Golden Nuggets: A Day For The 49ers History Books

Well, that was an uneventful weekend. What am I going to write about? HA! The Niners last 2 days have been a nightmare ride for the fans. It's like a boxing match where one boxer is getting annihilated in the ring, his corner isn't throwing the towel in to stop it, and the family is watching in horror, but can't stop it. The Niners fans are watching in horror as their team is coming apart at the seams. It's been so sad that you almost have to laugh at how bad its become.

Winning with class is the phrase of the offseason. Since those words have been uttered, 3 of the classiest 49ers ever have left or is rumored to leave. Frank Gore and Patrick Willis are the heart and soul of the team for the last 10 years and they are both out the door. Justin Smith is rumored to be leaning to retirement with a decision within a week. Frank Gore's departure and Justin Smith's retirement make sense, but Patrick Willis' decision came out of nowhere. Having that decision following the night that Twitter blew up with a report that the team was looking to trade Kap was unbelievable. And to top this glorious Monday off, the Niners are the reported landing spot for Greg Hardy (HA!) and Bruce Miller was arrested for spousal battery. Winning with class, Jed and Trent. Remember, winning with class.

The firing of Jim Harbaugh was just the start of the mass exodus. To have this all this happen at the same time is what makes it tough for Niner fans. I think most fans thought Frank was not going to be on the team. Justin's retirement had been floated for awhile. The Kap rumors were a major shock, but I think the Willis announcement was the one that affected fans the most. Losing Gore and Willis, fixtures of the team, at the same time is almost too much to handle. Especially since Willis is only 30 and still a very productive player. Yes, he may not be the LB at the peak of his powers, but his leadership will be sorely missed.

And just as I'm writing this, Patrick Willis tweets a religious message that seems to confirm his retirement. Let this nightmare end!

49ers Links

Does anyone really believe them? | Team Denies Kap Trade Rumors (Biderman)

This is the funniest headline of the day. After all the off the field issues, this is the player you are linked to | Interested In Greg Hardy? Really? (Ruthless Sports Guy)

I would like to resign him, but he may be out of their price range | FA: Chris Culliver (Gutierrez)

Team To Address OL, WR, Safety, LB, DL, And Every Other Position (Gutierrez)

Who Stays And Who Goes (Gin)

Closer Look At The Rumor (Florio)

Leadership, work rate, and........his class | What We Will Miss With Frank Gore (Lynch)

Still can't believe this is really happening | Willis To Retire (Inman)

Willis, Smith To Retire (Florio)

Patrick Considering Retirement (Barrows)

Oh Patrick. Niners fans are in an emotional state because of this | Report: Willis Contemplating Retirement (Biderman)

Don't Do It Willis (Maiocco)

FA: Perrish Cox (Gutierrez)

The exodus is very real | The Exodus Is Real (Kawakami)

Justin Smith To Follow Willis (Maiocco)

Derek Carrier Signs Extension (Barrows)

Super Bowl Shakeup (Inman)

We saw what he could do. It's now his spot | Spotlight On Chris Borland (Gutierrez)

Team Could Use 3-Headed Approach (Maiocco)

Justin Smith's Retirement Not 100% (Maiocco)

Dahl Restructures Deal (Maiocco)

Gore Having Second Thoughts (Smith)

Gore May Change Mind About Eagles (Inman)

Not surprised he's gone | Iupati To Head To Arizona (Barrows)

You really can't make these things up | Bruce Miller Arrested (Barrows)

Spousal Battery Arrest For FB Miller (Biderman)

Gore Switching From Eagles to Colts? (Maiocco)

From the top of my head, yes it is | Worst Day In Niners History? (Purdy)

It sounds official. You were great Patrick. You are a Niner forever and we will miss you. #52 | Willis With A Farewell Message (Inman)

Skuta To Sign With Jaguars (Crabtree)