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Public Relations. The very title is a euphemism for a trade that trades in euphemism.
The 49ers experienced something of a Public Relations spasm earlier today.
Here's what happened: Head Coach Nolan II was addressing the team's release of the trouble-is-his-middle-name wideout Antonio Bryant. Nolan was quoted by SJ Merc sportswriter Dennis Georgatos as saying "We want the same kind of guy in free agency as we're looking for in the draft. That’s first and foremost a guy that can play the game well, and secondly somebody that's got great character and fits in with what we're doing. But if you go with the second one first you’re just going to end up with a lily-white team that doesn't beat anybody."
When the transcript of Nolan's conference call was released on the 49er website, the "lily-white" reference had been removed. The Merc's John Ryan caught this excerptation in the Merc's Morning Buzz blog.
Now why would someone pull such an obviously innocuous comment?
Within the context, it is immediately obvious that Coach is referring to the reputation and character of the people that he might choose to build a team with. His statement is not uncouth.
Any reasonable person could understand how Coach was deploying that particular colloquialism.
Yet some Public Relations someone in some cubicle made the decision that it'd be better -- cleaner, perhaps -- to just smooth over that sentence.
Interesting.
Such is the state of the 49ers' Public Relations today.
On to actual issues pertaining to the franchise...
Since the NFL's Free Agency period opened yesterday, the Niners are in hot pursuit of folks 'pon which to lavish their league-leading amount of salary cap space.
Needs? Defensive line; depth in the secondary; wide receiver. A few more linebackers wouldn't hurt since staunch MLB Derek Smith and the bearded LB Jeff Ulbrich are nearing the twilight of their gridiron careers.
The most intriguing thing about this year's free agency period for SF is the fact that the 49ers are now seen as a team on the up-and-up, as opposed to last season where they basically brought in a few guys interested in either second chances or paychecks or both: powerful veteran OL Larry Allen, old-'n-wily CB Walt Harris, and that aforementioned now-waived charity/head-case WR Bryant.
The two leading candidates in the Niner's sights are Buffalo's Pro Bowl cornerback Nate Clements, and Baltimore's über-gifted LB/DE/DB Adalius Thomas. (Not Odalius, Kev.)
Most important for San Francisco to improve in this offseason is the pass rush. Adalius would provide a huge boost for the Niners in gettin' the quarterback, having notched 11 sacks in 2006. Thomas has already worked under Nolan II back when he was defensive coordinator for the Ravens, so there's already a familiarity between the two.
A 270 pound man is not supposed to be able to keep pace in coverage with NFL tight ends and wide receivers, but Adalius can do exactly that.
As for Clements, the Bills' free agent DB could provide a fantastic upgrade to last years' thin cornerbacking crew.
When asked his opinion on Nate earlier today, American Football Spectacular's Buffalo correspondent DJ Burrito wanted to see the terms of the contract being offered to Clements before making a judgement as to the cost/benefit to the team, but was concerned about the 49ers signing a cover corner in his late twenties due to inherent loss of footspeed.
Bringing in a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive back would be mighty good for the Niners, no matter if they plug him in at corner or the slower-paced safety spot.
After the obvious progress of the 2006 season, the Niners are an appealing place to come to for the prospective free agent. There's a winning culture established on the field despite the ownership's shenanigan-tastic dearth of leadership.
Even if they can't get a new stadium built, the Niners are building a team for 49er faithful to be proud of.
* BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: Holy crap, The Press Democrat's Matt Maiocco is reporting that the Niners have signed Clements and Philly strong safety Michael Lewis. Wow. Boy, that's a right-quick upgrade to the defensive secondary! Two Pro Bowl-level DBs added; justlikethat.
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Thats damn goood. All we have to do is sign Adalius Thomas and we are going to be way better.. poor Raiders still got years to go....