Michael Crabtree Contract Holdout: Enter the "advisers"
by David Fucillo on Aug 6, 2009 10:59 AM PDT
in San Francisco 49ers News
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PrintFOOCH'S NOTE 3:35pm: Welcome to all the folks coming over from the Yahoo Sports article on the Crabtree/Parker shenanigans. Feel free to explore the site. If you want to join in our discussion, registration is free and easy (link down at the bottom of the page). If you have any questions, leave a comment, or email me at ninersnation@gmail.com.
FOOCH'S UPDATE 1:45pm: As was pointed out in the comments, Crabtree's agent Eugene Parker has come out and said no such threats were made. As this drags on it shouldn't be surprising that more and more opinions are thrown out there, be it family, friend or otherwise.
Parker: "You've known me a long time and I'm not a guy who makes threats. Nor am I a guy who negotiates in the public. I don't know where this came from but no such threat has been made.
________________________________________________________________
This is indeed turning into a soap opera. Now we've got the "cousin/adviser" offering up a new threat. Just to be clear, the comments mentioned by ESPN are by Michael Crabtree's cousin and "adviser" David Wells and not by agent Eugene Parker. According to Wells:
"We are prepared to [sit out this season re-enter the NFL Draft in 2010]," Wells said. "Michael just wants fair-market value. They took him with the 10th pick and you have Darrius Heyward-Bay getting $38 million? This week is crucial. Michael was one of the best players in the draft and he just wants to be paid like one of the best players. This week is very crucial."
Before getting in a huff over these comments, I want to know what Crabtree's agent Eugene Parker has to say about this. It's obviously just a threat at this point, but if Parker and Crabtree are prepared to play this out to that conclusion, we are officially in the midst of quite the game of chicken.
One problem with this quotation from Wells is that it's not entirely clear what he's saying. Does he mean Crabtree should get more than DHB or what exactly? The story says "Wells said he believes the Niners have made an offer but that it is not acceptable." If Wells only "believes" a contract offer was made, how much does he really know about the situation?
Nothing annoys me more than when somebody with NO business in a situation decides to interject himself. When amateur athletes go pro in just about any sport you get the folks hanging around hoping for some crumbs from the big boy table. The question is whether Wells is one of those guys. Maybe he has Michael Crabtree's best interests in mind, but I think it's reasonable to be a bit skeptical of Wells' motives. Is it really in Michael Crabtree's best interests to re-enter the draft next year? I would imagine he would go further down the draft board having not played football for over a year. If that's the case, he's getting even less slot money and there's no way a team later in the first round (if even then) is willing to pay him the kind of money he's being offered now.
At this point, until we get some further clarification, I really don't know where this situation is going or how it will play out. Either way, it might just get worse before it gets better.
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advisers?? huh
somebody needs to advise C-tree to sign that damm contract! Deion, Jordan? dudes getting a Jordan shoe contract too correct?
by nacho49 on Aug 6, 2009 11:09 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
Michael Spurlock's
looking good in practice.
Unfortunately for Crabtree receiver is the deepest position on the Niners’ squad this camp.
Meanwhile, David Wells will be sitting out the season because nobody drafted his ass. I say ignore Crabtree until he shows up to play. He’s already so far behind the rest of the receivers the Niners will have to cut someone who’s immediately more valuable to fit him on the roster.
by Bob In Beaverton on Aug 6, 2009 2:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Damage Control
or lack of it. The ballcourt swings in favor of the Niners. Parker got to be beating the wall right now!!! If a player cann’t listen to his agent and let a low life Cousin speak in his behalf without Parker knowing, then let hin sit out and watch how much he’ll make next year. Maybe he can complete his senior year in the CFL, playing with his TD Buddy, Harrell !!!!
by LASVEGASNINER on Aug 6, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions
The rules of engagements are
The Niners can still sign him until the 10th game of the year. After that, they cann’t select or sign him until after the 1st round in 2010. Why?, he’ll most likely drop in draft rounds. They can trade him for a player or draft choice. He doesn’t need to sign when traded. If the Niners can recover the 2nd and 4th round picks they gave away, that would be a fair deal.
by LASVEGASNINER on Aug 6, 2009 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Based on how Belichick wheels and deals
a trade for a pick and a player might work for the Niners. We need extra help at DBs or whatever position needed. McC needs to invesigated all possibilties.If he sits on his" DUFF", then we need to reevalulated hs position. Cause I’m not a fan of him !!!
by LASVEGASNINER on Aug 6, 2009 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions
McC cann't wait long !
The value of Crabtree will deteroiated quickly !! The best deal is a unknown but the value could be high .I would rather recover something than nothing ! Any good Business owner has to make a call, whether it’s good or bad. Better than standing pat ! So it’s early, but who’s running tne SHOW !!!!
by LASVEGASNINER on Aug 6, 2009 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions
I really don't see Crabtree sitting out a whole year and going in the top 10 again
Thank you Al Davis for Michael Crabtree!!!!!
Either pay him what he wants, or let him go. If he doesn’t get what he wants, he probably won’t give 100% on the field. The “adviser” made a contradictory statement saying he was picked # 10 and wants fair market value, and Hayward-Bey was given $38 million and picked ahead of him… I would think fair market value would be less than that $38 million.. not more.
That's not...
… fair market value. That’s fair “Crabtree value.” Market value would be him accepting what the 49ers offered him, which is probably right around slot money.
yeah, but he was picked #10, so he needs to deal with it, get over it, and move on. Just cuz he thinks he should have been picked higher doesn’t mean that he should get paid what he wants. 9 other teams didn’t think he was worthy of that high of a pick… and I think those 9 other teams have more experience in determining a players value… at least more than Crabtree and his cousin have. (cuz the Lions and Raiders are in there and don’t have the best track record for player evaluation).
I do think that he should get something comparable to Hayward-bey… and if it ever comes out that the Niners are indeed trying to short change him, then I’ll be pissed with the 49ers.
i think the 9ers
are willing to give him his slot worth… no more, no less. IMO “moneytree” doesnt want to have work to earn the money because DHB got 38 mil for his college career at #7
aka GOLDENBOYWARRIOR
I have nothing to add that hasn't been by anyone else on this post..
For the record I support the "pay him based on draft slot with incentives.. If the kid is as good as he thinks he is then it shouldn’t be an issue to actually have to earn the BIG BUCKS. I also like the "moneytree" tag. seems to fit.. I really doubt that he will waist the season sitting on his college laurals because he will lille mot get drafted at the some spot and will wind up getting less in the long run than if he signs now.
by WC-Ninerhead on Aug 6, 2009 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions
"Show me the MONEY!!"
?
The cake is a lie.
by Sultan of Seitan on Aug 6, 2009 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions
+1
To you, for nerdiness.
The cake is a lie.
by Sultan of Seitan on Aug 6, 2009 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions
The funniest thing, is that he won’t be picked high next draft, and he’ll end up losing this years salary as well. So ALL that money that you’re fighting for is probably LESS than what he’ll make this season.
at least
Josh Morgan is looking good in camp… DHB cant catch a cold if i sneezed in his face!!! honestly, id rather have “moneytree” holdout drama then have wasted a pick on DHB!
aka GOLDENBOYWARRIOR
Is...
… DHB really doing poorly in camp thusfar? (Pardon my ignorance of Raiders news.)
DHB
When I was at camp, one of the reporters who had spent some time at Raiders camp said, “Michael Crabtree has caught as many passes in camp as Heyward-Bay.”
by David Fucillo on Aug 6, 2009 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions
yeah but
im not sure if its because he’s DHB that the media reports every drop ball or he doesnt have have the hands to catch a ball… he isnt having the best camp but would you rather him struggle at camp or hold out at camp?
aka GOLDENBOYWARRIOR
That's a bit tougher...
If there’s a guarantee that the hold out will eventually sign, I’ll take the holdout.
hummm,
I disagree. I’d take the player in camp, struggles and all. It’s easier to get acquainted with the NFL game by actually practicing it with other NFL players. Crabtree may be head and shoulders above DHB in terms of talent and football acumen, but he’s not on the field showing that.
His agent is for crap. He can’t even get Tyson Jackson signed (E. Parker represents the Chiefs’s third overall pick.). Crabtree comes from a gimmicky offense (college spread) where his route running did not have to be very precise. The NFL is a completely different game. The athletes are faster, stronger, and, more importantly, smarter. As a result, timing and chemistry become key variables. How many times have we heard of the importance of a defensive or offensive line needing time to jell? Or a reciever and his quarterback needing to trust each other enough to predict where the player will catch the ball most effectively? Innumerable.
Yes, the NFL is a business, but it’s an image business. And, as to yet, Michael Crabtree and his agent have not been building his image and franchise effectively.
by fuller over bryant on Aug 6, 2009 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions
That's why..
… I quantified it with “if there’s a guarantee the hold out will eventually sign.” The way I see it, I’d rather have Crabtree get a late start than have a DHB who’s a one trick pony and apparently has bad hands.
werd.
I saw that qualifier, but I still hold to my statement. I hate assuming, but for the purposes of our discussion I will. I assume that you are looking at Crabtree’s potential football career being qualitatively better than DHB’s. This may turn out to be true, but far too many variables would come into play to make this assumption a definitive statement. My comments are geared towards the present training camp situation. If I had to choose between the player who is in camp working, vs. the player who is holding out, then I’m gonna go with the prior. I’d rather know what I am working with in camp, and adjust in camp. having played soccer for several years (into my college days) i can honestly tell you that functional practices occur in the preseason. the regular season is about staying in shape and maintaining focus.
In either case, I understand and agree with your point about Michael Crabtree having greater pro potential than DHB.
by fuller over bryant on Aug 6, 2009 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions
No doubt, I think the 49ers are gonna need another receiver to compliment Morgan, and I’d love for that guy to be Crabtree… but I wouldn’t be pissed if they made an example out of him and let him re-enter the draft next season.
I just have a sick feeling that both DHB and Crabby Patty aren’t going to live up to there contracts.
It's kind of messed up...
… that NFL teams don’t get re-compensated for first round picks who won’t sign.
It sure would make things more interesting, and also give the teams a bargaining chip on their side.
It seems to be a pretty...
… cool “chip” in baseball. Of course, they have a lot more to contend with when trying to sign a draftee (i.e. college commitments and such).
I wanted to ask about this
You’ve answered part of my question (which was whether there’s compensation for an unsigned pick), but, in theory, let’s say there’s another team that would want to pay Crabtree’s agent’s demands – can the 49ers trade a player that they’ve drafter but haven’t signed? I’m assuming yes, what with the trades that go on on draft day?
I’m not suggesting that this is the best idea, or anything, I just don’t know what the answer is
Trades
I’d imagine the 49ers can definitely trade away the rights to sign Crabtree. Just look back to when Rivers and Manning were swapped in their draft. Each team was trading their rights to sign their respective draftees.
The only downside to the 49ers trading Crabtree right now would be that they’d NEVER get close to #10 pick compensation for him. Heck, I’d venture to say that they’d be lucky if they get a future second rounder for Crabtree.
No, I agree
the situation just made me realise I didn’t know if that were even possible
Hold on a second
You got the best Recieving group in years !!! You got a player like B. Jones who will take the next step or WR like Morgan Hill, Zeigler, Davis or anyone who may surprise all of us. Don’t be so down on this group. It’s the best we had had in years with a QB that can throw within the range to move the chain. 1st and GOAL !!!!!!
by LASVEGASNINER on Aug 6, 2009 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe I'm way off but.....
Just a theory, but this could be a situation where Crabtree is clearly being taken advantage of. I’m making a slight assumption that he didn’t grow up with much money, and neither did his cousin I’m guessing. This could be a situation where those around him see an opportunity to use him for their own financial purposes and are exploiting his status as an athlete. This was this case with Mike Tyson if I recall correctly (not that crabtree is of the same magnitude). We haven’t heard from Crabtree at all, so either he is letting these people speak on his behalf or they are simply telling him that they have his best interests at heart (when they may not) and he doesn’t have the wherewithal or experience in the world to realize whats going on. Being a star athlete I’m guessing academics weren’t always his area of focus through high school and his few years of college.
Once again I could be completely wrong, its just a guess.
I’ve seen his group featured on NFL Network and yes he does have a lot of kiss ass yes men hanging around him. I think that is where the Browns came up with that “Diva” quote. Still professional sports agents deal with the player directly and leave Drama and Turtle in the other room. It’s likely his handlers try to fill his head with ideas but none are actually pulling the strings.
Pleaseeee......
Don’t make a theart like that. I’ll never call you again !!!!
by LASVEGASNINER on Aug 6, 2009 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions
This is absurd.
If they aren’t going to institute a rookie pay-scale yet, why the hell don’t teams begin negotiating with their first round picks the day after the draft? This always happens because franchises wait until the last week to even pick up the phone and begin talks.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
I really hope they are working on that rookie pay scale. I also thought they needed to make a cap for individual players too… cuz, c’mon now, they just paid Eli Manning nearly $100 million, yet guys like him, and rookies get paid more than the veteran’s do. I’m not saying Eli should be paid like a veteran, I just think it’s absurd to make him the highest paid player in the NFL. I said their should be a cap on veteran’s too, so that more money will get spread out to some of the underpaid veteran’s… and my brother called me a Commie Bastard… so if we can at least get that rookie pay scale going, then I’ll be happy.
difficulty with pay scale
The difficulty with developing a pay scale would be that salaries vary so widely by position. There’s no way Tyson Jackson would have been drafted where he was if he wasn’t a 3-4 DE who doesn’t command skill position money.
Morgan breaks through in 2009!
I remember how much I laughed . . .
At the raiders when JaMarcus russel held out. Now, it’s not so funny. In fact, I am quite disgusted the more I think about it.
The sense of entitlement these primadonas (yeah I said it) feel just because of their draft selection quite frankly disgusts me. What’s another million… honestly? You just got out of college, give me a break. I’m getting out of college, and moving back in with my parents (something I thought I would never do), hopefully to get the opportunity to bust my balls working some low-end job to scrape up enough money to afford my student loan payments for a 100k education.
I’m not saying these people don’t work hard, and should not be rewarded, afterall they make the respective franchises tons of money (if they can work as a winning team). But feeling the need to have a big contract as a status symbol? Earn it the next time around when you’re a free agent.
I have two words for Michael Crabtree (**** You!)
by dkons21 on Aug 6, 2009 11:19 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
when russell sat out
my stomach turned everyday because every report was coming out negative about jrock!!! “moneytree” just wants he feels he deserves. good luck cause i feel like a deserve a raise but i dont think im gonna get it… or should i hold out till i find a better job?
aka GOLDENBOYWARRIOR
Exactly.
Kid should feel blessed about his abilities and situation. Not have an ego, I’d tell my agent where to stick it, if he’s good enough endorsements will come in that make his salary look like pocket change anyway.
And...
… it’s not like the 49ers refuse to give players extensions and more money if they earn it.
That’s the other point. If he does turn out to be as good as “that receiver who played next to John Taylor” than the 49ers will be more than willing to restructure the contract. They didn’t blink to redo Frank Gore’s contract for a huge pay raise.
Heck.
Staley hasn’t proven a whole lot, but they’ve even given him a pay upgrade with his extension.
I don't think..
… Singletary would alienate his potential star player like that. He did say he’d like for him to sign, but Singletary held out in the past, too.
The only difference in the JaMarcus Russel holdout was the Raiders really were low balling their offer (severely). I thought it was funny too because so many people before the draft told Al Davis not to draft JaMarcus because he’d be unable to stomach the bill for #1 pick QB.
We all know how great Al Davis is...
At everything he does. My heart always goes out to my friends who are raider fans.
Bye Bye Crabtree
If you think that is great advice… have fun next year with 3 round or lower money
this could be a distraction for the receicing core, i know its not crabtree’s fault, his agent is corrupting his fragile little mind, he holds out,no impact no next WR superstar, hes skipping on important practice time that will hurt him in the long run, honestly i can understand what his agent wants, but suck it up! he got picked in the 10th he deserves that money, niners arent that dumb, if he leaves then good bye, all we need is josh morgan and brandon jones for hill/smith
glad i didn't get that
Crabtree jersey, and even if he does sign probably won’t ever get one now. This whole situation is making me less of a Crabtree fan by the day
and in his 4th season, VD broke through the wall, Niners fan rejoiced and all was well in the kingdom. Singletary 3:42
by 49erLou on Aug 6, 2009 11:28 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
It's all B.S. until he signs the contract..
All a bunch of “he said she said we don’t know whats really going on my heads up my ass nonsense”.
Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.
Dont need him..
I admit, I like many others was excited about drafting Crabtree..but now I could care less about having him. Come on now..you just had surgery..you didn’t attend the combine..did very little in otas n spring training n now your not at training camp. YOU RE A ROOKIE!! PROVE YOURSELF FIRST! Good luck in next years draft cause you’ll slip way past 10 lucky if your taken in 2nd round. On another note Go Morgan!!
by Living49rLegend on Aug 6, 2009 11:37 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
I don't know what you guys think of Ray Ratto
but he has an interesting take on the Crab situation.
His argument basically says, sign Crab no matter the ramification of screwing up the draft slot system, because its likely to be re-worked this offseason anyway. How likely is that? Are we really likely to see a new CBA with a new draft slot salary system?
by Andrew Davidson on Aug 6, 2009 11:43 AM PDT reply actions
Even...
… if there was a new CBA, it shouldn’t affect previous contracts unless those contracts are hindering the team’s salary cap figure. Even then, the bonus money will have already been paid out.
how does he know for sure though?
is the draft process not related to the CBA at all?
if there’s no CBA, there’s no telling what the draft system is, is there?
by Andrew Davidson on Aug 6, 2009 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions
draft
The CBA covers EVERYTHING in the league. Part of the negotiations on the new CBA will include instituting a slotted rookie system. The NFLPA has already said they agree with that because it means more money for veterans.
by David Fucillo on Aug 6, 2009 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions
so
what are your thoughts on Ratto’s take?
Does the team just pay and say [decorum] it?
by Andrew Davidson on Aug 6, 2009 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions
very true
but the 49ers will just likely give that inflated check out to someone else via free agency or the NFL draft next season anyway.
They have very solid cap management, and are financially stable enough to pull off the move.
by Andrew Davidson on Aug 6, 2009 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions
They're...
… financially stable because they don’t pull moves like that off.
the 49ers will just likely give that inflated check out to someone else via free agency or the NFL draft next season anyway
Except in theory, you end up with Crabtree AND that other “overinflated” player if Crabtree signs at slot.
well to be fair
the 49ers have two first rounder picks in 2010, so in theory they can just re-draft Crabtree in 2010 also.
however, with signing Crabtree to that maximum rookie deal, is going to make the team feel less inclined to do so via free agency in the following offseason. Plus, they have the two 2010 first rounders, and can add a veteran via trade if necessary.
by Andrew Davidson on Aug 6, 2009 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions
That's what I'm trying to say.
The money is going out next year, and the 49ers need to be able to sign both of them and not have the cap hurt years down the line.
Besides, what I was trying to get at is that if Crabtree sign as he should, the 49ers will still have money to ADD to the team if they needed to. It’s not like the team is a Crabtree away from being some contender. Locking up years of cap space just because you want your rookie in this year and it doesn’t have any actual ramifications for the rest of the world is just not good business.
Ratto
Logically his point makes sense. While it’s one league, they are still competing with the other 31 teams. In a perfect world, I say back up the Brinks truck.
However, this is not a perfect world and I don’t think the 49ers can just pay Crabtree whatever he wants. Yes it’s part of a broken system, but what about the non-rookies who decide, “Why should I come to a middleground when the 49ers paid Crabtree whatever it was he wanted?”
by David Fucillo on Aug 6, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions
in january
Godell stated that so not everyone would try to enter early this year to avoid a slotted rookie system
link
I’ll try and find one but I remember that exact same thing being said by Goodell.
by David Fucillo on Aug 6, 2009 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions
That's a utterly ridiculous statement.
What’s he going to do, keep pushing the slotted salaries back because he doesn’t want college players leaving early? There are ALWAYS players that leave college early.
He was under pressure form the NCAA
to make sure everyone didn’t leave early
That's the thing.
What would stop the NCAA from applying the SAME pressure next season? It’s not like the end of the CBA just SUDDENLY creeped upon the world. The contract expiration date has been known for years (since it was inked and extended).
no
I was under the impression he just wanted to make sure players had that knowledge before deciding to go pro. He knows the system is changing and he knows they know it. I actually think it was a responsible statement to be made.
by David Fucillo on Aug 6, 2009 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Didn't look at it that way.
I guess it’s not as crazy as I originally felt. I still disagree with that, though.
I guess it’s also entirely possible that they may not even be able to work out a pay scale by 2010, anyway.
I think its more relating to the ramifications of being the team that screws up the draft slot and overpays a guy without the incentive laden deal (and just flat out pays up). The team in next season’s draft slot of 10 won’t have the burden of San Francisco’s business decision, because that team will be operating under new procedure in terms of how rookies get paid.
by Andrew Davidson on Aug 6, 2009 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions
This really isn't out of line...
Compared to the other 1st round picks. Picks 2-3, 6, 8-12 and 14 are unsigned. Given that one injury can end your career, this may be the only time many of these guys will be able to flex what little leverage they have. It’s super annoying, but it’s not really not surprising, nor any different then what most people would do.
Considering...
… most other draft picks have signed and Crabtree is supposedly “not even close”, should imply that it definitely is somewhat different than what “most” people do. Holding out for a slightly better deal is one thing, but to (supposedly) demand a figure that’s WAY beyond your pay scale is a whole different thing.
yeah but none of these other guys
have reports all over ESPN about how they are prepared to holdout and re-enter the draft in 2010
and in his 4th season, VD broke through the wall, Niners fan rejoiced and all was well in the kingdom. Singletary 3:42
Lets face it...
ESPN and the popular media had him pre-judged a diva before word one came out of his mouth. Maybe he is, and maybe not, but his behavior, as well of the behavior of his actual agent are not out of line with similar draft picks.
Additionally you can’t compare him with “most of the other” draft picks, most of them have absolutely no leverage based on their skill set. It’s very telling that the draft picks around Crabtree, namely 8-12 haven’t signed either. They’re all waiting for one of them to set the market, and then sign. If he doesn’t sign close to when the guys from 8-12 sign, I’ll be more then happy to jump on the “WTH SIGN ALREADY” bandwagon, just right now there’s not enough evidence to hang the guy.
Finally, if the other guys around him don’t want more then slot, why haven’t they signed either? I would argue that the “divaness” attributed to Crabtree (fairly or not) is the reason for the continual reports (compared to his draft pick contemporaries), not the lack of signing or wanting more money (then any of the picks around him). Merely sighting a logical reason (he’s upset he was drafted after an inferior Heyward-Bay) is not causality.
but his behavior, as well of the behavior of his actual agent are not out of line with similar draft picks.
true, which is why I don’t just despise Crabtree for holding out, I despise all rookies that think they are owed millions of dollars before they even step on an NFL field.
and in his 4th season, VD broke through the wall, Niners fan rejoiced and all was well in the kingdom. Singletary 3:42
I despise the system
That allows it to happen. It’s not like it hasn’t been a known problem for years and the cap has been around since 94? (I think). Not only that, but high draft picks have that belief because the past shows it’s been true. Why would any player believe different when every other high draft pick has gotten a truck of money before they’ve played a down. The system encourages it, and the people we should be disgusted with are not the players but the higher ups who allow it to exist in the first place (it’s not like other leagues haven’t solved the exact same problem within a cap structure, hello NBA).
Does NFL have sign and trade's?
Sign Crabtree and trade him for Boldin then give Boldin that fat extension he wanted with Crabtree’s money.
Win the inning.
Sign and trades...
… are NEVER done in the NFL because the team that signs the player is on the hook for the signing bonus. Basically, if Crabtree signs a $38M dollar deal with $15M in guarantees over 5 years, the 49ers’s salary cap for the next five years will take a $3M a year hit, for a player who doesn’t play for them anymore. On top of that, the team acquiring Crabtree then would get him at a “discounted” rate, because they’re only on the hook for his base pay, and that’s ONLY if he stays on the roster.
Money
Sure he wants a ton of money, I would too. But who’s this “advisor”? How valid is what he says? If it’s true, however, I’m not in the least bit concerned – I am more excited to see what Morgan does than Crabtree anyways. If Crabtree does have that kind of attitude, I welcome him to reenter the 2010 draft, get him off our team.
from Barrows
Crabtree has NOT threatened to hold out the whole season, according to the team. Though his adviser, according to ESPN, says he is …
and in his 4th season, VD broke through the wall, Niners fan rejoiced and all was well in the kingdom. Singletary 3:42
Glad I Pre-ordered.
The cake is a lie.
by Sultan of Seitan on Aug 6, 2009 12:52 PM PDT reply actions
I wouldnt read anything into it
Phillip Rivers and Jarmarcus Russell both said the same thing (via agents) about reentering the draft cause they felt they should be worth more. The Barrows collumn that this site linked to in golden Nuggets has the right idea on two fronts I believe. His agent needs a big contract and is using Crabtrees feelings of being snubbed to inflate his contract demands (Im opining the second part about his feelings being used, Barrows does not say that), and the 49ers are in a position to not cave because of the WR depth right now. Juxtapose this with the Vernon Davis contract, where there was little to no depth and made him the leagues highest paid TE before he ever stepped on the field. The team is in a position now where grabbing Crabtree was more of a bonus, a luxury, and they can afford to miss camp. Not exactly an ideal situation, but better than being stuck in a contract thats going to set an unhealthy precedent for the league and possibly put the team in a bind. It also puts the team in an overall stronger negotiating position when dealing with future players, so yeah, at least in my opinion, they should hold as fast as they need to.
This is getting ridiculous.
First of all, he has not played in a LONG time due to injury. Second, holding out is just going to hurt him more than it hurts the Niners. Look at JaMarcus Russel. Held out his first season and did not have a good season at all. I really do not want this to happen. I know he is a luxury, but he is important to the success of the 49ers in the future.
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" club.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Aug 6, 2009 1:01 PM PDT reply actions
Screw his "Adviser"
by 415er on Aug 6, 2009 1:21 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Yeah really, some "adviser"
The article might as well be “family member spouts off, actual people in negotiations call it garbage.”
crabtree
IF the cousin is wrong,and IF the agent isnt a complete idiot, this will work out-if he is right, screw crabtree and let him join clarrett—
BS
man o man
i’m extremely disappointed. i’m no longer a crab fan. i’ll still wait and watch, but i now have a bad vibe about him. this isnt the cleveland browns, cardinals, texans, etc.
no one player is bigger than this team. i’m not understanding how some of you are justifying his actions. he’s asking for more than his market value. seems pretty simple to me.
"There is no pressure. Pressure only exists when you're not prepared."
-The Samurai
TRADE THE CRAB!!!
he’s not going to give 100% if he doesn’t get what he wants…. Diva image is sticking right about now.
Of course, if agent Eugene Parker can somehow get No. 6 money for his No. 10 player, that would destroy the unwritten rules of rookie contracts that keep the NFL from imploding each fall. It would also make Eugene Parker extremely rich, not only now, but especially in future years. Oh, wait! Eugene Parker is already extremely rich! (Some of the rules in place to control rookie salaries are there because of him.) I think Crabtree needs a solid start to his rookie season more than Eugene Parker needs another house.
"Those boos really motivate me to make something happen." - Bonds
Crabtree...
I’m gonna hold judgement until something from someone official comes out, rather than getting uptight because of something a cousin said. Granted, they all might be feeling that way, but I don’t think an agent worth his H3 would advise an athlete to take a stance like that under these circumstances.
If it does prove to be true, then I hope Rice, Taylor, Clark, Craig and the ghost of our late, great Bill Walsh come back to talk some sense into Camp Crabtree. We want you on the field dude….don’t start the relationship off on a sour note. At a time when the average fan is struggling to make ends meet, there will be no patience and no love for anyone who decides to walk away from anything in the $20M range because they want a few million more.
But again, I’ll hold off until we hear more from someone who counts. And sorry cuz…that ain’t you.
There is an easy fix for all this.Parker can ask the Niners for a TOTAL $ amount that makes it look like Crabs is getting top 5 money .While in reality a load of the money would be on a 6th year that would be voidable by the Niners. This way Parker can brag to all his possible clients next year that he pulled of a miracle for Crabs and say he can do it for them too,while pointing to the “TOTAL” of the 6 years.While in reality the niners will have paid a fair price for the 10th pick for 5 years and then they can void the 6th year and if warranted(it will be) they can give him an extension or new big contract.Problem solved!The fact is that the Niners have all the cards and don’t really NEED Crabtree,because they have a really good receiving group without him.And if Crabtree sat out the year(not going to happen) then what GM will draft him in next years draft as high as #10,with his already shakey reputation ruined?(and who knows,they might put in a rookie salary cap this off season lol)
There are lots of ways to have the agent and player save face and be able to CLAIM they were paid bigtime. While actually paying fairly.
Since I haven't seen any hard numbers
I don’t know what the Niners are offering, what the Crabtree camp is demanding, and what the difference is. I’ve never gotten the impression that the Niners are particularly stingy, so the problem here seems to be somewhere between the Crabtree camp the the circumstances around so many #1s not signing.
But like I said, the deepest position on the Niner roster is wide receiver. Guys like Spurlock who are way down at the end of the bench are playing great. Morgan looks real good, Bruce is doing well, Jones is playing great. The rest of ’em are all playing well.
While Crabtree has the potential to be a really good NFL receiver that potential for this year is fast disappearing. Meanwhile, the rest of the receiver corps is looking quite nice. Crabtree has no leverage. If he holds out this year he would be lucky to get half of that next year. Most teams will be scared off of him. He’ll be branded a troublemaker and diva. In short, he’ll ruin his moneymaking potential if he drags this out too long. Such is life.
by Bob In Beaverton on Aug 6, 2009 2:55 PM PDT reply actions
so who does this situation benefit?
i am wondering if this media attack (on front page of yahoo.com right now) could actually benefit the niners. that is, the media is claiming this threat as a legitimate one, even at times by crabtree himself or his agent (neither of which is true).
as we know, and as the niners probably know, and as the crabtree camp might know, this threat is largely an empty one. but now, an opinion is being formed by the nfl fans, that crabtree is being a big baby. i am sure crabtree is aware of this, and is not too proud of it….
SO, could this be the spark that the niners need for crabtree himself to just say “you know what, let’s just sign a damn deal and get me to camp”? i think it might be… the best way for crabtree to rid himself of the negative image being formed, is to sign a contract soon.
College education
I’m sure Crabtree’s college education could land him a job at POPEYE’S Chicken in Vallejo!!!! Take a year off Michael, cook some chicken at Popeye’s then tell us you want to play for the Niners! Debartolo family would never put up with your crap! I’m sure Singletary can’t believe you and your agent either. Young, dumb, and full of crap!!! I’m the best player out of college. I’m entitled to 20 million a year!!! Catch a paSs in the NFL first then pop off DUMBASS!!!!!!!
- never pulled this crap! Maybe Jerry should put a call into this guy and knock some sense into him. If I was a defensive back in the NFL, I would be licking my chops when Crabtree goes over the middle. Good nite Sucka!!!!!
NUTCRACKER!!! CRABTREE VS WILLIS !!!!!!!!!!!
I HOPE SING DOES THIS AS SOON AS HE HOPS ON THE FIELD!!!!
If all of this is because of kinfolk
Then we have got to get a life. Dude tweets someone, while texting his babies mommas, while he’s on the pot, smoking pot, and we all get atwitter, I think not.
However this doesn’t help but fuel my already irrational hatred for the diva, who I shall now on and forever refer to as Queen La Diva.
I’m with Lou. Go Morgan. Crabtree eat a deezzy…pretty boy.
(end of hate filled rant, I feel a little better I guess)
and up rode a camargue horse named Victory, upon the magnificent beast sat a triumphant rider, that rider's name: Noodle Arm.
It's the owners fault
What the f*** these cry baby kids who never played a day in the NFL getting all this big money..How many of them have been a bust and walked away with millions of our dollars “The Fans Dollars” That dang NFL Commissioner, Players Rep, and Owners should sit down and get this stuff under control..No more of who will go 1st in the Draft Perdiction by ESPN its all about rating babe. Us as fans fall for this stuff everytime. Just pick players forget the rest. There should be a salary cap for these unproven rookies so that their million dollar agents cant do nothing but sit on there hands. Now the Niners have another ’ TO ’…I want this rookie ( TO SHOW ME THE MONEY) before I pay him the big bucks..Players like him is what is driving up the dang Season Tickets..Get on the field and play football…
The new Terrell Owens
I’m just going to call him T.O. take 2. If he’s not embarrassed by that tag then he’s useless. Sorry RedandGoldBaby I was typing this just as your comment came up. So I’m not trying to copy your T.O. comment. But no one wants to be know as a T.O. type player.
The kid needs to sign and get the h3ll into camp !!!
If Crabtree wants to prove all his detractors wrong, he needs to get into camp. The longer he holds out for an extra 2-3 mil, the longer he will have to wait to get into the starting lineup. The only person this holdout is hurting is a one Michale Crabtree. Insisting on money of a top 5 draft pick when you were selected 10th overall is asinine.
He was selected #10, so he GETS #10 money. Sure, the Niners can put some escalator clauses and such in his contract, but the position you are drafted determines your base salary as a rookie. Crabtree can hold out the whole year and re-enter the draft next year, but they will create an ANGRY fan base, and the truth be known, he might fall to 15-20 in the draft position and LOSE money in next year’s draft! What GM in his right mind would draft a Rook who thinks he is so great that he can buck the system and DEMAND more money than he is slotted to make? Crabtree and his agent are really playing this all wrong. If they think he is worth more than a #10 pick, and that his play will be SO STELLAR that he will show everyone he should have been taken in the top 5, then sign the HUGE 3 year contract and test the free agent market in 3 years. Money is going to be tight for some time and so overpaying for players, especially rookies who have NEVER taken an NFL SNAP, means players need to take the money offered and get into camp.
He has already raised the IRE of Niner fans. He will start the season with a big target on his back. If he doesn’t play better than anyone in the top 10 in the draft, the kid is going to hear a LOT of BOOBIRDS. The sooner this holdout is over, the better it will be for the Kid. If his agent is at the bottom of this BS, then he should fire that agent. The Agent is doing unrepairable damage to his client’s image, and it will take not only stellar play by Crabtree, but stellar off the field behavior as well. DHB from Oakland already signed his contract. The unwritten rule is that the pick next in line gets LESS than the pick in front of them. Asking for top 5 money without showing ANY talent to suggest he deserves it makes the fans furious! There had better be a signing this week. The Kid better stay healthy and do EVERYTHING he is told. And he better be a MODEL citizen off the field. Crabtree and his agent have painted Crabby into a corner, and now the expectations are VERY high from a draft pick that already had very HIGH expectations to begin with. The media circus will be in full swing the entire year. Comparisons to DHB will forever be made. There will be charts and graphs that will show in nauseatingly fine details to sate the hunger of Bay Area football fans. I thing Crabtree will sooner rather than later have a better career than DHB, But delaying that career with an unnecessary holdout over a contract point that is MOOT and undefensable will only serve to make the kid a target for the media and the fans.
I sure hope Crabby signs soon for reasonable money with a lot of production incentives. I say sign him for 1000$ more than DHB and then get him the H3LL into CAMP !! Perception is much more important than reality in these kind of situations. Right now, the Perception of Crabtree is that of a Prema Donna with a over inflated perception of his talent and worth to the team. He already has a label of being self centered and having an overinflated ego. Lets hope the kid lives up to his own perception of his talent.
This kid better be like the 2nd coming of J. Rice now. That is what the kid and his agent are doing with their oddball negotiations. I just hope that the kid lives up to the hype, because if he dont, the court of public (fan) opinion will ROAST this kid ALIVE! Just imagine if he were drafted by a NY team or any other big city? They would have this kid hung from a rope and set on fire covered in pitch! Luckily, the Bay Area is a little more forgiving than other NFL Markets. After his first 10 TD’s, the Kid can crow all he wants. But the facts are he has NEVER played NFL football, and opposing teams will be looking to take this kid’s HEAD OFF will make success difficult if not impossible to live up to! If he makes it the entire season without a serious injury, that alone will endear himself to the Niner Faithful.
He better make ever catchable ball, have obscene YAC, and cause opposing defenses to adjust their defensive game plans to account for the kid. If not, I do not think Niner fans will be very forgiving of the contract holdout and stiff arm he is putting on the Niner management and fans… Niner fans have high hopes for this season, and Crabtree better contribute to the success that fans are expecting this season.
Another year, another chance to hope for the team !!
please no more jerry comparisons
because even if he has jr type talent (which i highly doubt), he doesn’t have a fraction of the character, integrity, or intelligence of jerry rice………
the better comparison is crab vs t.o…………..two divas……but crab hasn’t even proven to be worth a fraction of what t.o’s worth. at least t.o. proved himself on the field before he let the prima donna out lol
"There is no pressure. Pressure only exists when you're not prepared."
-The Samurai
If Crabtree's agent is trying to negotiate in the media thru intermediaries...
Then this contract holdout could get VERY ugly. Crabtree needs to get the H3LL into camp and start PROVING what his worth is. He hasn’t done anything to suggest he deserves any more money that a #10 pick deserves. Lets hope that the kid signs soon, because he is missing a GREAT camp where all the Niners are learning a new offense. WTF does this kid and his agent expect the Niners to do? Breaking the already obscene Rookie draft contract system is a big NO NO. Crabby will get #10 money no matter WHAT his delusional agent might believe. However, if the kid gets a few bucks more than DHB from the Ray DUHS, I wouldnt have a problem with that, because just about everyone expects Crabtree will end up being better than DHB in the long run. BUT the kid is looking very greedy at this point. His agent is giving him bad advise and there better be a signing soon. VERY SOON!
Another year, another chance to hope for the team !!
Easy way to get him to sign...
Just make him an offer he can’t refuse.
(sorry, just watched The Godfather last night)
by WeHaveCrabsAndVD on Aug 6, 2009 4:27 PM PDT reply actions
Godfather
If we had an address we could buy this and mail it to him
by David Fucillo on Aug 6, 2009 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Gees,
Even they get Killed when they asked to much !!!!
by LASVEGASNINER on Aug 6, 2009 6:20 PM PDT up reply actions
I know
Grandpa got done that way. The Mafia is still Alive !!!!!
by LASVEGASNINER on Aug 6, 2009 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions
I wonder....
If Crabtree were to sit out the entire year and go back into the draft, would the niners get some sort of compensation (like baseball) or would they just lose all rights to him.
Either way, and my perspective is not from a niners fan, the niners wouldnt be hurt so bad. You guys are deep at WR, and its not like crabtree was going to be the missing piece for you guys to make a run.
Also, think about this, if you didnt get any compensation, you would save something like $30 mil. Next year you could use this money and get boldin or somebody worth the 30 mil.
We really don't need him.
Is he the next Randy Moss? Not a chance. Is he the next Mike Williams? Now that’s actually possible.
by mr. instigator on Aug 6, 2009 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Please, Parker is ball buster
but his client screw him !!! That will set him back .He better sign sign Snowcrab to any any deal , thanks to family advise. WE DON’T NEED AT THAT PRICE !!!!!!
by LASVEGASNINER on Aug 6, 2009 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions
If Crabs goes back to the draft he will still be a first round pick
Does anyone think Ak Davis would not draft him? This is why the pick wasn’t exciting for me. Our deepest position in this years season and not to mention we signed Jones to a 5 year deal. Let him rot, he either takes what we offer or we should offer what’s missing in incentives, no more guaranteed money based on college numbers.
aka Optimist Prime 09...........9ers (site decorum)
NO WAY !!!
Unless he can be had for a late round or lesser pay scale !!
by LASVEGASNINER on Aug 6, 2009 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe it was the typo.......Al Davis.u never know!!
aka Optimist Prime 09...........9ers (site decorum)
Imagine
If Crabtree went back into the draft…and we picked him again, lol!!!!!!!!!
Only
If McC is still in charge !!! I don’t like him !!!!
by LASVEGASNINER on Aug 6, 2009 6:42 PM PDT up reply actions
That would be a nightmare for McC. Who does he select? I can hear him muttering the Mel Kiper Jr. special draft day newsletter . . . Tebow or Crabtree? Lucky for him he has 2 first round picks. I still think we double down to have 4 1st round picks in 2011.
No double down on this years draft
We need Eric Berry or the kid from USC for safety. We need a playmaker at FS or SS and a NT. The Panthers will have a top 15 pick
aka Optimist Prime 09...........9ers (site decorum)
This isn't...
A case of is Crabtree a bad apple?(See what I did there?)but its a case of what idiot is advising and thusly hurting this young, athlete.
Holding out and going back into the draft next year has no positive effect for Crabtree at all yet it seems he’s being advised as this being the solution to his ‘problems’.
He got drafted 10th he should get paid like he was drafted 10th, his or anyone elses opinion on where he ‘should’ have been drafted is irrelevant.
Note too Crabtree and his people
1. Your not the best player in the draft he was pick #1
2. If you re-enter the draft next year you still won’t be #1maybe fall out of the first round
3. Play a full season in the NFL and see how you do because this isn’t the Big 12
4. Find a new agent this one has made you look bad!
5. Not all good College player make good Pro Player keep that in mind
Did you see what happen too Mike Williams a Good College player on a very good College team after sitting out a year ? LOL join the club ,I hope you sit out , the 49ers don’t need ya
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