Possible trouble brewing with the #10 pick

[zazie]

I started this post yesterday because there were rumblings that the deal between the San Francisco 49ers and Michael Crabtree, the 10th overall pick, were holding up other first round deals.

 

"In a development that may directly affect when the Bills and #11 pick Aaron Maybin agree to terms, Matt Maiocco, a very respected beat writer following the 49ers is hearing that #10 pick Michael Crabtree and the 49ers are far apart in their negotiations. He further mentions that Crabtree's agent is Eugene Parker who is not shy about advising his clients to hold out when he thinks it might be needed.

 

"At least four of Parker's clients had contract issues last season. Bills tackle Jason Peters skipped 43 days and missed the season opener. Rams running back Steven Jackson held out for 27 days before signing a new contract. Bears return man Devin Hester did not report for the first two days of camp before signing a new deal. And Cardinals rookie cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie missed two practices before signing his contract."

 

http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2009/0...-stalemate.html

 

Maiocco speculates that Crabtree and Parker are arguing that they deserve more money than the #10 slot because Crabtree slid due to injury concerns. There were other factors besides the injury though. Reportedly Browns coach Eric Mangini was turned off to Crabtree because he brought an entourage with him to Cleveland for a pre-draft visit. More recently:

 

"A 49ers source told me (Maiocco) this week, however, of an episode this offseason that rubbed some of his teammates the wrong way. The source said that Crabtree, rehabbing his foot, showed up late for a meeting, prompting coach Mike Singletary to prescribe extra running for the entire team. Crabtree, per the source, did not say a word to his teammates about it - no apology."

 

This theory has grown stronger in the last 24 hours or so.

 

According to the Denver Post:

 

"One league source said the hold up with first-round negotiations _ only four of 32 had signed by Monday morning _ was San Francisco’s Michael Crabtree. The receiver from Texas Tech was a No. 10 overall draft pick but he is seeking top 3 money."

DJ would have apologized to his guys for starting the meeting late while waiting for someone. Extra running??? That's crazy, these guys like to play togather!