Monday, September 21, 2009

Report: San Francisco 49ers say New York Jets tampered with Michael Crabtree

The San Francisco 49ers, mired in a contract impasse with first-round draft pick Michael Crabtree, have filed tampering charges with the NFL against the New York Jets, the New York Daily News has reported, citing unnamed sources.

The Jets denied the allegations through a spokesman, the paper reported.

"We'll let the NFL figure that one out," Jets coach Rex Ryan said Monday on "Mike and Mike in the Morning" on ESPN Radio. "I think it's ridiculous, personally."

NFC West blog

San Francisco 49ers say New York Jets tampered with Michael Crabtree

ESPN.com's Mike Sando writes about all things NFC West in his division blog.

•Blog network: NFL Nation

According to the Daily News, specifics of the allegations weren't known.

"I wish we were playing them," Ryan said of the 49ers.

The newspaper reported the Jets continue to covet a big-name receiver after failing to land Percy Harvin in this year's draft. Harvin was picked 22nd by the Minnesota Vikings.

49ers team president Jed York has said he recently tried to schedule a face-to-face meeting with Crabtree and his representative, Eugene Parker, but hadn't heard back.

The 49ers have until Nov. 17 to sign Crabtree -- the 10th overall pick -- or surrender his rights, which would force him back into the pool for 2010's draft. Or they could trade his rights to another team by Oct. 20, the NFL's trade deadline.

Crabtree, who turned 22 this past Monday, hasn't accepted the 49ers' offer for approximately five years and $20 million with a reported $16 million guaranteed.

AFC East blog

San Francisco 49ers say New York Jets tampered with Michael Crabtree

ESPN.com's Tim Graham writes about all things AFC East in his division blog.

•Blog network: NFL Nation

Oakland Raiders receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, the No. 7 choice, signed a five-year contract that will guarantee him at least $23.5 million.

Jacksonville Jaguars top pick Eugene Monroe, taken eighth overall, signed a five-year, $25 million contract that includes $19 million guaranteed.

There have been multiple reports in the past month, including from his cousin, that Crabtree would re-enter the draft in 2010 and wait for the money he thinks he deserves.

Crabtree caught 97 passes for 1,165 yards and 19 touchdowns last year during his sophomore season at Texas Tech. He finished his college career with 231 receptions for 3,127 yards and 41 TDs.



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