49ers file charges against Jets
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."
According to the Daily News, specifics of the allegations weren't known.
"I wish we were playing them," Ryan said of the 49ers.
The 49ers refused to comment on the report.
"These are internal matters that are handled by the league so we are not going to comment," 49ers spokesman Bob Lange told ESPN.
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 -- in order for him to play this season.
After August 14, the Niners no longer were permitted to trade Crabtree's rights. The next point he can be traded is at the start of the 2010 trading period on March 5. If Crabtree is not signed and he is not traded, he would go back into the April draft.
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.
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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