Posted By: Robert (02/11/2007 10:19:45 AM)
Comment: Matt, any reason to believe York, Nolan, et. al read your blogs and fan's comments?

Posted By: Gopal (01/11/2007 3:21:24 PM)
Comment: As a Giants fan, I'm sure you witnessed the many ways in which local media coverage of a that team has presented the rosiest picture of their prospects possible until forced to do otherwise. Is there some unseen mechanism that causes the coverage to come out that way, or do those reporters really think the Giants have a good chance to win the division every year? Furthermore, is there a similar mechanism in place with 49ers coverage?

Posted By: Medford (31/10/2007 11:15:51 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt go Ducks!! I live 2 hours south of Eugene in Medford everyone loves the Ducks here and also there is alot of Niner fans here they put there games on every sunday. Go 49ers!!!

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (31/10/2007 11:02:08 PM)
Comment: This team (Nolan's Product) needs to show some determination to succeed. OGs playing like kickers, no one cleaning off a pile downfield,(ala Kevin Gogan) we show no stones on offense. It's beginning to look like the plan is not to get hurt, (Smiley in a walk year). Mike Nolan fails to enstill a purpose in this offense, an attitude to go after people. What happened to nasty and aggressive OL play? Big LA brought that last year, and that is what has vanished from his play. Maybe the college level reverse hand off, slick-trick gaget plays have taken away the timing this line had last year? Go out there and hit someone in the mouth before they hit you. Once Mike gets them thinking like Bill Walsh taught, the boxer mentality, maybe, maybe he can right this ship. Touche to the earlier post about coaching the QB. THERE is where we are seriously being stifled. Montana and Young were all about timing and reading keys. Constantly working the drops and getting the ball out. Dilfer demonstrated this short coming very well against the Giants, so who teaches Alex? Obviously not Trent. Offense is timing and ball control, Mike has not figured that out yet, and apparently isn't able to see what's right in front of him. He drafted Alex, he's the future of the offense, and he isn't improving on his fundamentals. Does Hostler continue to mentor the QB and Coordinate? Would Steve Young consider coaching the position I wonder? Also, your work and insight into OUR team is greatly appreciated Matt, we take the good with the bad, it's the BEST place to decompress and talk Niners. Thanks for the dedication to your craft.

Posted By: Chico John (31/10/2007 10:16:48 PM)
Comment: Good article, I guess you know the bloggers who post on this website enjoy your columns, and respect your writing and opinions. Did you hear that the 49ers sent out a survey last week asking for our opinion? It had to do with uniforms, whether I liked the current ones, the older '89, or favor an entire new look? I absolutely despise the current look, and not just because the changed the red to maroon. I favor the '89 look. Besides that the current uniforms are nothing but LOSERS. I know it doesn't matter much in the grand scope of things, but at least they asked my opinion. Maybe the 49er website home should have a suggestion box, just like the one in the locker room.

Posted By: Rich (31/10/2007 8:54:33 PM)
Comment: Nolan handles himself pretty well and a press conference is not his enemy. His worst enemy right now is time. As a third year coach with expectations of winning, reinventing his offensive identity at this point is has been a setback; they are WAY out of sync. Granted, they had to do it and had no choice, but they set in motion changes/improvements that the coaches and players need time to finish ironing out. As we have seen over the last 2 -3 weeks, they have had to change their whole offensive philosophy and approach to the game. If they can get things done, I hope they don't run out of time doing it before it's too late--meaning: getting fired and starting over. Only time will tell...

Posted By: Fernando (31/10/2007 5:34:21 PM)
Comment: One thing is official... the Nolan honeymoon is well over.

Posted By: oneniner (31/10/2007 4:09:18 PM)
Comment: nice read...one of your best posting...just one question, how does it feel to be passionate about covering something you are not a fan of ?

Response: If I were covering politics, it shouldn't matter to me who wins the elections. My job does not change whether the teams I cover wins or not. --Matt M.

Posted By: Danny In NJ (31/10/2007 3:49:07 PM)
Comment: Matt, how's it going? Could you tell us which team you are a fan of in football? Personally I see why you can't be a fan but I would find it hard to cover a team I don't care much about.

Response: My wife went to Oregon, so I follow the Ducks a little. I'm also interested in what Dennis Erickson is doing at ASU. I'm looking forward to finding a bar in Atlanta to watch that game. --Matt M.

Posted By: EastCoastFan (31/10/2007 2:41:43 PM)
Comment: Awesome...... It was cool to learn the background of what you do. I guess being fan would be hard. The bottom line is your doing a job. A DAMN GOOD ONE TOO. It just hurts me to see them play so poorly.

Posted By: Oscar in san diego (31/10/2007 2:39:10 PM)
Comment: hahaa come on matt its more than evident that u d die for the niners and ur dream is...they get another superbowl trophy.anyway i know u r pro...and i ll still countin on u as one of us...Go niners

Posted By: Mike in SF #2 (31/10/2007 12:47:25 PM)
Comment: Hey - San Fran GirlyMan - Thanks for the kind words. However, Matt didn't use the word "article" on any of his responses in yesterday's blog, nice try though. In fact, the one time he did use it was on a link to an "Article" from the Press Democrat. Also - have you ever looked at the top of all these WebPages. There appears to be a strange word in all caps and bold letters: "BLOGS". Odd isn't it? I guess stupid is as stupid does!!!!

Posted By: Sonoco (31/10/2007 12:26:40 PM)
Comment: Hey SanFran "Man?"- All evidence to the contrary . . . and now you're calling Matt coarse? Of course he's not coarse. I've never here'd such a stoopid thing. Real men don't need spell-check. Time to move on now.

Posted By: SanFranMan (31/10/2007 12:21:59 PM)
Comment: Good thing it's a slow day here at work at my donut shop in Aspen, Co. Houston: Thanks for the post! Sonoco: It's called sheeps and wolves and you all are sheep, I'm merely the wolf! Mike: If you read a response from Matt on yesterdays ARTICLE, he responded to someone and used the word ARTILCE, but thanks for trying to sound smart! RK: touche' RK touche'! BHF: We could talk about seating arrangements on away games? Let's see, I'm 6' 1", brown hair, I like M&M's and click pens, lets see what else? What if this is York and it's a Halloween trick? Nah--

Posted By: StonerLab (31/10/2007 12:14:20 PM)
Comment: Correct me if I'm wrong Matt but this shouldn't come as a surprise to all of you who follow Matt's blog of not being a 49er fan. As I recall you had brought up that subject back in training camp. With all the horrible play by the 49ers & the spewing of venom coming from the 49er Empire I think Matt's intention on his article today was to simply remind everybody of where he stands with the team & the integrity he must maintain as a sports writer. Would that be accurate Matt?

Posted By: DGam (31/10/2007 12:13:28 PM)
Comment: In reading and listening to your comments the past few weeks I tend to agree with what your saying but I still have many concerns. In three years I have yet to figure out what the offensive philosophy of the 49ers is. Turner was beginning to set the tone but now is gone. I don't believe there are any offensive minded people on the staff to come up with an NFL Quality game plan. The offensive line , though played better Sunday, has yet to control the line of scrimmage at any stage the game. There is never any big push when it comes to run blocking. It was said that the coaches were an excellent teaching staff when hired but in 3 years why has no one worked with Smith on his accuracy. This takes practice. I feel Smith could be a good QB with the proper teaching, Good QB's have always had good teachers. There are very few players who do everything well naturally. If I'm not mistaken Bill Walsh taught to ALL his QB's every phase of the game. There was great attention to detail in the technique of QB. It is very disheartening to see that this team does not seem put the proper emphasis on offensive strategy as is done with the defensive strategy. One more thing Who was that guy catching all those passes for the Saints on Sunday? I think it would have been great to have Eric Johnson and Vernan Davis on the field at the same time. They probably would have be more productive than the WR's that are on the team now.

Posted By: 4th grade 49ers fan (31/10/2007 12:12:15 PM)
Comment: SanFranMan - That was the comeback of all comebacks. But please, don't steal our 4th grade playground jokes of calling men "girly". Who do you think you are Governor Schwarzenegger?

Posted By: SanFranMan (31/10/2007 11:46:50 AM)
Comment: Awwww, isnt that cute. I bet all the other team are laughing there A$ off at you girly 9er fans. Wow, way to set me straight! You are the same ones who cry bad call over and over again. Be a man and move on, like me! I love it when you get all upset. I must be the only true 49er fan and man on this site. Besides Matt of coarse. I can almost here your little girly voices when you're typing your replies!

Posted By: jeremy (31/10/2007 11:46:40 AM)
Comment: When Nolan blew the game last year and elected to kick the field goal on 4th and a cm. I ripped you in on here for not asking tougher questions. I am sorry, I was a little upset he blew the season.

Posted By: Aaron (31/10/2007 11:29:49 AM)
Comment: So Matt, since you're a fan more of the people involved than the team itself, do you root for the team to win? I ask more for professional reasons because if the team wins it means more work for you. Are covering playoff games and Super Bowls a privelege or a burden? Over the past few years have you been "crushed" by your ability to take a warm weather work-free Jan vacation?

Posted By: Indiana Jim (31/10/2007 11:18:23 AM)
Comment: Matt, thanks for this. I've always enjoyed reading your blog, and I like that you admit you're not a fan. More often than not you validate the things I'm thinking myself. Look at my blog, it's '49ersfanboy' for crying out loud! Keep up the good work and continue to tell us the way it is, Matt.

Posted By: drew (31/10/2007 11:00:30 AM)
Comment: Thank you for a very insightful piece. I, like most everyone else who relishes reading your blog every day and checking it multiple times, am a passionate 49ers fan and your blog and insight satisfies my desire for 49ers news and perspective like no other source. In terms of perspective, I'll say again that if someone, like myself, felt the 49ers were headed in the right direction before this season began and before this five week stretch then it is way to early, and indeed fickle, to now demand complete change. One common denominator of regularly bad teams is constant change and turnover at the top. You make those dramatic changes only after you have a sufficient history to be certain what you have won't work in the long run not that it isn't presently working. And, a bad five weeks isn't, by any means, a sufficient period of time. I suggest that is why the term fan is a short derivative of fanatic - because in times of stress and trouble the fanatic often acts emotionally not rationally. Give Nolan and the staff sufficient time to disprove what most believed six weeks ago - that the ship is inexorably headed down not up -before you pull the plug and start over again.

Posted By: Spee (31/10/2007 11:00:16 AM)
Comment: Keep up the good work Matt. I appreciate your praise as well as your criticism of the Niners. You are definitely fair unlike some others who were always negative, even when the Niners were dominating the league.

Posted By: Houston 9er (31/10/2007 10:55:18 AM)
Comment: Graham, I understand where your coming from but I think you may have missed the point. I don't think Matt was saying he doesn't have an opinion. I think he was merely pointing out that he has to maintain a certain level of objectivity. Matt even said, "I am not a fan of the team. It would be impossible to do my job if I were rooting for the team I cover. Still, that does not keep me from having feelings one or the other about those individuals with whom I come in contact. And, truth be known, I happen to have high opinions of most of the folks I cover."

Posted By: SonocoNinerFan (31/10/2007 10:50:39 AM)
Comment: Hey SanFranMan- Judging by the other comments you're a minority of one and a TRUE waste of time. Start your own fricken blog if you don't like the content. What a RICHARD!

Posted By: Houston 9er (31/10/2007 10:50:29 AM)
Comment: Joe, Actually I agree with you on Mike Martz. Great OC. HORRIBLE HC. I just long for the days when it was exciting to see the offense go on the field. It's been so long since we've been even slightly competent. I jest when I mention Martz. We were spoiled with Walsh. I want to be spoiled again, damn it!!!!

Posted By: Spee (31/10/2007 10:38:27 AM)
Comment: Keep up the good work Matt. I appreciate your honesty and level-headedness. I enjoy your criticism and praise of the 49ers. You are definitely fair, unlike some other so-called journalists that always, always look for the negative (like Dickey, Murphy, Miller, Walcoff, Shuman, etc.).

Posted By: henry (31/10/2007 10:35:22 AM)
Comment: matt, thank you for your opus on this subject of journalistic integrity. more recently, i have become incensed at all the fickle and irrational statements by the 'faithful' lately. just because football is a game, they think it is easy to simply turn it around. the sport is a game, but it's a way of life and more importantly, a profession, in this case. thank you for shedding light so these armchair gms and coaches can sit back down. just because they're disgruntled and irrational fans does not mean you have to be irrational as well. cheers!

Posted By: Dave (31/10/2007 10:34:42 AM)
Comment: I hope we don't sign pay-rod, a-fraud, etc. He's all about the pay check. He doesn't care and if he couldn't elevate an overpaid, over-talented Yankees team to win, how's he going to help us?

Posted By: niner (31/10/2007 10:30:00 AM)
Comment: if he is as astute as you give him credit for then he certanley is a good actor. Telling the media that he gets suggestions on the laughable offense by opposing defenses is not inspiring. (Like the Pats give good advice to Dallas as to how to fix their team to beat them) His being a d coach and picking a rookie OC is insanity. (see Seifret after Holmgren and Shanahan). Its obvious to all that without Turner the coaching is not even high school varsity level. (see Senior bowls) He should make changes especially on the OL to show he has a plan, other than to try and luck out a couple of wins. His inaction clearly indicated he is over his head. 3 years of pitiful production is enough. Mcloughlan should stay but really needs to reevaluate his ability to coach. Maybe after this gig and some mroe expereince with some winning teams and good qb's he can come back, but right now his teams are un disciplined, unprepared and now seemingly unispired.

Posted By: Rodney King (31/10/2007 10:22:46 AM)
Comment: "Can't we all just get along?" :-) SFM: Never bite the hand that feeds you! Jon: Never use the word "extemporaneous" at a Raider game. Matt: What's the chances the Giant's sign A-Rod?

Posted By: Graham (31/10/2007 10:12:46 AM)
Comment: Matt, as I mentioned, I loved your post. This is a philosophical point, I suppose...isn't it a bit disingenuous to claim not to have an opinion? Every reporter has a perspective, or values according to which they report the news. Choosing what news to report and when (such as your decision to question Nolan on Monday, or deciding when, exactly, to ask a coach to walk you through his decision-making) is a personal choice. Some personal choices are more defensible than others, of course. I just think a reporter is a part of the story whether they use the first person in their writing or not. it's frustrating to me that some writers assume this means their extemporaneous, unreflected thoughts are newsworthy, or constructive. You do have a personal agenda, though...thank god you're not like the many fans/jackals who read what you write. There was a question in here somewhere...Okay, here's one: what's the worst reaction you've had in the pre-Nolan era to something you've written (from a coach or player)?

Response: When did I write that I don't have an opinion? You'll read my opinions from time to time. But my job, for the most part, is to report about the team, lay out the facts and let people form their opinions. Now with the blog that has changed a little, but objectivity is still the best road to get there. --Matt M.

Posted By: Patrick in Mission Viejo (31/10/2007 10:12:45 AM)
Comment: Great read as always Matt. You may not be a fan of the 49ers, but I alot of us 49er fans are also a fan of your writing! Keep it up.

Posted By: Joe (31/10/2007 10:09:53 AM)
Comment: To Houston 9er....PLEASE NO MARK MARTZ

Posted By: BHF (31/10/2007 10:07:55 AM)
Comment: Thanks Matt,nice insight on behind the scenes since it's a slow day on the football side. Afterall, talking about the 49er offense is one dead horse already. Pay no attention to SanFranMan, narrow-minded lunatic.

Posted By: Johnny (31/10/2007 10:03:50 AM)
Comment: Matt, I have to ask.... when the game is on the line, are you really not rooting for the Niners to win??

Response: I'm human, but a lot of times I'm concentrating on other things and trying to figure out what's going on out there. So my mindset is rarely one in which I have time to root for something to happen. --Matt M.

Posted By: billbird2111 (31/10/2007 10:03:16 AM)
Comment: You're giving yourself the short end of the stick Matt. Reporters can pick out things during news conferences that normal folks miss. Your job is, and will always be, reporting AND analyzing what is said. That's the value of newspaper reporting that will never change. Oh, and I could never cover the 49'ers during my day as a radio sports reporter. To this day I cannot bring myself to say word one to Joe Montana. The only sound that gets out is a guttural "urp," and then Joe goes off on his merry way.

Posted By: Joe (31/10/2007 10:00:15 AM)
Comment: Matt..or anyone else...Is the Raider game going to sell out? I was thinking if it wasn't on Sunday the double header would be Niners-Falcons (combined 3-11) then Pats-Colts (combined well you know what they are). Any chance the Raiders sellout?

Posted By: Mike in SF #2 (31/10/2007 9:39:32 AM)
Comment: Hey SanFranMan - are really are an IDIOT. Its a blog... not an article. Go look up the difference you dumb a**. For those of us who religiously follow the reporting by the Matt's and others, its always great to get a little bit of perspective and personal insight into where they are coming from.

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (31/10/2007 9:32:34 AM)
Comment: SanFranMan: it's a blog, an extemporaneous musing, not high drama. I guarantee that the other readers like insight into a world we don't get to see.

Posted By: Houston 9er (31/10/2007 9:31:25 AM)
Comment: Completely different thought. Wasn't it Rich Brooks who assembled all that talent in St. Louis and then it took Dick Vermeil and Mike Martz to come in and make the team a winner. I wonder if DV and MM would consider taking the same role with the 9ers. Joking but there could be parallels to that situation when Nolan is fired.

Posted By: Houston 9er (31/10/2007 9:29:42 AM)
Comment: SanFranMan - YOU ARE AN IDIOT!!! If you don't like the article keep it to yourself. What do you expect on a Tuesday? It's an off day for players. Matt's article was insightful and very interesting to most readers on this blog. Matt has THE BEST coverage of the 9ers by far. IDIOT!!!!!!

Posted By: SanFranMan (31/10/2007 9:21:39 AM)
Comment: What was the purpose if this article? Was it to waste our time? So you're not a fan. So you don't want to be part of the story. How come you didn't tell us what you had for lunch or what your favorite color is? To me, it would have been just as informative! I still like your articles Matt, just not all the time. But that's ok because I had a turkey sandwich yesterday while wearing a green shirt!

Posted By: Mike in SF #2 (31/10/2007 9:14:06 AM)
Comment: Hey Bret - great STAT. Did you bother checking the average NFL career length of a STARTER not just a player? Because it is three years longer than the Average NFL player. There are approximately 704 "starters" in the NFL. There are approximately 2,000 players in the NFL. Please throw out a better stat and be right next time to back up your point. Our best three players and biggest threats on offense are Smith, Davis, and Gore. They ARE young, in fact, in his 3rd season Alex Smith is STILL the youngest starting QB in the NFL. Its not an excuse but it is a matter of fact so just deal with it. While Matt makes the point to name three teams that are younger on offense, it's a lot easier for young teams to overcome adversity when your QB's are Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.

Posted By: Baseball?? (31/10/2007 8:39:35 AM)
Comment: Matt, if you want to watch a good game and not a "snoozer", then why are you a fan of baseball? Thanks for your awesome posts.

Posted By: Marco from Stockton (31/10/2007 8:37:38 AM)
Comment: Nice post. A reporter reports, a fan hopes. I still say the Niners need a GM. Maybe Nolan is the right man as head coach, I don't think he is as a GM. There is simply too much both jobs reguire.

Posted By: D in Portland (31/10/2007 8:05:49 AM)
Comment: Matt - thanks for the insight into your world. You have a fine line to walk. Any chance the 9ers give M. Williams a try? Are we that desperate at WR? wsmith - I agree 100%. You can't be a true fan and play fantasy sports.

Posted By: Fire Nolan (31/10/2007 7:59:18 AM)
Comment: What Dr. York needs to realize, is that this team is not 1 year away from the Super Bowl. That was the "plan" for year three under Nolan, but it hasn't worked. Are we going to sign some more FA's, draft some more players, and be a 12-4 Super Bowl team next year? Nope. Nolan has his core players on the team, and we are awful, inept, pathetic, horrible. There is no way one more offseason will make this team suddenly wake up and be able to compete with Dallas, G Bay, Pats, Indy, etc. We could easily be 0-7, and when we lose we are getting DESTROYED. Dr. York needs to pull the plug this offseason, and find a guy who can coach. Period. End of story.

Posted By: Bret (31/10/2007 7:32:09 AM)
Comment: In the interest of "accuracy", Delanie Walker is so "key" that he was 3rd string until the injury to Bajema, Michael Robinson was also 3rd string until last week, and Adam Snyder was 2nd string until Jenning's injury. In the interest of "accuracy" I believe Nolan's characterisation of these players as "key" needs to be challenged. Our starting offense averaged 4.4 years of experience coming into the season. The average NFL CAREER is only somewhere around 4 to 5 years. Hmm.... Which "I-won't-make-excuses" person is making excuses?

Posted By: SactoBob (31/10/2007 7:28:39 AM)
Comment: Before you asked the question, I never realized Nolan considered Robinson and Walker "key" players. Thanks, I guess.

Posted By: wsmith (31/10/2007 7:26:16 AM)
Comment: Matt - good analogy on being a fan and it being a conflict. Ask anyone who plays fantasy sports, and it has ruined the game for fans. You will find yourself rooting against Frank Gore, Alex Smith, Vernon Davis, etc., because the guy you are playing against that week has some of them on his team playing against you.

Posted By: SonocoNinerFan (31/10/2007 7:08:36 AM)
Comment: This is well timed Matt. Thank you. It's nice to give the base a little perspective in trying times. While it's obvious you can't openly root for the team you're covering, it also seems clear that you'd rather see the team, and the players you have high opinions of, be successful rather than struggle. It's only natural and I think you walk that fine-line expertly. Thanks again.

Posted By: steveh (31/10/2007 7:04:26 AM)
Comment: Matt, I will admit you gave it to Nolan a little bit Monday. Please dont let him BS the fans anymore. Put the softball questions away!!

Posted By: Houston 9er (31/10/2007 6:32:28 AM)
Comment: Matt, Can you divulge who your favorite/least favorite person to cover has been in your tenure? I think Nolan is probably an honorable person who would be easy to admire. He seems to try to slip into a different public persona when he's in front of the camera. To me, he looks like he's too worried about how he looks or how he's perceived rather than just being himself.

Response: Steve Young was probably the best guy to cover. He was a superstar who was always available and personable. I'll name a couple least favorites: Lawrence Phillips was a bad guy to be around; Terrell Owens had incredible mood swings and was rude and heck; Ken Norton was no picnic. For comedy, there was a guy named Jerome Davis, who was on the roster for three seasons and I'm not sure he ever played in a game. Everytime the media would walk into the locker room, he'd say, "Look at these vultures." It needed to be pointed out to him that vultures only flock to things that are dead. --Matt M.

Posted By: Florida9er (31/10/2007 5:49:55 AM)
Comment: Matt, i'm kinda disappointed you won't claim to be a niner fan, even though you love the Giant's. How is that possible? oops, I forgot, you don't answer questions. That's OK, anyone who reads your blogs regularly knows the truth.

Posted By: Indiana Jim (31/10/2007 5:42:17 AM)
Comment: Behold! Perspective. So many 49er fans need that right now.

Posted By: 1949er (31/10/2007 5:36:41 AM)
Comment: Interesting -I would've guessed you a fan (privately albeit)who distanced himself at work-you have written books and maintain this blog !! However,after reading some of the rants posted here over the last few weeks I cant't blame you.

Posted By: Medford (31/10/2007 5:11:51 AM)
Comment: Matt is it fair to say these players probably wont be with us next year? Derek Smith, Larry Allen, Maurice Hicks, Jonas Jennings, Bryant Young, Justin Smiley, Kwame Harris, Marques Douglas I didnt forget Dilfer but it would be good if he stood on as some kind of coach.

Posted By: Andrew from Rishikesh (31/10/2007 2:27:48 AM)
Comment: Nice article on being objective Matt. When your team is winning life is a little sweeter, you walk with a bounce. When they're losing it's a nightmare - if you are a true fan. Judging by your articles each day the 49ers have a loyal fan base. The best thing about being a fan - we always have tomorrow.

Posted By: Marc - NJ49er (31/10/2007 12:48:27 AM)
Comment: Matt, what, if any, restrictions are placed on your access to information? For instance, do you have locker room / player interview access? Are you permitted to provide this insider information such as Franks' recent comments regarding the trust issues on the play calling or must you be 'cleared' in anyway by the teams' PR people? Do print and radio/TV media have differing access to provide coverage on the team? You're correct to have the unbiased neutral position on the subject matter you report on and I'm sure we all understand the sensitivity of the business you are involved in regarding intergrity issues. Another issue, related to Dr York and his distance from the team, involves the control Mike was given with the runing of the team. We all agree Dr York is not a day to day hands on owner, but I'd certainly question the load of work he has entrusted to Mike to wear so many hats with such a limited resume. I recall Mike Holmgren being overwhelmed and relinquishing much if not all of his GM responsibilites at the request or directive of Seattles' owner if I'm not mistaken. Mike Nolan appears to be spread too thin and the quality of the product he is in charge of producing looks dreadfully disorganized. Perhaps it's time for Dr York to intervene and provide some assistance relief in the front office? The team's web site doesn't clearly identify any front office title for a GM and Mike Nolan isn't even listed within the front office management tree?

Response: The locker room is open 45 minutes on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The locker room is also open after games, of course. There are no restrictions on talking to players. However, the trainer's room and other areas of the team's facility are off limits. Everything said in the locker room is on the record. --Matt M.

Posted By: DH (31/10/2007 12:31:00 AM)
Comment: Wow Matt, you are a human and not just a blog!!!Who'd of known? Great job and we all know deep down you bleed red @ gold.

Posted By: DH (31/10/2007 12:25:30 AM)
Comment: Holy crap Matt, you really are Human and not just a blog!!!!!

Posted By: Bob (31/10/2007 12:08:07 AM)
Comment: Oh BTW Matt - Just wanted to say sorry for coming off rude in my comment. Fan or not, you're still the best beat writer out there!

Posted By: Bad News (30/10/2007 11:59:39 PM)
Comment: Hey Guys!I think Matt is an Oakland Raider fan at heart since he use to work for the Oakland Tribune. How bad would that suck if Matt is a Raider fan all along???

Posted By: Bob (30/10/2007 11:50:53 PM)
Comment: Matt - I'm not going to put words in your mouth, but it sure seems like your a niners fan. In your game blogs, it's pretty apparent that you get frustrated when the 49ers play poorly. Like I said, not putting words in your mouth, but I thought you were a niners fan until you said you weren't not too long ago. So on that note.....whats your favorite football team?

Response: Although it's my job to cover the team, I still like to see good football. I'd rather cover an exciting game than a snoozer. --Matt M.

Posted By: Ian M (30/10/2007 11:37:14 PM)
Comment: Thanks for the great post Matt. That piece is the reason I belive in both you and Mike Nolan. Honest and to the point.

Posted By: Robert (30/10/2007 11:30:40 PM)
Comment: So, you are telling us that you are not a fan of the Niners in any way? Who is your team then? Does this have anything to do with our record the last 5 years...? Jumping off the bandwagon mid season is not cool Matt =)

Response: I'm not a fan of any NFL team. My favorite team is the S.F. Giants. There's no conflict of interest. I haven't covered one of their games since I made the move to The Press Democrat in 2000. --Matt M.

Posted By: Santa Rosa Tim (30/10/2007 11:29:10 PM)
Comment: Matt- Great post, I love watching the press conference and I enjoy your questions. It is obvious Nolan respects the work you do and understands you have a job; I thought your questioning was a bit out of style but then they really did stink that week. I live a bit vicariously through your reporting and questioning, thanks for sharing the "scoop" and you read of the situation.

Posted By: Dave (30/10/2007 11:27:17 PM)
Comment: Matt, you've fooled me. This whole time I thought you were one of us. Well, you are welcome to join us anytime :) We need just about all the help we can get right now.

Posted By: Sopoagapalooza (30/10/2007 11:12:30 PM)
Comment: Well said and interesting. Sam Donaldson's book, though on a different subject somewhat, basically echoed what you said about being a fan. You root for the folks you like as a human being, but as a journalist you're obliged to do your job first. Very interesting.

Response: I never realized Sam Donaldson and I have so much in common. Unfortunately, he has better hair. --Matt M.

Posted By: Anders Frost (30/10/2007 11:03:31 PM)
Comment: Hi Matt. I've followed your blog for about a year now, I really enjoy it, and today you have outdone yourself. Thank you for giving an inside look at a beat reporters job! Having followed the blog for a while, I don't think any of it comes as a huge surprise, but it does put things into perspective.

Posted By: Graham (30/10/2007 11:01:00 PM)
Comment: Wow...Matt, thank you for this. This is a very revealing, intelligent, honest post...thanks for this forum, and for posts like this.

Posted By: Kev (30/10/2007 10:55:54 PM)
Comment: Wow. That was one of the most poignant and impressive pieces I've read all year. As a spectator, I have the luxury of being a true unencumbered 49er fan. I have been all my life. For years, I've been a fan of your reporting. Only recently have I become a fan of your writing. I'm so glad your blog happens to cover my favorite team. All sports fans should be so lucky.