jAZ
03-25-2008, 12:11 AM
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-080324-lance-briggs-bears-49ers,1,4494603.story
San Francisco loses pick for tampering with Bears' Briggs
By Vaughn McClure
Tribune staff reporter
10:31 PM CDT, March 24, 2008
NEW YORK
Lance Briggs envisioned suiting up for the San Francisco 49ers. He never imagined they would lose a draft pick over him.
The NFL found the 49ers guilty of tampering with the Bears linebacker last season and punished the NFC West team Monday by taking away its fifth-round selection in the April 26-27 draft. San Francisco violated the league's anti-tampering policy by contacting Briggs' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, last season without the Bears' permission.
Briggs was on a one-year tender as the team's franchise player. He declined to comment when reached by phone Monday. Rosenhaus did not return a message.
More importantly for the Bears, the 49ers also were forced to switch third-round picks with them. So instead of having the 12th selection of the third round, the Bears have the seventh.
Moving up five spots could have a significant impact, considering a solid quarterback, running back or receiver could be on the board early in the round.
Commissioner Roger Goodell came to a final decision Monday regarding Briggs, who re-signed with the Bears for $36 million over six years.
"We are appreciative of the efforts of the league," Bears President Ted Phillips said in a statement.
Scot McCloughan, general manager for the 49ers, wasn't as complimentary.
"We believe that our intent was within the NFL guidelines," he said.
San Francisco loses pick for tampering with Bears' Briggs
By Vaughn McClure
Tribune staff reporter
10:31 PM CDT, March 24, 2008
NEW YORK
Lance Briggs envisioned suiting up for the San Francisco 49ers. He never imagined they would lose a draft pick over him.
The NFL found the 49ers guilty of tampering with the Bears linebacker last season and punished the NFC West team Monday by taking away its fifth-round selection in the April 26-27 draft. San Francisco violated the league's anti-tampering policy by contacting Briggs' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, last season without the Bears' permission.
Briggs was on a one-year tender as the team's franchise player. He declined to comment when reached by phone Monday. Rosenhaus did not return a message.
More importantly for the Bears, the 49ers also were forced to switch third-round picks with them. So instead of having the 12th selection of the third round, the Bears have the seventh.
Moving up five spots could have a significant impact, considering a solid quarterback, running back or receiver could be on the board early in the round.
Commissioner Roger Goodell came to a final decision Monday regarding Briggs, who re-signed with the Bears for $36 million over six years.
"We are appreciative of the efforts of the league," Bears President Ted Phillips said in a statement.
Scot McCloughan, general manager for the 49ers, wasn't as complimentary.
"We believe that our intent was within the NFL guidelines," he said.