabtree. I mean the niners have already picked up so many free agents for the vet min already just this season, I don't think it's a good idea for a team to appear miserly.

What's Crabtree supposed to think when Deion/Parker say there's 40mil on the table?

Crazy Uncle Al frosted his jewels with the DHB selection and it's been downhill from there.

If an incentive laden deal isn't good enough, sit and watch.

Tired of the drama and, I simply want some relevant, all encompassing piece of incriminating evidence to come to light, just to hear the Commish explain his offices' posture on the whole JOKE that is the Draft Slotting and Process Tampering that took place in SF.

He's on record now, if we can prove something, he's in for a world scrutiny for his inaction to investigate the statements Deion spewed on behalf of his protege`, OUR Draft Pick.

Amen, Matt!

I don't know if we'll get a first round pick for him (what team would offer such a valuable thing up for a guy who won't sign a fair slotted deal?) but I wouldn't even set the bar that high; if someone offered a single 2010 second rounder I'd take it. Then take the money we would have had to tie up in this Rashaun Woods redux and use it to try to buy ourselves a pass rush instead. Julius Peppers and Shawne Merriman may very well both be on the market and, unlike Crabtree, we already know they can play in the NFL.

It's tough to compare Alex Smith to other #1 overall QBs to say we weren't fair with him. He was arguably the top rated QB in a very very weak draft class in which he wasn't even widely held as the best player on draft day (that belonged to Braylon Edwards, IIRC). If Smith had waited until after his senior year to come out he probably would have been the fourth quarterback taken in 06.

It is apparent that Mr. Crabtree has taken a stand and he does not want to be here and the organization will not offer more for him to come here, so move on!
How ever it works out will be determined in the future.
The important question is, what is the thinking of the organization moving foreword?
Is this team a running team( it sure is built this way) or is this team just in a holding mode until it finds an elite GB( drafting Crabtree seams to point in that direction)
Either way, that light at the end of the tunnel just got farther away!

This whole drama is truly saddening for both this organization and the fans. But, since it's gotten to this now the best thing would be making it worse for Crab. This has been a blessing in disguise since it's a preview of what he would bring to this team along with his talent (which is still a ?) Also it would be an example for future draft picks so they will never mess with the 49ers.

Why don't we just call the Cowboys on tampering and get a 2nd round pick for free?

No matter what happens I just hope we get properly compensated! Best case scenerio is he doesn't sign and we trade him for another first rounder next year. With 3 first rounders we should be able to trade that into 5 low first and high second picks. In one off season we can totally retool and dominate for years to come. One guy, especially reciever will not turn this team around.

I think the Jets would be a perfect trade partner in 2010. New York has a shiny new QB and one hell of a fashion community . . . and they desperately need WR help.

.."49ers can get three draft picks, including a first-rounder, for Crabtree, that might be their best course of action"...

...that is exactly what the niners should do.....and i bet the cowboys will pay it.....

Matt, enough with Crabtree. Seriously, he's not going to make a darn bit of difference for the 49ers. And with that head full of rocks, he's probably not going to make a difference for anyone.

Well, except for lightening their corporate check-book.

Time to move on.

Also could you explain to the idiotic conspiracy theorists that Deion Sanders flapping his gums is not a conspiracy to defraud the 49ers of their pick through tampering. And, further, that the Commissioner CANNOT INVESTIGATE UNLESS THE 49ERS FILE A COMPLAINT!

Seriously, this is getting beyond stupid and the stupidity is starting to clog up your comments.

Since we are essentialy at "full stop" in this negociation - we should more vigorously persue the 'tampering' issue. If it has any basis then we should push the issue and get some compensation for all our trouble to date. Trading this punk along with his groupies is a great idea given the talent coming out next year - Wow...imagine a legitamate draft shot at Sam Bradford - that kid has a gun!

He'll sign he already bought his gold suit, red tie combo!

If he signs and earns his place, and plays like he thinks he can play, great. If not, trade him, let him sit out, or just send him to the MLS. This is taking to much of our time, right now we need to focus on how we can sack Kurt around as much as we can, pay back for using our plane and wasting our time!!

Niners over cards 21-17.

Matt I love you because you are a real writer. Unlike writers from papers like the Bee who hire writers who actually hate our team. But you love this team, and i am concerned. It seems as if you and a few others have become "company men", reporters that always have the "Teams" back. Is that whats required now over at 4949? I loved this article because it is accurate and makes me hate crabtree to a point that i hope he never joins our team, but what if he does? Your article merely echoes the sentiment of all us fans and our blogs. Come on man, give us the real. write something for us "non-clones". Please answer the question that you intially asked.... Why would crabtree rather sit out than play for us? lets assume he's smart and that he's a good kid. Tell me what you would write if you were a part of his "company". Thanks man, I do love your work.

What a hollow victory this is for the Niners. By sticking to their hard line they are risking losing a potentially game-breaking WR to any team that wants him in the draft next year. The Seahawks have two #1 picks next year. So how about Michael Crabtree being a terrific WR and playing against SF twice a year for the next 10 years? What will be the organization's response to that -- that it was worth it to save the "slotting system" that isn't even going to exist when the CBA expires? I think this is an example of the relatively young senior leadership of the Niners being afraid to go against the current. They are being just as hardheaded as Crabtree. I can't imagine Jed's Uncle letting the NFL's unofficial slotting system get in the way of him signing a guy he thinks will be an impact player. As a fan, I now realize that the Niners have made their bed with the slotting system. Go slotting system! Yeah, we might lose to the Cardinals because we have no WR, but our ownership is willing to lose games if need be to defend the un-official slotting system.

Thanks for your thoughts Matt; I agree exactly. I would hate to ever see Craptree in a 49ers uniform. The thought of it makes me sick. I sure hope the Niners can trade him away and learn a lesson from this. Craptree was well-known to be both a diva and a punk going into the draft. Why would he ever change afterwards? The Raiders were the smart ones on this one.

My question is - why didn't the 9ers trade his rights when they had the chance?

Of course none of us know what is really happening except he isn't signed. I find the idea that the Niners & Crabtree aren't negotiating a bit ridiculous. A take it over leave it offer on table for months? No one signs a deal like that in bargaining agreements. It sounds good and tough, but it is not how most bargaining agreements get done in the real world.

He is special, sign him.

My opinion is I'd take two 3rd rounders for the idiot and feel well compensated. He's already demanding top dollar with no NFL resume. What happens if they sign him somehow and he actually has a couple of good years. He's going to want to renegotiate his contract for some totally ridiculous number. I say let some other team deal with this idiot, use the money we saved to get a good free agent. IMO this guy's going to be nothing but trouble for any team that signs him. His monetary ego (a legend in his own mind) is way bigger than his personal pride. The really good player would want to come in and prove that the other nine teams and Mangini made big big mistakes. His main concern is the dollar value he places on himself, not a good sign short and long term for the teams sake.

Crabtree's argument that you may never get that second contract is the lamest argument for a big contract I have ever heard. That wouldn't work in any other industry. In the real world, you wouldn't be hired in the first place if you have so little confidence in your abilities. If you want a big contract, then prove your worth. It's so simple.

I have no problem with Crabtree setting his own value, but I think he should have done so before the draft. When a team pick a player, it's a trade transaction that they enter, and each party needs to know what it's getting. If neither party comes out and states clearly what their intentions are, then the implicit agreement is that they both fall back to the traditional, well-respected system of slotting. The 49ers hold up their end, and Crabtree is not. He's not being fair to the 49ers.

Finally somebody says it... well put Matt. Die hard 49er fan for life, and Crabtree can go mess with some other team for all I care. If he does take the field he better be the second coming of Jerry Rice or else he'll get booed out of the Bay Area.

That is some kick a$$ reporting Mr. Maiocco, thank you!

Matt,

Great take & possible theory to this whole Crabgate mess. I think Sanders is full of crap! Just as you said Matt where were these teams that supposedly "want" Crabbs on draft day? This whole thing is convoluted. On 1 hand you have Crabbs wanting more more money than what the market value bears & he SHOULD know that. On the other hand if he decides to just sit out the season & re-enter the draft what team in their right mind is going to pay him more money then what the 49ers were offering? Matt I just don't get it...your thoughts on my take?

I agree with most people in this thread. Yes Crabee is silly, but more importantly YES let this be the last Crabtree entry until after the season starts.

We need to focus on the Cards!!! ::: 49ers 23 - Cards 20 :::

I would let the contract impasse play out until Sunday. Crabtree still has time to save face and sign on Saturday. If that was his plan, to hold out until a specific date, for whatever reason, then more power to him. I could be delusional, but at this point I want to give him a chance...still.

Crabs is an unemployed 20 year old kid. Why doesn't he need the cash?

I'm sure his uncle has a bit of cash from his bail bonds business but can he really afford to support another household in the bay area?

Follow the money Matt. Follow the money.

I see your point MM and certainly no one is bigger than the team or the game.

However, why does Crabtree continue to live in the Bay Area, continue to work out to stay in shape, and continue to catch passes from Trent Dilfer to prepare for this season? If he was living in Dallas I would be more concerned, but he is not. He has stayed in the Bay Area. He will sign shortly. You watch.

Warner has looked bad in preseason

So my guesstimate of outcome is...

Warner 169yds, 1 TD, 3 INT

Hill 209yds, 1 TD, 0 INT
Gore 158yds 2 TD
DEF 1 INT return for TD, 2 sacks, 1FumRec

SF 27 ARI 10 I like to keep high hopes :)

The Battle to watch this weekend will be Frank vs Beans.

So sit down eat a chili dog and enjoy the game.

Yes I thought of that all by myself........ why do you ask?

The kid just doesn't want to play football for the 9ers. He will if we pay him. He is young and feel confident he wont loose a step in a year. He can keep in shape and re-enter the draft. I find it hard for someone to walk away from the money the 9ers are offering. With a variance of 7MM is hard to believe too.

Hey Crab "If you are what you say you are, a superstar, then have no fear..."

Let him walk, the 9ers are trying to build something. WE WANT WINNERS NOT WINNERS. Attitude, folks that want to play. A hunger to get out there. This guy should be dying to play football through this mess. This is not a character I want on the team. If he was proven then maybe worth the risk. But not this team. I'd trade and pay for B. Edwards any day over Crabtree.

Parker can only do so much, I think there is something going on back door here as we all can only speculate. I'm not in the inner circles of the NFL. It is hard to tell what is really going on.

Mr. Crabs should be mentored by Andre Davis on how a WR should carry himself. The only way I want him on this team is if he's catching TD's. If he can't do that then trade the crabbypattie.

> My question is - why didn't the 9ers trade his rights when they had the chance?

Did they have a chance to trade his rights? Was anyone interested in acquiring him prior to the deadline? You can only trade something away if someone else is willing to trade something for it.

If Crabtree would not want to play for the 49ers and another team were willing to pay him 40 million, then a trade would have happened.

Most likely, the 40 million Sanders claims are nothing but negotiation tactics.

Ive been a crabtree fan for a few years now. But now I think the dude is retarded! Honestly I couldnt care less if the dude had the capabilities to give us three touchdowns a game. I still don't want him on my team. I want him traded away immediately. I'll put my faith on Morgan and Battle over this putz any day! On a football team, u should only want loyal, hard workers, dedicated to your teams focus on winning. Not this guy. Let him be someone else's problem for now!

You mean the battle to watch is P-Will cracking Beans helmet (old Sing style), while eating a chili dog.

How about this:
Warner 269yds, 2 TD, 3 INT - even though he isn't looking good, don't forget about the Fits and Bouldin factoc

Hill 219yds, 1 TD, 1 INT - he will have to throw to keep up and prove he is legit, a see an forced int. Probably tipped by V/Davis

Gore 95yds 1 TD they are going to stack the box
Coffee 70 yards don't forget this guy. He will pop a big 30+ yarder b/c he wants the money we are not going to pay Crabtree

DEF 1 INT return for TD, 2 sacks, 1FumRec I LOVE IT

SF 23 ARI 20 - I'm sticking with my score. I think Nedney will be active

I am so sick of this guy. I could tell by his fake smile when he was drafted, what a punk he was going to be. I was watching hard knocks on HBO the other night and when Andre Smith finally signed his contract his agent shook his hand and said " Congratulations, you are now a multi millionaire." At this point he is just being greedy. Does Crabtree not realize that people are losing their jobs daily and he is holding out for a few more million....I was excited when we drafted him, but had a bad feeling. If this guy doesn't sign I hope the niners make him reenter the draft. Also, what is up with the NFL not investigating these offers of $40 mil?

I am so sick of this guy. I could tell by his fake smile when he was drafted, what a punk he was going to be. I was watching hard knocks on HBO the other night and when Andre Smith finally signed his contract his agent shook his hand and said " Congratulations, you are now a multi millionaire." At this point he is just being greedy. Does Crabtree not realize that people are losing their jobs daily and he is holding out for a few more million....I was excited when we drafted him, but had a bad feeling. If this guy doesn't sign I hope the niners make him reenter the draft. Also, what is up with the NFL not investigating these offers of $40 mil?

Rich, the hollow victory will be next year...after BOTH our 1st round pick refuse to sign a FAIR contract and THEY sit out until we give them what THEY are asking for....because THEY suppose, BOTH, to be the first player taken in this draft....
You want this ?
Then what ?...EVERY agent WILL KNOW that with the 49ers it is enough to sit out or menacing to reenter the draft the next year to obtain all the money THEY want ?
What will be the organization's response to that ??
What will be YOUR comment to that ?
If this is what You want, then i will look for real hard times in the future for the 49ers....

In my opinion the 49ers should file a complaint of tampering....let see what happen then !

About Your "terrific WR" prediction....it could happen...it happened with Owens too ( ..and by terrific he is/was, so far,all his teams have won nothing...), but it could even be that he will *devlop* in a terrific flop....
What will be the organization's response to that ??
What will be YOUR comment to that ?

In the end...to me its not worth to loose the reputation of the 49ers for a player that so far has done nothing !!
We will be better without him !

Just my two cents..

Regards

Two scenarios: Crabtree signs -- Crabtree doesn't sign.
Assuming the team does not sweeten the offer, Crabtree capitulates and signs. If he has a good year, not likely having missed all of training camp, he holds out next year or the year following for a new contract based on HIS preceived value. If he has a bad year the critics will say he was another first round bust. If he takes a couple of years to develop he will demand his contract be renegotiated at that time.

If he doesn't sign the team would be wise to trade his rights to the highest bidder during the March window. If that team can't sign him, he reenters the draft but based on the history of at least two teams being unable to sign him, his draft value is greatly diminished. It's unlikely a team will sign him in March for his asking price of $40 million because of the upcoming draft and his reputation as an intransigent.

If any of this comes to pass, it seems to me the team is better off not signing him.

Just my opinion.

Thanks Matt, interesting take. I thought only us nerds who think with our Red & Gold hearts would actually contemplate lowering the offer. You explained your thinking on it though.
Does North Korea have a franchise we could trade him to?
Also, an examination of the NFL Records Book will not find too many Kelly Stouffer all-time achievements listed. The Lambs came out ahead in that deal. I don't think the 9ers get anything like that return in a trade; we might be lucky to get a 3rd rounder from anyone other than Snyder or Jones. It would be fun to watch those two bid against each other.

If what Deion said was true . . . can someone . . . anyone . . . give me an explanation of how that is not tampering by the "two" teams?

Matt,

1. What are the chances that Crabtree gets just below the 18M that Raji at No. 9 got over 5 years (ie. $17.95) plus more contract incentives than Raji?

2. Or how about 14.3 guaranteed over 4 years?

3. At this point, are the Niners only concerned about agreeing to a higher guaranteed amount or the full contract amount incl. incentives etc. than no. 9?

4. Bottom line, how flexible are the Niners in upping their 16m offer and at the same time, meeting their goal in not paying Crabtree more than Raji got at No. 9?

Here's what will happen: Douchetree really is as mentally defective as he appears and he decides to sit out the season (nice mentoring Peion!). The Niners trade him to Dallas (shocking!) for first and third round pics in the 2010 draft. The Cowgirls give him his 40 mil. Douchetree pulls his hamstring in pre-season because he's been sitting out for more than a year. He never fully recovers and sucks the rest of the year. Now the Cowgirls have invested bank into a pouting benchwarmer (yay!). The Niners turn their plethora of picks into Sam Bradford, an O-lineman and an actual pass rush. All's well that ends well. God I hate the Cowgirls, I hope it turns out this way.

"Crabtree's mentor, Deion Sanders"...says enough right there. So much for his college coach ripping on the Browns, I'm siding with Mangini on this one.

I am pretty sure this kid wants to play football, just not with the 9ers. And Matt is right, he wouldn't play for the 9ers if they payed him 20 mill. I don't think that smile on draft day is even genuine - looks like he has to try to smile. He should come clean and just say he prefers a different team and I think soon he will make such a statement. Rookies these days expect way too much money!!!

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AvGXEwA4rlQpHblo.EvVCu5DubYF?slug=jc-crabtreeholdout090809&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

"Both sources believe that Crabtree has been told by other teams that they will take him in the first round of next year’s draft."

TAMPERING! Why aren't we insisting on an investigation after filing a complaint?

Maybe someone has already covered this, but ... if Crabtree does sit out the entire year and re-enter the draft next year, do the 9ers get any kind of compensation? If so, what would it be? If there is no compensation, I say the 9ers trade him to the Raiders for several draft picks (including a #1), and see how he likes life in Al Davis land. Maybe DHB could then give Crabtree some of his money, and Crabtree could teach DHB how to catch a football.

> TAMPERING! Why aren't we insisting on an investigation after filing a complaint?

Maybe we are negotiating a deal with one of the "tampering" clubs, to be announced in March?

Swisso --

What will I say if both picks hold out next year? I'll say that the Niners will never be a winning team if they don't start signing first round picks.

What will I say if Crabtree is not a terrific WR? I'll say that the Niners miscalculated terribly by using the 10th overall pick on a guy who was a terrific flop.

I could care less about winning the contract negotiations. I don't cheer for the Niners to win contract negotiations.

Don't you all see that the other teams are happy to cheer on the deadlock between the Niners and Crabtree because the longer the Niners are without this guy the greater the competitive advantage of the other 31 teams because the other 31 teams have their 1st rounders on the field.

Drop him! No more DIVA'S! Hopefully he re enters the draft and gets picked in the second or third round next year and burns himself. Even if he signs he will be a pain in the you know what when he wants a new contract after he catches a pass!!!

We will know soon enough how much we need him. If Morgan plays well on sunday, Crabtree might be in trouble. If Morgan plays like a 6th rounder the Niners will be forced to do something.

Realistically and watching pre-season I think we desperately need him. So the FO should and probably will raise the offer as far possible to the #9 spot. But at the same time they need to cover themselves for next years two firstrounder-demands.

In any case he has lost a lot of credibitly with the fnbase and it will need more thn a TD or two to get the fans behind him. They probably boo him when he plays in SF the first time.

The reality is he dosent want to play that bad. If he was a football player and loved the game, he would have negotiated in good faith in the first place for his desire to get in camp was his # 1 priority. I don't think he wants to play. I also think if he came in, he most likely would get injured and his first season would be a wash. He is now damaged goods. The money he lost is due to him already being injured. Let him sit, maybe trade him for Brandon Marshall in the off season. At this point, I don't think the Niners should sign him.I don't want him on the team, and won't root for him. He is low class. IF the NIners dont force the hand of Goodell to investigate tampering with Dieon, I will lose respect for the front office. They should go to the mmedia, and force the issue. Is an employee of the NFL acting as a proxy for an agent. Sounds like tampering to me. We got punished for it, cost a pick and a flop pick with the bears. We need all the draft picks we can blow.

I just think he's afraid to take an NFL size hit from an opposing teams LB. Don't go up the middle Cashtree you might start crying. Don't want to mess up that pretty boy face of yours.

The 49ers need guys who want to play the game. Hard nose REAL football players. They don't need another TO. Look what that got us. I say move on! We have great depth at WR this year, and years to come. 1st round WR's don't add up anyways.

Yeah, that Goodell answer about the tampering issue is ridiculous. He is not a fan of the west-coast teams and that is really a problem for the league´s credibility. If Deion´s words don´t at least create a suspicion then I don´t know what does.

Shield_Battery, you are right, the 9ers should not lower the contract offer to Crabgrass, what they should do is simply pull the offer off the table and tell him when you are serious about playing in the NFL give us a call and maybe if we're not too busy we'll discuss a contract with you and your agent.

It's pretty clear what has happened here...one of the teams interested in Crabtree is the Dallas Cowboys, the NFL's most valuable team ($1.6B), with its new $1B stadium, and Goddell isn't going to do anything that could tarnish Jerry Jones' huge experiment this season. There is no way Goddell would take a way a future first round draft pick from the Cowboys, because they need to fill that stadium. On the bright side, maybe McCloughan can trade Crabtree for that Cowboys' pick next March.

I agree with Yosemite Sam about Dallas. I think the reason Craptree is staying in the Bay Area instead of home is that his home is the Dallas area. It wouldn't look to good when he signs with Jerry Jones next year. The last thing the commish wants is a lot of pictures in the press of Craptree hanging out with Cowboy personal and coming in and out of their facilities.

No Crabtree means more playing time for Morgan, Hill, and Spurlock. At this point I'd rather see these youngsters, who want to be on the field, develop into better players. I'm hoping Hill's anger over lack of opportunities in the pre-season leaves him with something to prove. And I'd love to see Morgan show us all his sixth (I think) round selection last year does not correlate with his abilities. And what if Spurlock realizes this may be his final year to prove he belongs in the league?

It may be wishful thinking, but one of these guys could develop into a playmaker. If that happens, I won't be too heartbroken if Crabtree's rights are traded to another team come springtime.

Matt,
Nobody is going to trade for him now, especially the Cowboys because they know they can just draft him in 2010 without giving up anything. Another team has to get involved and it is the Redskins, then the 49ers have some value. The 49ers blew their chance to trade him when they had the leverage to do so. If they would have sent him to Denver for Brandon Marshall back before training camp started it would have been a great move. The 49ers waited too long and allowed Crabtree to KILL his tradeability with his financial demands. He has lived without millions for 20+ years and he is obviously willing to do it for 10 more months to get almost double in guaranteed money from the Cowboys or Redskins and play in his hometown. The 49ers dropped the ball here early, they should have saw this coming and traded the rights when they had the leverage.

For those that call for the 9ers to raise their offer for fear of what it will say to prospective players--that is just one of the reasons that they should not increase their offer. 9er management would come off as weak, easy to manipulate, the impact would be seen in future negotiations with current players. Management has a good reputation for getting guys signed, for re-doing contracts before they expire. One unrealistic, me-me-me player will not tarnish that rep. Caving to his demands would.

Jed, Scott, Paraag, DON'T BLINK.

Here is the scoop from Dilfer and another positive sign Crabs is still thinking he will be a 49er:

"The only NFL-caliber quarterback to throw a pass to Michael Crabtree in the last two months? That would be Trent Dilfer, who worked out with Crabtree recently in the Bay Area. Dilfer told me a few moments ago that Crabtree had gotten sick of working with a JUGGS machine, and was looking for a live arm. The one rumor that Dilfer said he could put to rest was that Crabtree didn't want to sign a contract because he was hiding a lingering foot injury. "That's garbage," Dilfer said. "He's perfectly healthy. ... He looked good. He looked very fit." Dilfer's workout tells us two things. One, that Crabtree is healthy, working out and plans to hit the ground running when he does sign a contract.
This is certainly reading tea leaves, but it doesn't seem that a receiver who is hunkering down for a six-month holdout would be seeking out former NFL quarterbacks. And two, that Crabtree is in the Bay Area, an indication that he still plans to sign with the 49ers."

I hope the 49ers learn a valuable lesson here. Do noy say how high you had your pick rated before you have the pick signed. I am not surprised Crabtree feels his value is higher than a number ten pick. When the selection was made he was puffed up big time. If he does not sign everybody loses. I feel they should get everybody in a room with a mediator so they all have a true understanding of each others position.

Hardhitter49er - I have to disagree. When we drafted Kwame Harris, Patrick Willis, Joe Staley, and Kentwan Balmer we publicly stated on draft day that we didn't think they would be there by the time we made our pick. In fact, the Kwame and Kentwan picks were exactly that - The Niners had other players in mind, but when those guys "fell" to them so the pick became a no brainer. This happens every year in the daft. Teams are always “Surprised and happy” a player “fell” to them unexpectedly. Rarely does it lead to an absurd hold out. See my post above about Dilfer.

I don't see what a mediator does. The 9ers want to pay him a certain amount of money and MC feels he should make double that figure. Seems pretty clear to me. And calling for a mediator implies further negotiation. The 9ers have made a fair offer which has been met with unrealistic demands. Let him sit.

Wow! I can't believe the 9ers aren't pressing this issue. It seems to me that 9er management and ownership ought to be in Goodell's office pounding his desk demanding an investigation. Goodell must have some kind of power in this situation. Deny Crabtree the ability to sign with any team unless he cooperates with a tampering investigation. That would solve the problem as long as Parker and Sanders are forced to talk. It's time for Jed to grow a pair and demand equal treatment by the league.

Matt, can you find out what contact if any the 9ers have had with the league about all these tampering stories in the press?

Mike, to further your point. We ever expected to draft a WR in the first place so we are in the same boat at that position we would have been. I was happy Crab fell to us too. I was concerned about injury and other needs but was willing to see what this kid could bring.

The problem we are all seeing now is the kid is only bringing a cancer-ist headache. Further, it just hurts to see how well Orakpo and Maybin are performing in camp. Even Oher RT Balt.

This should be a challenge for the 9er WRs to show they don't need Crabtree and hopefully influence the fornt office to trade him next spring.

Too soon for punitive actions. I feel 9er management would love to get him signed. Then consider tampering charges.

But then, for all we know this conversation has already taken place. Who would admit it now? Not the 9ers, not the commish, and not the teams that may be guilty.

Thanks MM. I read you all the time, think you're the only regular worth reading, but never comment.

I agree wholeheartedly that a pre-draft trade is the BEST outcome for the 49ers at this point. I disagree with other responses here and believe there will be a market for a pre-draft trade and that the 49ers will be able to get something in return for what is now a mostly-(wasted)-postponed draft pick. In an uncapped year, teams will rather trade for Crabtree than risk someone else drafting him before they can.

I think the bigger question is: How will Mcloughlan handle it? Will he fail to get a decent trade because he doesn't want to look bad by going against the value card? I think it is odd that he hasn't gotten more chastizing for this situation. I haven't liked the way the 49ers have drafted in recent years and I think Scotty is as much to blame as Nolan. (Yes I know Nolan had final say) I doubt Singletary wanted Crabtree, but "the board" made the decision for Scotty. (Look closely at Singletary's reaction on video; I'll bet he reluctantly agreed but wasn't at all excited about it.) I'm tired of Scotty's "value." Draft the guy you WANT. You might get it wrong because the draft is a crapshoot, but at least then you will be getting it wrong (or right) based on your own football prowess, rather than Kiper's for example. Alex and Vernon were (bad) "value" picks. I like them both, but no one thought that Smith was the best player in the draft (that is laughable). They could have traded down for less value than the card shows. That takes courage. No one called the 49ers, but the 49ers could have picked up the phone and found a trade down for the right price. Again, that takes courage. Scotty and Nolan got bullied into that pick because they didn't want to look foolish and opted for the safer bet. I'm a big supporter of getting the guy you actually WANT, rather than going with the value of the card. Vernon is the same case. Few people think that a tight end, ANY tight end, is worth a top-10 pick. No one should draft a tight end that high. Here is an example: How did the Giants fare AFTER Shockey ceased to be their starting tight end? (Hint: won the Superbowl) Tight ends are necessary and I like an offense that runs and utilizes the tight end, so I very much like the tight end position, but it will never be a position which should be a focal point. Vernon was another bad draft choice, bullied into it because Scotty thought he was "best player available." Now back to Crabtree. My opinion is that Scotty didn't do enough homework (or worse, he did) on Crabtree because he didn't think he would be available and, again, the 49ers allowed themselves to be bullied by the value of the board rather than trying to draft the guy they actually WANTED. (Hint: trade down for guys you want if need be, even if the card value doesn't match. It takes courage.) Crabtree openly stated that one of his favorite hobbies (HOBBIES!!) was shopping and collecting cool clothes. Does that sound like the kind of player for a team in Singletary's image?!?! Don't get me wrong, I think Crabtree is a joke and my biggest pre-draft fear is that he would fall and the 49ers would draft him. Ugh. But I wonder why Scotty hasn't taken more rap for yet another poor top-10 pick?

The Niners blew it with Deon. Back then if they'd thrown a sack of gold at him like the Cowboys did, we'd have had a couple more Superbowl rings in the bay area.

Team thought they could win without him.

Paraag, Scott & young Jed have never faced a tough negotiator. They've had it easy. Unfortunately as a result of their inexperience, they've backed themselves into a corner. Not smart. Not smart at all. They need to wiggle out.

Seattle screwed slotting "practice" by signing a 6 year deal with Curry (he's got a better deal that the guy drafted higher than him). Something for Jed the preppie to think on?

I find these "retard" comments offensive. None of us knows exactly what is happening. I see a great talent and the Niners can't sign him.

If the Niners or Crabtree are refusing to negotiate they they are both wrong. Crabtree's only card is his refusal to not sign and if the Niners have a take it or leave it offer they are not trying to sign him.

I see this as a failure of management and don't buy the spin the Niners are leaking. I also don't buy Sanders comments. I think we are seeing a breakdown in 49ers Management by not having a SINGLE strong leader. This excutive committee management style of the Niners won't get it done and won't build a strong franchise.

Just who is in charge?

Why doesn't Crabtree want to play for the contract the 49ers gave him...?

I think it has everything to do with stats. Crabtree doesn't want to come to a team that he feels he won't be able put up big numbers.

If he was so talented, then why did he end up at Texas Tech instead of a big time program (no offense to TT fans)?! Because TT throws the ball all day long. And now he is terrified to come to a team that is looking to pound the ball in the running game.

I like what MM has to say...if he can't be happy with top 10 money, then trade him.

I predict we go 9-7 with or without the crabbypattie.

I've never thought recievers should be drafted in the top 10, they're too squirrely. It's like the difference between linemen and receivers is like dogs and cats.

Generally when you get a dog you kind of know what you're getting, and it doesn't take long for them to grow on you and you keep them forever. Cats on the other hand are only differentiated by their coat, and you have to be prepared to go through about 15 of them before you get one that's cool enough to keep.

So trade him for some good ole fashioned linemen or linebackers, draft more receivers in the 3rd/4th rounds until you get a good one (lot's of great receivers where drafted lower down).

"But if Crabtree doesn't need the money, then why does he continue to sit out in hopes of gaining a few extra million dollars that Sanders said he didn't need in the first place?"

That's what made the least sense out of all of Deion's bs. If he doesn't need the money, then why hold out? For the "principal of it?" BS, what principal?

When I heard that, I almost strained an eye muscle.

Your article helped me, develop a new mind set regarding Michael Crabtree. I was struggling with the logic of the situation: Because there is no logic on the face of it.

IF Michael Crabtree were to sit out for an entire year and go back into the draft he probably would be a late first round pick, or second round pick, and he would never see the money that we is demanding. He looks foolish; his friends look foolish as well as his agent. Also with the exception of maybe the Raiders I do not believe that any NFL franchise would break with the salary hierarchy for draft picks because it is bad for business.

Now here is the wrinkle, come spring the Niners will trade the rights to Crabtree to (this is W.A.G) the Dallas Cowboys. Why the Cowboys? 4 reasons:
1) They need a receiver
2) Michael Crabtree is from Texas and it would be good for business. (He would sell some tickets).
3) The Cowboys are not afraid of players with personality.
4) By trading Crabtree it allows the Cowboys to circumvent the Salary structure of the draft. This is a stretch on my part.

I have a hunch that this deal has not been discussed with the Niners. But it has been mentioned to the Cowboys. These were not formal contract talks but "a what if scenario". I also believe that these talks were not conducted by Eugene Parker, but he is aware of them. The individuals speaking with Cowboys are ex-players, like Dion Sanders, or Michael Irvin. I am singling them out because they have ties to the Cowboys, and are advising Crabtree. Again this is W.A.G.

I am not a conspiracy theorist but it is the only thing that makes any sense. Would an individual and his friends sacrifice all of the money and all loose face on principal? That makes no sense; unless you know something that none of us know.

If this is true or partially true I do believe that that the NFL should not sit on the "sidelines

He won't get more money next year. He's a 10th pick this year after two outstanding years of college on tape and without the hold-out fiasco, he won't be higher than 10th with a strong draft, one year lay-off, and the money hold-out with the 49ers.

The question is would someone pick him later say 15th to 20th and pay him what he wants, which is top 5 money? I don't think so. This will create a mess for that team contract negotiation, and I believe that the value/contract ratio of the 15th or lower pick is much higher than that of top 10th, so no team would put themselves in that situation.

Additionally, the 15th or lower pick teams are better teams who won't need an attitude in their team, so Crabtree is really screwed if he holds out. I believe that he will sign soon, and then lie that he loves the game too much that money isn't really an issue.

Teams that "run first" tend to favor explosive passing games because they keep the defense honest. You can't stack the box against a team if they can burn you for huge gains on the back end. That helped Gore during the 06 season, Alex was able to make a few of those huge plays to loosen up the defense from time to time. Hell, the bomb to Battle against Seattle is what turned that game around.

If Crab gets his crap in order, he may not catch 100 balls, but he could put up very strong numbers, even in a "conservative" run first offense.

Let's say Crabtree sat out the year and was able to make more or less DHB money. I would consider this a loss for him. To waste a year, tarnish your name in greed and play for another team other then the 9ers would be risky for 7-10 million more. Sign a five year deal. Make a pro Bowl and then go after the big contract like everyone else. Or sit out. Damn Crabbaby.

This is why I am wondering if there are back door negotiations going on here. The fact is we don't know. But the true spotlight here is... the offer is fair, the season is starting, Sing/team are receptive, and hopefully he loves football.

Go 9ers!!

I think it has become pretty clear that he just doesn't want to play for us. At this point, he knows the fanbase despises him for holding out so long and that the locker room will not give a warm welcome for insisting on so much money without earning it. I hope I'm wrong, but I'm about 90% sure he will never play for us and that number becomes 100% if he doesn't sign by this weekend.

However, I also think it's a bit ridiculous that we are not filing a tampering claim. It's pretty obvious that other teams have promised him more money in the draft next year and the 49ers should be trying to salvage any type of compensation for this mistake that they can.

...talk about a retarded comment itself...

WTF - has this got to do with having a strong leader, dude you need to lay off those "white bricks"...

"I see this as a failure of management and don't buy the spin the Niners are leaking. I also don't buy Sanders comments. I think we are seeing a breakdown in 49ers Management by not having a SINGLE strong leader. "

wtf is this guy talking about "spin".....the niners have been clear and on message since day 1.....

So Mr. self retard - What would a SINGLE strong leader do?.....= Pay him more than his slot,.....because he his the strong leader that deserves to spend the yorks money the way you want it spent....

God can we please start the season quickly - minds are being lost on here...

"Crabtree's mentor, Deion Sanders, said Crabtree does not need the money. He said he believes the rookie is prepared to sit out his entire first season in the NFL. But if Crabtree doesn't need the money, then why does he continue to sit out in hopes of gaining a few extra million dollars that Sanders said he didn't need in the first place?"

Matt, I'm assuming Deion simply means that Crabtree has enough money to sit out this season alone and get by for a year before he re-enters the draft or has his rights traded to another team. Then he gets his millions that he actually does need for the future.

I agree. He will not get more money next year. I still think he will sign with the 9ers this year, it's a matter of when. Money that can be made this year cannot be made up next year without significant risk. Would I trust any owner that might say I'll pay you double next year? Not me, especially with Jerry. Jerry's primary consideration is himself. If he has to throw MC under the bus he can do so without a second thought. And speaking of buses, 'life' is a risk. To sit on the sidelines waiting for a payday next year is a risk; ask Sanchez and Bradford, two collge QB's with two different actions. One went for the money, one stayed in school and is now hurt.

And on the Deion statement that MC doesn't need the money--I'm sure he means NOW, that he's not going to starve, will be able to train, to live. Not that he is wealthy now. His benefactors (Deion & his agent come to mind) will get reimbursed, consider it a loan.

So a source at 49ers offices and a friend of Crabtrees have both said they do believe other teams have contacted crabtree to say they would take him in the first round next year.

Nice!!! Once he is signed or once that 10th week rolls around we should file tampering charges through the media and then through the commish's office so he cant bury the story.

you make my points about retard comments perfectly.

Matt,

There are rumors in many sites that the two teams involved with CrapTree gate are Cowboys and Redskins. It doesn't surprise me because there two franchises would do anything to win (like signing QBs cut by other teams to learn playbooks etc)

Have you heard the same?

THE ONLY WAY TO SEE THIS SITUATION IS THIS:

ANQUAN BOLDIN, TERREL OWENS, OCHO CINCO HECK EVEN MARSHAL...THEY ARE DEMANDING TO BE PAID WHAT THEY REALLY DESERVE AND ACTING LIKE A-HOLES BUT AT LEAST THEY HAVE ALREADY SHOWED THEY CAN PLAY!!! MR. CRAPTREE WILL BE ANOTHER ASHLEY LESLIE, J J STOKES, ALEX SMITH, JIM DRUKENMILLER....1ST ROUND BUSTS AND I AM STARTING TO THINK HE WANTS ALL THAT MONEY BECAUSE THAT FOOT IS NOT REALLY WHERE IT SHOULD BE AND HE WANTS TO MAKE SURE THAT AT LEAST HE IS SET ONCE HE STARTS PLAYING AND GETS INJURED AGAIN FOR A LONG TIME ON THAT SAME FOOT. I HOPE WE DO NOT SIGN HIM ANYMORE...HE WILL BE ONE OF THOSE PLAYERS HOLDING OUT EVERY YEAR TRYING TO GET HIS CONTRACT RE WORKED OR SITTING IN THE DL. T O ANYONE?? I HOPE HE GOES TO THE COWBOYS AND REALLY GIVE THEM WHAT THEY ARE ASKING FOR..BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR..YOU MIGHT JUST GET IT.

I find it very difficult not to engage in the woulda ' shoulda' conjecture about our first pick - suffice it to say this situation is at best an irritant.A good start this season could make this business a footnote to a enjoyable season.With a little luck maybe we land another pick( either by a late trade or via tampering charges) who gets on the field and feels happy about an appropriate deal.God can we move on- this is just a drag!

AAAHHHHHH!!!!! I THOUGHT BETTER!!! I HOPE HE RE -ENTERS THE DRAFT AND GETS DRAFTED BY EITHER THE RAIDERS OR TH LIONS AND SITS ON THE CRAPHEAP OF LAST PLACE FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS!! A LOT OF MONEY BUT DOING NOTHING BUT WATCH OTHER TEAMS GO TO THE PLAYOFFS

i agree with you regarding the cowboys. Goodell is a politician, and he's gonna deaf ear the situation. jerry has him in his pocket. What a tool Goodell is. Crabtree isn't "corrupt", he's bein corrupted by Divas like deion Sanders and Mike Irvin. What a joke. if we don't get some compensation for the tampering that is going on, i feel it is my duty as a 49er fan to expose Goodells office as corrupt, greedy, and east coast biased. crabtree is a 20 yr old kid who is caught in the middle. Be careful of the "devil" Crabtree, he wears a star on his helmet.

I completely disagree. I think the 9ers should engage in very public saber rattling to send a strong message to any other team seeking to float a rumor out to Crabs people that they'd be willing to play ball next year if he sits out.

Perhaps they've had the conversation with the league and it was kept quiet but what's the point in 9er management keeping quiet? Of course, they should still work on the contract and try to sign the kid but the longer he's out the more attractive it will be to other teams to clandestinely get word to Crab's advisors that they'd be interested.

All the fans who think 49ers are at fault for not giving what Craptree(a receiver who hasn't even played a single down in NFL) are complete idiots. It hurts to call fellow 49er fans as idiots but there is no other way to say it. Nope, you are not being creative, passionate or anything else. You are all just plain idiots. PERIOD.

Once you agree with this demand, every 1st round player from now on will ask for more money.

Oneniner, i acctually agree with you!!!!

how ANYONE can say this is on the management and that Crab is in the right here is INSANE!!
the 49ers are doing excatly what they shld be doing and it wld be a disgrace if they cave. anyone that is for the crabtree camp obviously doesnt understand what it would mean for the 9ers future to just give in to this piece of garbage. you wld be basically sacrificing every draft pick forever and making your team the laughing stock of the league for one player that hasnt even played a down yet. Is that what Crabtree supporters want?

i will be all ears if one, just one person can give me a thoughtful well spoken legit argument for why this guy should be above the slotting system. So that means no opionion [EX: he is the best player in the draft(ok well maybe rogers was the best QB in his draft)] or oh we is looking out for himself, he might only have one contract(well so do 200+ other draft picks that abide by the system) Im talking a legit argument that says this guy is above the slotting system backed back facts, we'll all be waiting...

i have said this before this is not an opinion nor a negotiation, this is what you get paid as the 10th pick, done deal.

Finally,

Personally im over it. I know matt as well as the media have a job to do and thats 2 report on news and i respect that. I just wish no one ever wrote another article on him. ppl stopped commenting on him (unless its that legit argument bout why he deserves more. still waiting for that one) and stops asking questions about him. if i cld wave a magic wond n make it so all media and game day announcers and everyone just never speaks his name and just let him sit there and rot for a year i wld love that. im personally done with this guy. we are 3 days from game day and he is just a distractin at this point and i have come to terms with the fact he is just an a$$hole that will prolly nvr be a 9er. GOOD.

we have one last run with bruce who still looks good, morgan up and comming, Jones will come back from injury and a fire lit under Hill that makes me like him WAY more than Crabtree. Boys im ready to move into the future, Crabtree is the past.... let the Crabtree discussion STOP.... i know thats unrealistic

Shane, there is no reason.

Unless this guy is the next messiah, there is no reason for anyone or even Crabtree himself to think he is an NFL superstar. Or even better, a silver bullet that would save the 9ers from peril. This would be the only reason for the 9ers to pay him more.

This guy is just playing a silly game for little variance in terms when it comes to NFL salaries. 7 million... or like Prime said, why sign now if you can make twice as much next year?????????????????????????? You know that actually makes sense to me. Thanks Sanders (NFL employee). Can we get an investigation here??

Matt do us a favor please, find out where Diva is staying so i can go leave him a nice sized Flaming bag of poop on his porch.

id egg his house but id rather him stump the fire out with his bad foot.

I'm almost positive if he doesnt sign with us. Dallas will end up with him and feed him with a spoon made out of diamond.

MATT: So moving into the future, im curious why Hill is getting more attention. the guy is a good ball player that has come out n shown the exact attitude that Sing LOVES. i wld think sing is the kinda guy/coach that says alright kid, i love it, lets see what you got!!! is there a reason why are not talking more about this guy and we can get off any discusions about "the player"....

sry guys had to throw that one in there!

Are you sure you are not Ralph Barbieri from KNBR? Not everything is the fault of Niners' Management. Next, you will blame the whole thing on Parag.

I'm still in negotiation mode. I want to divulge as little info as possible as my goal is still to get the guy signed. If/when I see this is not a possibility I modify the offer so that it will not be accepted; at this point, if I feel tampering took place, I demand an investigation. Doing so now would not work as a deterent, all teams out there know they should not tamper, me rattling a sword will do nothing but draw attention to me.

im over this diva already. let dallas have him and feed him with a spoon made out of diamond. he doesnt deserve to be a niner.

Friday afternoon

(ring, ring)

Crabtree: It's the Man!

Subway Marketing rep: It sure is. Hey, have you signed your contract with the 49ers yet.

Crabtree: No, dawg. They won't pay me what I'm worth. Deion says I can make double with another team if I stay strong.

Subway Marketing rep: (long pause) Yeah...right. See here's the thing Crabtree. We gave you an endorsement contract contingent on you playing NFL football this year, not because of some hold out drama.

Crabtree: Look here, I got another call I have to take. (switches to call waiting) It's the Man!

Adidas Marketing rep: It sure is. Hey have you signed yet?....

Like I said a couple of days ago,if he doesn't come to his senses(if he has any) and fire his crazy agent Parker,then we should trade him to the Bengals next March,lol. .Then he can sit out another year(because unlike the Niners,the Bengals owner IS a cheap owner).
The niners ,as far as we know,have done everything properly.Hopefully they are compiling evidence for filing a tampering charge( with the unbiased Commish,lol.)
Crabs still might sign,and he might be a pro bowl WR for us for the next 10 years etc,but whatever happens,the Niners have secured respect from around the League with their stance on this issue and Crabs has also let his agent give him a reputation that may take him years to overcome.

But then after talking to Trent Dilfer(who worked out with Crabs this week in the Bay Area),Matt Barrows comes up with this conclusion...
--------------------------------------
"Dilfer's workout tells us two things. One, that Crabtree is healthy, working out and plans to hit the ground running when he does sign a contract. This is certainly reading tea leaves, but it doesn't seem that a receiver who is hunkering down for a six-month holdout would be seeking out former NFL quarterbacks for a game of catch. And two, it tells us that Crabtree is in the Bay Area, an indication that he still plans to sign with the 49ers."
--------------------------------------
So there is still hope that he will sign and both he and the team can move forward and put all the agent garbage behind them.But like I said,Crabs will need to be the good citizen and good team mate that he has always been to earn back his reputation that has been so completely tarnished by the handling of Parker.

Pity about poor Crabtree, though. Tick, tock, tick tock, tick, tock...

Great post hjt !!!
But it is certainly a low blow to compare anyone to Ralph Barbieri !!! LOL

Here's how I look at it:

Playing for the San Francisco 49ers is a privilege, regardless of what their record is at this point in time. This is a storied franchise; any player should be proud to play for the 49ers, period.

Specific to Crabtree, start deducting $10K a day from the offer for every day that his sorry ass doesn't sign!

This is an important threshold, we have to send a strong message to the players and the teams out there. We will not be bullied and if that means losing a supposedly good player, then so be it!

Here's how I look at it:

Playing for the San Francisco 49ers is a privilege, regardless of what their record is at this point in time. This is a storied franchise; any player should be proud to play for the 49ers, period.

Specific to Crabtree, start deducting $10K a day from the offer for every day that his sorry a$$ doesn't sign!

This is an important threshold, we have to send a strong message to the players and the teams out there. We will not be bullied and if that means losing a supposedly good player, then so be it!

Here's how I look at it:

Playing for the San Francisco 49ers is a privilege, regardless of what their record is at this point in time. This is a storied franchise; any player should be proud to play for the 49ers, period.

Specific to Crabtree, start deducting $10K a day from the offer for every day that he doesn't sign!

This is an important threshold, we have to send a strong message to the players and the teams out there. We will not be bullied and if that means losing a supposedly good player, then so be it!

Who cares if the 9ers draw attention to themselves? More power to em if they stand up for themselves. Public perception of 9er ownership is already dismal. Very strongly worded messages about management watching and demanding action if other teams tamper can only improve the perception of management. I don't know if it will deter other teams from tampering since it so obviously occurs (see Haynesworth & Chase Daniel). However, it will set the stage for later action if the league is put on notice that the 9ers won't be pushed around like they were in the Briggs fiasco.

Nope, but I wish he had his SF Giants tickets.

The season starts Sunday and I look forward to it. Hopefully they will be over .500 for the first time in 7 years! That's all that counts with me and all management should be judged on.

The Niners BLEW IT with Ricky Watters and Charles Haley, not Deion.

and now back to agent Eugene Parker:
media speculation today that Parker may have lead R.Seymour to believe that he (Parker) was further along in negotiations with the Pats on a new contract than was actually the case. A possible implication that Parker may have over-played his hand with the Pats in those negotiations, leading to Seymour's banishment, er, trade to the Raiders. But once again, how effective?
Will BOTH Seymour and Crabtree sit out 2009 and neither make a single $ this year? And Parker gets his % of $0.00. Brilliant! Let's get Parker on the SEC or The Fed.

Houston: I think what SC Rick meant by not drawing attention to themselves,is that they would want to not stir things up while there is still a chance that they can get the negotiation done . If they stir thigs up and the media picks it up then that might make the Parker camp feel they need to answer back in the media and stiffen their stance even more. You don't negotiate in public .But after the deal is done,if it ever is,then is the time to go after the tampering charges. Right now IF the Niners have any evidence of tampering,would be a great time to inform Parker in private that his career will be ruined if the Niners release the evidence,LOL.Sign the contract or we release the evidence. If all hope of getting Crabs to sign seem to be exausted,then is the time to file charges ,because you know it will no longer affect negotiations,since negotiations have proved once and for all to be hopeless with that Agent.

Wow, you just love to credit bunches of wins to single players with absurd contract demands, don't you? We lost multiple Super Bowls by not giving Deion Sanders a dumptruck full of money and now we're going to lose multiple games this year because we won't do it for Michael Crabtree either.

I've not forgotten that question you suddenly seem less then willing to answer for me. What's your basis for saying Michael Crabtree will be the deciding factor in winning at least two games we otherwise would have lost? What is it that you see that convinces you he's so special?

Wow, you just love to credit bunches of wins to single players with absurd contract demands, don't you? We lost multiple Super Bowls by not giving Deion Sanders a dumptruck full of money and now we're going to lose multiple games this year because we won't do it for Michael Crabtree either.

I've not forgotten that question you suddenly seem less then willing to answer for me. What's your basis for saying Michael Crabtree will be the deciding factor in winning at least two games we otherwise would have lost? What is it that you see that convinces you he's so special?

Tuna: Do you mean that Parker might be telling lies to his clients to get them to do as HE wants.lol Like I have been saying all along,Parker is a barraccuda and known to be a problem. And it would fit right in with Crabs being a naieve 21 year old athelete ,that knows nothing about the business side of football,being brainwashed and missled by a shark of an agent.
I hope these guys fire the rat,and I hope the Commish comes to his senses and looks into the tampering charges on his own.

I hope these guys are right for a change.Finally a ray of hope !!!

http://www.profootballcentral.com/2009/09/09/crabtree-considering-changing-agents/

Says Crabs might be considering changing agents and getting a deal done with the Niners !!!

http://www.profootballcentral.com/2009/09/09/crabtree-considering-changing-agents/

Maybe a ray of hope in the Crabs issue. Sounds like Crabs is thinking of finally firing his luny agent and getting a deal done with the Niners !!!
I hope these guys at football central are right !

Wow, that would be great!

Matt! I'm glad you opened up and gave us a little more detail of what's been going behind the scene.
Personally, I think Crab maybe another T.O type of personality. Especially with your statement that "he didn't exactly endear himself to members of the organization."
If Crab is what I think, we don't need a return to a T.O. But I'd laugh if Jerry Jones bought, and I mean bought Crab, how is he going to explain to his fans that he got rid of T.O. but hired a personality just like T.O.'s!!
Can't wait to see how he plays that!!

Hey Matt,

Why dont the niners give him a 6 year deal with a little more in guarrantees like say 20million. That way Crabtree feels like he wins the negotiation.

Thats what Aaron Curry did hes making more guaranteed money because its a 6 year deal.

6 YEAR DEAL?

What do you think.,
Thanks,

An unsigned blog entry outside of the major media circles apparently has access to multiple sources no one else does and extracts from them something what would be big news but then never bothers to cite where exactly that information came from? O.....kay. That seems a little to me like our anonymous author is examing the situation, reaching deep in to some bodily orifice and pulling out a bit of speculation. I'd take that one with a mine's worth of salt.

I am glad we can all put the focus on the true enemy here. Crabtree! As frustrating as it is that a first round draft pick goes to waste, I think it is even worse if that draft pick became a headache for several years. I definately agree with Matt, this guy doesn't have the character to help a struggling team get better because he is so consumed with himself.
I can't blame the 49ers for drafting him, if they had pased him up fans would compare it to the Warriors passing on Kobe Bryant (not that we can say Crabtree is going to be that good, but that the team wasn't willing to take a chance on a dynamic player).
As a bonus I hope they hit a couple of teams for tampering also. It would be great, in March we trade the rights to Crabtree for a 4th rounder in 2010 and a 1st rounder in 2011, plus we get comp picks from the two teams that were stupid enough to say anything to Sanders (who hopefully also gets fired from the NFL network)
...I am starting to feel better about this Crabtree pick already. not to mention Glenn Coffee and Nate Davis came out of this draft too.

Dear Michael Crabtree,

I hope you are reading every piece of negative commentary on your holdout, because you need another perspective. When idiots like Deion Sanders are telling you that you are better than all the other rookie recievers drafted this year, they are only stroking your foolish ego. NEWS FLASH: INDIVIDUALS DO NOT WIN SUPERBOWLS, TEAMS DO!

You need to realize that you have not proved anything in the NFL and you have DONE NOTHING to deserve more money than the other nine players drafted ahead of you! It would serve you right to end up like David Verser and throw away a shot at fame and fortune because of your selfish pride! If you don't know who David Verser is, then you need to read the following article and notice all the similarities between his story and yours.

http://www.enquirer.com/editions/1997/07/20/loc_verser.html

The difference between Verser and you is that you still have a chance to right your attitude and get your rookie a$$ in camp! For Christ's sake, kids are dying of malnutrition in Africa and you are snubbing your nose at $20 million because you think your poo smells like roses. Pride will get you nowhere except a place where people disdain you (as I'm sure you've already observed). A humble attitude, hard work, and dedication will get you where you want to be - just ask Patrick Willis - oh wait...I forgot...you wouldn't know anything about him because you've left him and your would-be teammates high and dry! Wow, now that's something to be proud of! The clock is ticking - as each second passes you are falling farther behind the curve. Get off your high horse and PROVE me wrong!

Sincerely,
A concerned 49er fan

I don't get how any true Niner fan would even suggest they up Crabtree's offer. The idea that the NFL is looking down on the Niners for not signing him is absurd. They're being fiscally responsible, which is more than I can say for a number of teams...especially the one across the Bay. Let Crabtree sit out the season...and see what he's worth in the next draft. I agree, trading him is a good move IF they can get fair market value. If not, let him enter the 2010 draft and let's just see if any team's stupid enough to offer him $40M! We don't need any divas on our team...and while I'm not a big Mangini fan, it looks like he was right about Mr. Crabtree.

I don't get how any true Niner fan would even suggest they up Crabtree's offer. The idea that the NFL is looking down on the Niners for not signing him is absurd. They're being fiscally responsible, which is more than I can say for a number of teams...especially the one across the Bay. Let Crabtree sit out the season...and see what he's worth in the next draft. I agree, trading him is a good move IF they can get fair market value. If not, let him enter the 2010 draft and let's just see if any team's stupid enough to offer him $40M! We don't need any divas on our team...and while I'm not a big Mangini fan, it looks like he was right about Mr. Crabtree.

Does anyone know of any recent comments from his Texas Tech coach who was soo offended that Mangini said Crabtree was a Diva?

Crabtree should be dealt off to some other team for some draft picks next year. Let the little girl go. Let some other team be her daddy. Honestly...the NFL should put a $600K salary cap on all rookies just coming out of the draft. There has been so many players like an Alex Smith, Reggie Bush, Jamarcuss Russell etcetera that just dont amount to the negotiated contract. Reggie Bush was a great player in college and will probably be an above average player in the league if used in a system that works for him but so far, these guys have not truly produced the numbers that the public hoped for. Why pay the big bucks for some yahoo that did really great in college but hasn't put in a year or two in the NFL? If Crabtree does sign on with the 49ers, he had better put up a 1000 yard season with at least 10 touch down receptions to get my vote of confidence. If he can't produce an infantile (sp?) level of greatness, he was a waste. The longer he holds out the more I am going to expect from him. Had he signed a couple weeks ago, I'd have probably been happy with a 650 yard season and 6 touch down receptions. There's an obvious flaw in the NFl for allowing something like this to go on for as long as it has and that in turn has bred little prima donnas that haven't proven that they are worth the contracts that they are negotiating. "Hey Crabcakes, if you sign on with the 49ers, you'd better put up a 1000 yard season and a dime in touchdown receptions".

If you sign up with the 49ers, I'm going to expect a 1000 yard season and a dime for touch down receptions in your rookie year. If you can't produce an infantile level of greatness, you're not worth the negotiated contract. The NFL should set a $600K cap for any player entering his rookie year. Big contracts should only be allowed after a player has put in his time for a minimum of a year. Prove yourself and then negotiate. Stop being a prima donna crying for more money when all you have to back up your negotiations is a college career. Just look at Alex Smith, Jamarcuss Russel and the list goes on. These guys have yet to produce a level of skill that justifies their contract.

Receivers don't win championships. Welker was on Miami and did pretty good but didn't carry the team. When he went to NE he was a big part but they would have done just as good with another slot in there. NE is an example of a team effort. So is Indy. So is the 9ers of old.

THis is interesting to watch throughout the year. Though it was the game this year Texas Tech is already putting up the numbers that will produce another Crabtree. Weak conference, weak DBs and 48 pass attempts in first game.

-------------------------------
Gimmick Offense Texas Tech receiver Jeff Fuller

Rec: 8 Yards: 146 Ave: 18.3 TD: 1 Long: 49

Jeff Fuller #8 WR
Height 6-0
Weight 205 lbs
Class Junior
-------------------------------

Receivers don't win championships. Welker was on Miami and did pretty good but didn't carry the team. When he went to NE he was a big part but they would have done just as good with another slot in there. NE is an example of a team effort. So is Indy. So is the 9ers of old.

THis is interesting to watch throughout the year. Though it was the game this year Texas Tech is already putting up the numbers that will produce another Crabtree. Weak conference, weak DBs and 48 pass attempts in first game.

-------------------------------
Gimmick Offense Texas Tech receiver Jeff Fuller

Rec: 8 Yards: 146 Ave: 18.3 TD: 1 Long: 49

Jeff Fuller #8 WR
Height 6-0
Weight 205 lbs
Class Junior
-------------------------------

Receivers don't win championships. Welker was on Miami and did pretty good but didn't carry the team. When he went to NE he was a big part but they would have done just as good with another slot in there. NE is an example of a team effort. So is Indy. So is the 9ers of old.

This is interesting to watch throughout the year. Though it was the game this year Texas Tech is already putting up the numbers that will produce another Crabtree. Weak conference, weak DBs and 48 pass attempts in first game.

-------------------------------
Gimmick Offense Texas Tech receiver Jeff Fuller

Rec: 8 Yards: 146 Ave: 18.3 TD: 1 Long: 49

Jeff Fuller #8 WR
Height 6-0
Weight 205 lbs
Class Junior
-------------------------------

michael have you considered that you were the no. 1 reciever in college football in 2008 and were drafted tenth and rey malaluega was defensive college playr of the year and slipped to the second round. after his initial dissapointment he signed his contract with the plan to prove his doubters wrong!TIME TO MAN UP MICHAEL! if you are as good as you imagine think how vindicated you will look when you prove your doubters wrong. two of the top players in the 2008 draft! one is facing his demons with confidence and taking the challenge headon. the other is trying to avoid contact on and off the field. no one doubts your confidence in yourself and your abilities. what we doubt is you commitment to the game that can make you a rich PLAYER or just a rich MAN. TIME TO MAN UP PLAYER!!

letter to michael, have you considered that you were the no. 1 reciever in college football in 2008 and were drafted tenth and rey malaluega was defensive college playr of the year and slipped to the second round. after his initial dissapointment he signed his contract with the plan to prove his doubters wrong!TIME TO MAN UP MICHAEL! if you are as good as you imagine think how vindicated you will look when you prove your doubters wrong. two of the top players in the 2008 draft! one is facing his demons with confidence and taking the challenge headon. the other is trying to avoid contact on and off the field. no one doubts your confidence in yourself and your abilities. what we doubt is you commitment to the game that can make you a rich PLAYER or just a rich MAN. TIME TO MAN UP PLAYER!!

come on michael two guys at the top of their class one man one boy. sooo saaaad

michael are you a character guy or just a character?

ninerbob | September 9, 2009 10:46 PM | Reply
Does anyone know of any recent comments from his Texas Tech coach who was soo offended that Mangini said Crabtree was a Diva?
-----------------------------------------------
Yep,he was just on tv the other day and he said that he thought that Crabs was probably not even keeping in touch constantly with his agent,because that is just how Crabs is,a player,not a businessman.He said he will be keeping in shape ans just waiting for his agent to call him when he has a contract to sign.
He said all the garbage in the media about Crabs was just that ,garbage. He said the guy is a good kid and great team mate ,etc. and he repeated that Crabs is actually rather shy and not a Diva in any way.

But what does he know,he is only the kids HC and knows him better than anyone outside his family.It's much more logical to believe the media,that Crabs is running the negotiations and Parker is just an honest agent doing as he is told by that man of the world,Crabs,yeah right.
Hopefully that story that Crabs is getting fed up with Parker is true!