Recently in Tampering Category

Chicago Bears linebacker and Sacramento native Lance Briggs was certain he would be playing for the 49ers. The 49ers and Bears talked at the 2007 trade deadline about a deal that would send Briggs to the 49ers.

That deal fell through. But Briggs, who was a scheduled free agent in 2008, knew he would sign with the 49ers. He said his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told him. But just prior to the start of free agency, Rosenhaus informed Briggs that the 49ers were no longer going to sign him.

Briggs said the 49ers were pulling out at the last minute. Briggs spoke this morning with 49ers reporters on a conference call.

Of course, we all know what happened. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell ruled the 49ers had violated the league's anti-tampering policy. The 49ers had to forfeit a 2008 fifth-round draft pick and were forced to swap third-round picks with the Bears as punishment.