I’ll admit that I got a little pissy earlier today regarding the proliferation of reports that accepted at face value the denials from the 49ers that agent Eugene Parker threatened the team that receiver Michael Crabtree will sit out the entire 2009 season if the Niners don’t cave in to Parker’s demands.
But I’m not sorry for how I responded. I’m sorry for putting myself in position that I had to respond the way I had to respond. (Hey, Antonio Pierce should sell that one to Hallmark. Unless and until he does, it’s fair game.)
And given the lingering confusion on this issue, let me be clear. Three sources have now said that Parker made the threat.
One source says that Parker specifically tied a season-long holdout to a contract that exceeds the package that the Raiders gave to Darrius Heyward-Bey with the seventh overall pick in round one.
It previously was believed that Parker was looking for a top-five deal. Apparently, he is aiming two spots lower.
If he’ll move only three more spots lower, maybe Crabtree can get to work and prove that he’s worth his contract, and more.
Regardless, the threat was made. It would be beyond stupid for Parker to follow through on it, but the threat was made.
Now, if any of you keep sending me links to reports to the contrary, I’m gonna turn this car around and drive home.