Michael Crabtree probably would have signed at some point before Nov. 17, the deadline for a rookie to get a deal done and be eligible to play this season. But one person in particular is responsible for the timing of his contract agreement with the 49ers.
This week, the 49ers and Crabtree synchronized their watches to Hammertime.
During that engagement, Hammer asked
“We have a mutual friend who introduced us,”
Hammer did not take part in the negotiations, but he was on hand at a
Hammer assisted in the getaway by taking
Later, Hammer also helped Crabtree complete an end-around departure from the hotel to elude myself and Comcast Sportsnet’s Mindi Bach, the only other reporter on the scene.
Hammer unquestionably deserves a lot of credit for the timing of the agreement, but
***UPDATE: Crabtree quipped softly enough for only the closest media member (SF Illustrated’s Craig Massei) to hear, “He helped with my dance steps.” ***
“I think Michael expedited the process because he wants to play football,”
In my brief encounter with Hammer, I found him to be good-natured and easy with a laugh – and we did share a hearty laugh about the situation. Honestly, I thought he looked like Hammer, but I did not confirm his identity until moments after he left the hotel property in an immaculate orange Dodge Charger.
Today, he acknowledged his involvement in the happenings on his Twitter page: “To all the Niner Fans and fans of the Bay Area and Bay Area Sports …you’re Welcome. :)”
I wish to thank him, too, for helping make Tuesday such a memorable day.
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