The Associated Press reported that 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. This is the second major penalty Goodell has enforced against a team for violating league rules since becoming commissioner of the league. The first (of course) was the fines and forfeiture of a first round pick handed down to the Patriots for spygate.
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.
Tampering is definitely a sensitive issue for NFL execs because there is a very fine line to walk before you’re dealt a blow such as the one given to the 49ers. Many teams may or may not discuss the possibility of acquiring player’s under contract with another franchise, but the rules aren’t always as detailed as they should be. An example would be how the Pro Bowl has become a recruiting ground for fellow professionals to woo a new talent to their team. I’m almost certain that coaches participate in small talk with other player’s in the same manner. That’s why I’m glad there is a commissioner in place who’s not afraid to levy a severe fine or penalize teams for violating league rules.
You can’t fault an NFL Player for trying to persuade an outstanding talent to join their squad, but you can’t tell an individual to put pressure on another player either. That is one of the many reasons I believe the Pro Bowl should be abolished.
I recall a story reported by ESPN that Donovan McNabb was doing everything in his power to persuade Shaun Alexander to leave the Seahawks before Alexander signed his last deal. Like I said, it’s a very fine line but Seattle fans probably weren’t very happy to hear such reports at the time.
Good for the commissioner for the latest punishment delivered to the 49ers. The league needs someone who will enforce these types of rules so we may continue to have parity in the National Football League.
MJohnson@thenflunderground.com