APMichael Crabtree
Michael Crabtree’s contract impasse with the San Francisco 49ers reached Day 12, although it’s quieted down since word from his camp that the wide receiver is willing to sit out the entire season if he doesn’t get the kind of deal he’s seeking — more money than Oakland wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, drafted three slots ahead of him.
No one believes this is going to happen, but what else can an agent like Eugene Parker tell his client if he doesn’t like the contract offer? Sign or sit out, that’s it. Matt Maiocco, on his Instant 49ers blog, points out that Crabtree is tied for the sixth-longest holdout in franchise history but is nowhere near the 43 days defensive tackle Jimmy Webb missed in 1975. The hope is that Crabtree doesn’t come close to anything like that.
After closing the deal for Tyson Jackson with Kansas City, Parker has only the Crabtree situation to handle, and he’s doing it alone. Longtime sports marketing player Mike Ornstein, who formerly worked for the Raiders and NFL Properties, is tied in with Crabtree to handle his off-field business. Ornstein is not involved in the contract situation, a source said.
But this doesn’t mean Crabtree doesn’t have at least one other person in his ear. His cousin David Wells told ESPN that Crabtree indeed was willing to sit out the entire season and re-enter the draft. Deadspin dug up a 2002 story in the Dallas Observer, a 5,000-word investigative piece on Wells, his background as a bail bondsman and his criminal past.
The motto of Wells’ company? “U Ring We Spring.” Somebody needs to give someone a ring to get negotiations going.
Michael Crabtree?
Who cares.
Nice message this sends to the 10% unemployed in this country. Can someone who hasn't played a down in the NFL really be this arrogant? I agree that the 49ers should give him a date and then refuse to negotiate further.
Can fines be allocated against his contract in pro-rated fashion?
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Aug 08, 2009
11:41 AM
The Niners should give this dolt a date certain, by which point he either signs a contract or he can sit for the year, earning nothing and worrying about how GMs will react to his act next year in the draft. He'll be very lucky to be a top 20 selection in '10. Who wants to risk wasting a pick on a guy with all his baggage?
He may be doing the 49ers a favor. If he came in next week, it's doubtful he would contribute much this year. Most rookie receivers struggle anyway, and he has missed camp and may still have injury issues. Use a fraction of the money he would get on a vet FA receiver and forget him.