49ers Forfeit Draft Pick for Tampering

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

Following a detailed investigation and a hearing, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell today determined that the San Francisco 49ers violated the NFL’s Anti-Tampering Policy by contacting the agent for Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs during the 2007 season without the Bears’ permission. The Bears had filed tampering charges against the 49ers to initiate the proceeding. Chicago re-signed Lance Briggs at the beginning of this year’s veteran free agency signing period. Commissioner Goodell decided on the following disciplinary action to resolve the matter:

• San Francisco will forfeit its fifth-round selection in the 2008 NFL Draft.
• Chicago and San Francisco will switch third-round selections in the 2008 Draft. As a result, Chicago now will have the seventh selection of the third round and San Francisco will have the 12th selection of the third round.

Commissioner Goodell noted that both the 49ers and Bears fully cooperated with his investigation and hearing.

This is a costly mistake for the Niners. Just when they were putting the finishing touches on what has been a great offseason of valuable additions, they get nailed for tampering and lose key positioning in this upcoming Draft. But the punishment fits the crime and the outcome serves as a reminder to other teams to play by the rules or else.