NFL sets another precedence...

[Buckeye33]

The NFL just announced that the 49ers have to give up their 5th round pick in the upcoming draft and swap 3rd round picks with the Bears for being found guilty of tampering with Lance Briggs.

Note to other teams, don't tamper.

[WMR]

Is this the same thing as a precedent? ;)

[Buckeye33]

Is this the same thing as a precedent? ;)

I think that's the word I was looking for. :D

[WVRed]

Weren't they tampering by talking with Justin Smith before the signing period opened?

I thought I read that somewhere.

[Degenerate39]

Niners forfeit draft pick for tampering with Bears Lance Briggs

AP - Mar 24, 6:31 pm EDT
NFL Gallery NEW YORK (AP)—The San Francisco 49ers forfeited their fifth-round pick in next month’s NFL draft on Monday after commissioner Roger Goodell deemed them guilty of tampering with Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs.

Goodell also determined the teams will switch picks in the third round of the April 26-27 draft. Chicago, which had the 12th pick, will get San Francisco’s seventh pick and the 49ers will get Chicago’s choice.

Goodell determined the 49ers violated the NFL’s anti-tampering policy by contacting Briggs’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, about his client during the 2007 season.

“The 49ers organization respects Commissioner Goodell’s ruling today, however we do disagree with it,” 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan said in a statement. “This was not a malicious act; we believe that our intent was within the NFL guidelines. Going forward, we will take the necessary steps to ensure we are in compliance with the NFL’s interpretation.”

Briggs, an all-Pro in 2007, had been designated as Chicago’s franchise player, signing a one-year tender that meant he could not leave the Bears.

He had been expected to leave as a free agent after last season but instead re-signed with Chicago for $36 million over six years. Briggs will earn $21.6 million in the first three years of the deal and $13 million of the contract is guaranteed.

“We are appreciative of the efforts of the league office on this matter and support the commissioner’s decision,” Bears president and CEO Ted Phillips said in a statement.

There had been reports of contact between the 49ers and Rosenhaus last season, and the Bears filed a tampering charge with the NFL. Goodell said both teams cooperated with his investigation into the allegations.

Does this help the Bengals out any in the draft?

[WMR]

Anyone else completely surprised that the agent involved was Drew Rosenhaus? :rolleyes:

[Screwball]

Anyone else completely surprised that the agent involved was Drew Rosenhaus? :rolleyes:

I am. But then again, I was surprised today to learn that water is wet.

[KoryMac5]

Anyone else completely surprised that the agent involved was Drew Rosenhaus? :rolleyes:

Next Question :cool:

[RedsManRick]

Shouldn't the punishment for some of these rules be on the books? It seems like his discretion to choose the penalty is just a bit broad.