Da' Bears Blog

Bears Win Tampering Case

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 | Jeff

So apparently the NFL decided the San Francisco 49ers (lying, cheating scoundrels that they are) tampered with Lance Briggs before his contract expired and ironically did not tamper with him at all once he became a free agent. The Bears will move up five slots in the third round, swapping picks with the 49ers. Don't sneeze at it. The third round now opens the second day so the Bears will have the overnight to mull this one over.

Here's the story from Larry on Da Site.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Following a detailed investigation and a hearing, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has determined that the San Francisco 49ers violated the league’s anti-tampering policy last season by contacting linebacker Lance Briggs’ agent without the Bears’ permission.

As a result of the ruling, the Bears will swap third-round draft picks with the 49ers, moving up five slots to the seventh selection of the third round. According to a chart used by NFL teams that assigns numerical values to each pick in the draft, the move equates to a sixth-round choice. San Francisco will also forfeit its fifth-round pick, but the Bears will not receive that selection.

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

The Bears currently have eight picks in the draft, with one in each round and an additional third-round selection that was acquired from the San Diego Chargers in a draft-day trade last year.

The Bears had filed tampering charges against the 49ers to initiate the proceeding. Briggs, whose contract expired following the 2007 season, agreed to a six-year extension with the Bears March 1, the second day of this year’s free agency period.

Comments

#1 Megan said . . .

First! Like I said before, I was so unaware that this was an issue. I just didn't think it mattered as much in the pros... Ah well, we now have a good pick out of it!

March 25, 2008

#2 Nick said . . .

i think I should get credit as investigative reporter...

March 25, 2008

#3 tenacious d said . . .

I find it odd that the Niners didn't pursue Briggs at all once he became a free agent. It made it look like they were hiding something.

March 25, 2008

#4 J said . . .

i wonder if we can trade one of these 3rd round picks (maybe the later one) and a second rounder to get a lower-mid 1st round pick. Then we could get RB (there could be both stewart and mendenhall (sp?) left at 14) and OT/OG (Otah maybe) in the 1st. We'd miss the second, but already filled a hole, and pick again at #5 in the 3rd (i say WR, but maybe QB). Yeah... that makes too much sense, nevermind.

March 25, 2008

#5 Bears99 said . . .

I had completly forgotten about that second pick in the third round, that certainly makes it a bit more exciting. First round adress OL or RB if a big name is still left. Second round QB or WR. Third round more OL help and such.

The only good thing about a mediocre season is you get all the excitment of building another championship team.(and of course the woes of making no moves)

March 25, 2008

#6 Bears99 said . . .

address not adress... my bad

March 25, 2008

#7 jdawg said . . .

There's a calculus to the value of draft picks and I don't think the 2nd and 3rd round picks add up to a 1st rounder, but its a good question.

This is actually pretty great news. From all indications (mainly the inactivity during FA) the Bears seem intent on building through the draft unless something falls in their lap.

queue music: Its raining draft picks!

Yeah, unless we can pursue deals like the Pats did last year, it makes no sense to over-pay for FAs.

Speaking of the Pats, man, they must have been waiving their fingers a la Obi Wan Kinobi at the Raiders and Dolphins. I can see Belicheck now: (waives fingers) "you don't need a second round pick for Randy Moss, you need only a fourth round pick."

Al Davis: (wipes drool from chin) "how about a fourth round pick for Randy Moss?"

March 25, 2008

#8 Pissed Off said . . .

Am I crazy or are there others out there that dont feel this really means shit? All we did was move from the 12th pick of the 3rd round to the 7th pick of the 3rd round. Big deal. I dont know how thats going to affect much. If it was the first round I could see it making a difference but 3rd round...c'mon. Am I happy about it? Yeah, but do I think it amounts to jack squat in the grand scheme of things, No.

March 25, 2008

#9 JB said . . .

Trading up analysis:

Trading the 2nd and the newly appointed SF 3rd rounder yields the following:
Pick #45 = 450 points
Pick #71 = 235 points
Total = 685 points which is about equal to the #27 pick owned by SD.

Trading the 2nd and SD's 3rd from last draft yields the following:
Pick #45 = 450 points
Pick #91 = 136 points
Total = 586 points which is equal to the 32-33rd pick which would put us at Miami or St Louis (remember, only 31 picks in 1st round due to forfeit from Pats).

For the record, I think you only do that if someone your REALLY want slips...but sitting here right now i'd rather have the extra pick

March 25, 2008

#10 tenacious d said . . .

PO'd....According to the draft value chart, the move from 12th to 7th in the 3rd round is equal to an early 6th round pick. Not enough to get me real excited, but for a team with as many holes as we have it can't hurt. As I see it, by pursuing this we accomplished the following:
1) Kicked Rosenhouse in the balls.
2) Showed other teams they can't mess with our players under contract, escecially during the season.
3) Gained the equivalent of a late rounder.

March 25, 2008

#11 Phil from SATX said . . .

Yeah, it's not going to change anything big, but it was like something for nothing, so it's a positive development. Also remember we'll be getting one or more late round compensatory picks, and you not only get players but you get a little flexibility with draft day trading when you have them.

I posted it before, but here's a draft value chart I keep stored in my favorites. It's very handy and I've been consulting it often this offseason.

http://www.eastcoastsportsnews.com/NFLDraftChart.html

I like the concept of trading up to get two first rounders - had discussed it earlier to get a Brandon Albert/Sam Baker type combo - but I certainly wouldn't mind stud OT/stud RB out of it. Still don't think they'll do it. There's stud RB's available later and we know what a crap shoot that position is. Did you see about them interested in Matt Forte from Tulane? They say he's moving up from a 3rd to 4th rounder to possibly a late 2nd.

March 25, 2008

#12 tenacious d said . . .

Phil, If I'm not mistaken you aren't allowed to trade the compensatory picks. But it does give you more flexibility in packaging the picks you already own if you want to move up or down.

March 25, 2008

#13 Rancid said . . .

I view this pick adjustment like the free candy dish at the bank. I'm glad it's there, but it's not like I rush in the door when I get home from work and tell my wife all about the awesome free candy dish at the bank. It's cool, just not that big of a deal. It gets us a little earlier pick. That's good. But I'm not throwing a drunken bash over it. If it had been a first round pick swap, that would have been different. That would have been like a free steak dinner dish at the bank. I'd defenitely be more excited over that! At this point any news is good.

March 25, 2008

#14 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .

Even if it's to pay lip service to the fans.The Bears atleast took time to talk to RB's on their pre draft tour.So maybe this indicate that the Bears won't totally stand pat with there current Backs

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/859187,lovieweb032508.article

March 25, 2008

#15 Bears99 said . . .

Anybody know if the bears have looked at Jacob Hester from LSU? He can play fullback and halfback. I think he would be a great assest to the team if they got him.

March 25, 2008

#16 Max said . . .

This means nothing. . . i cant imagine who they would be taking now with the 7th pick in the third round as opposed to who they were gonna take with the 12 pick of the third round. . . .

Just draft O-lineman, cause we sure didnt address the MOST OBVIOUS need of ours through FA. . . because that would make to much sense.

March 25, 2008

#17 Duff Diggler said . . .

it isn't much..... but it's something..... and the fact that we retained Briggs anyway is great! Plus technically we move up one pick for every pick after the one they forfieted.... and it cost us nothing.... and nothing is exactly what we've been doing recently, so I for one am happy about it, but realistic....

March 25, 2008

#18 big rob said . . .

Ya'll need to check out Devin Hester's 23 questions on Da Site... I love # 19

19. What is your best time in the 40?

Chuck W.
Des Moines, Iowa

My best time was a 4.27 at my Pro Day.

I had no cluse he was this fast!!!

March 25, 2008

#19 Duff Diggler said . . .

WOW... Thanks for that chart Phil!!!!

Am I right, or do all of our picks added up together fall a little short of the said value of the 3rd overall pick?

....this scenario gerator should keep me busy for a while....

damn....

I was told there would be no math....

March 25, 2008

#20 Touciousbagsodouches. said . . .

Faggy aggy agg its.

March 25, 2008

#21 T.C. said . . .

I dunno if anything should be made out of this, but I was just watching Sportscenter, and they were talking about McFadden. They said something about him going to lunch with Lovie Smith at the Pro Day at Arkansas. I dunno if anything should be made about this, but maybe the thought of trading up in the first round has crossed JA's mind

March 26, 2008

#22 Shady said . . .

JA has always been big on KYP.

Knowing Your Personnel.

If the opportunity to select a player like McFadden were to present itself, the Bears want to make sure they're not investing in a player who could end up the RB version of Michael Vick.

Experts don't have McFadden falling out of the top 10, and is clearly the highest RB prospect in this years draft. Like you said C.T., JA would most likely have to trade on up to have any shot at the guy. I believe the performance of last years rookie Adrian Peterson has boosted the draft stock of Darren McFadden.

March 26, 2008

#23 mikebdot said . . .

T.C. - Felix Jones was at the lunch with Lovie as well. A much more reasonable possibility for us...

March 26, 2008

#24 Rancid said . . .

I'm not sure Felix is any more real of a possibility without a trade either. I think 14 is too early for him, but I think he'll be off the board before our second pick.

March 26, 2008

#25 Phil from SATX said . . .

Rancid, could see a move-up on the 2nd pick - would cost us our second 3rd round pick to move all the way up near the front of the line, however, or we could jump 7 picks or so in the 2nd with our 4th rounder. Those high 2nd round picks are expensive.

Didn't watch Jones but I've read some who think he's better than McFadden. Could be worth doing. LOVE that draft value chart!

March 26, 2008

#26 tenacious d said . . .

Phil, is there anyone near the top of the 2nd that we can accuse of tampering? Just a thought.....

March 26, 2008

#27 HaHa said . . .

Tenacious D is funny and I play 1 of their songs on the jukebox everywhere I go

March 26, 2008

#28 AXEGRINDER said . . .

You stupid Bears fans are incredible. You are actually happy about moving up 5 selections in the third round in exchange for gaining a reputation as a bunch of snitching crybabies. All for a overhyped player that you signed anyway!!! It's understandable, though. You guys are pissed that you have 3 crappy quarterbacks, an aging defense, and only 1 superbowl ring, and now no one is going to ever want to deal with your panties-wearing GM, for fear of being sent to Sherriff Goodell's office. And you know it ain't going to get any better. Don't be upset that the 49ers mopped the floor with you for 20 years. I bet the stench in Soldier Field is unBEARable right now. I won't enhance the integrity of your site anymore, but just know that your rapidly declining team should have left well enough alone. Good luck being perennial bottom dwellers in the NFC north.

March 26, 2008

#29 jdawg said . . .

Hey Axegrinder --

you got a little spittle on your chin.

no, not there...

down a little...

there, you got it.

March 27, 2008

#30 Rancid said . . .

Just when it gets boring in here we get a bitter 49ers troll to laugh at. I love this site.

March 27, 2008

#31 said . . .

That's right 'grinder,

You tamper with our players, and you pay the fucking price. Of course we're happy with the outcome douchebag, who wouldn't want to have the equivalent of a late round draft pick? Angelo loves those late picks to scoop up defensive gems like, LANCE BRIGGS!

And who are you to talk about having crappy QBs? Alex Smith was #1 overall, lest you not forget, and he hasn't exactly 'panned out' asshole.

I can't blame you for being upset though, if I were a 49ers fan I would be angry my beloved organization shit this year's draft bed because they couldn't keep their hands off Chicago's pro-bowl WILL LB and gave a 7th OVERALL draft pick to the... Patriots!?

Wow. That's just all flavors of fucked up.

Now here's a helpful hint...

on the house:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V11B-3mwL1w

March 27, 2008

#32 Prefontaine said . . .

Thanks for the link, I just spent an hour watching Devin Hester clips on YouTube. Probably the perfect Wednesday night.

March 27, 2008

#33 Shea said . . .

Poor 'Niners! Don't get me wrong here. I'm happy about moving up 5 spots but they lost a whole draft pick...and what's worse is they didn't even land Briggs (nor negotiate with him...at all)

March 27, 2008

#34 Z said . . .

Sgt. Duffy that video is so sick. I don't know how many times I have seen it or replayed the ending but I love it. Please keep 'em coming. Hopefully the Bears will give u plenty of highlights to work with. Especially #23. The greatest return man in the history of the NFL and the planet Earth. Something about those #23's.

I'll take O-linemen for $100 Alex. How about for a million. Give the $$ to someone you cheap fucks.

March 27, 2008

#35 Max said . . .

Duffy, that Kurt Warner comment just makes the video. Awesome

March 27, 2008

#36 niners gold said . . .

The only team that rats. Da bears are who we thought they were. A bunch of desperate losers. Everyone in the leauge tampers but no one rats.

March 27, 2008

#37 tenacious d said . . .

niners gold....Rosenhouse used the illegal negotiations to try to milk more money out of the Bears when they tried to do a long-term deal with Briggs. That pissed the Bears off. If you want to be pissed at somebody, be pissed at Rosey.

Axegrinder...get your friggin facts straight. We only have 2 crappy QB's, not 3. But any SF fan has no business talking shit about QB's. I'd take Rex or Kyle over any of yours, including your crappy #1 overall mega-bust.

March 27, 2008

#38 Pissed Off said . . .

That video is awesome. Aside from Hester being ridiculous there is some real good blocking going on in those clips, and almost all of them show Ayanbedejo.....sob.

The niners fans dont deserve responses, they are niners fans...fans of the worst team in the NFL.

March 27, 2008

#39 Duff Diggler said . . .

right on u guys.... I'm working on a Bears D vid ala either ACDC Thunderstruck, or Requiem for a Dream (remix) theme music.... whatcha think? if you don't know the music, go to www.seeqpod.com and search it.... that's a good site to have in your favorites anyway.....

....i noticed that blocking as well....

....u wanna see even better blocking, watch Desmond Clark in the TJ video i made (also on youtube)!!!

.....sorry it's been so long since i've made one. I've been working on one of my daughter.... but now that that one is up, and my wife and her mother are off my ass, i can focus on what really matters.... lmao...jk.... but really, there will be another soon.....

March 27, 2008

#40 mikebdot said . . .

I was much more impressed with Tillman and Hillenmeyer's blocking than anything Ayanabadejo ever did. Speaking of which, why does nobody make a stink about Tillman being out there on special teams when he plays all the defensive snaps yet people are concerned about Hester's number of plays and whether or not he'll be tired.

March 27, 2008

#41 Z said . . .

Good point MikeB. Hester seems all about trying to score 1000 TD's in his career. I am sure he will let everyone know if he is too tired and needs a break. That is the least of the Bear's problems right now. Until there is a drop in production from #23 somewhere, GET HIM THE BALL!!

March 27, 2008

#42 big rob said . . .

Duff,

that Thomas Jones vid makes me miss him... and the offensive line looked like animals in those vids... down the field 15-20 yards blacking on some plays.... makes you wonder what happened.... last year the o line was standing around looking at eachother after half the plays... makes you wonder if the just hate benson... to have dropped off like that.... I still think we should trade back for him.... don't see why we couldnt make that happen.... GO BEARS!!

March 27, 2008

#43 AfroCelt said . . .

so bored of the NCAA and baseball...need something...anything!

March 27, 2008

#44 niners gold said . . .

tenacious d, if rosey crossed the line, then why didn't the bear attack rosey. instead of cry to the commish

March 28, 2008

#45 Pissed Off said . . .

Niner gold just shut it. There are a lot of players that are represented by Rosenhaus and if we go after him we will be distancing ourselves from any player that uses him as an agent and we may want those players at some point. And enough with you niner fans whining about the tampering, you got busted, suck it up and shut-up. If some other team was going after your top 1 or 2 defensive players on your team (even though your defense, or offense for that matter, doesnt have anyone worth tampering so you may not understand this) and it was someone you needed to try and retain becuase he meant a lot to your team and helps it win you wouldn't let any funny business slip by either.

March 28, 2008

#46 tenacious d said . . .

niners gold...There's an old saying, "if you sleep with dogs you get fleas". With Rosey being the snake that he is, the Niners brass must be pretty naive to think he wouldn't take the info he gained and try to hold the Bears hostage.

And another thing.....As far as I'm concerned the tampering that occurs by every team after the season is not the issue. In-season tampering is very serious because it can have an impact on the player's ability to concentrate on football. The Bears absolutely did the right thing in reporting it. You should be glad that all they got was a slap on the wrist.

March 28, 2008

#47 JD said . . .

Niners Nation is so cute. We are now the Chicago Stoolies!

I ask you this, who is more pathetic: The people who snitched or those who cry about it because they got their wrists slapped? Here is an idea, don't do it and you won't have to whine about it.

Chicago Stoolies, good one. I can't be mad though cause I've had a nickname for the 49ers for a while.

The San Francisco 3rd place at best in the NFC West's

...Since 2003

March 29, 2008

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