The State vs. Braylon Edwards

All credit to the 49ers for signing Braylon Edwards, the big wide receiver they’ve long needed. As you know, Edwards has had continuing trouble with the law, and may even face suspension from the league. This is not to question the Niners’ choice of him as they try to become winners. In fact, they deserve praise for showing the guts to get someone who’s so good but personally flawed. In the interest of a full disclosure, here is Braylon Edwards “rap” sheet, gleaned from various sources.

August 29, 2008: Driving 120 mph in a 65 mph zone in Avon, Ohio. The officer initially let Edwards go “for good behavior,” even though his passenger vomited on the dash during the stop. The Sporting News found out the truth and ran the story and Avon police retroactively gave Edwards the ticket.

October 5, 2009: Aggravated Assault. Edwards punched a Cleveland party promoter and acquaintance of Lebron James in the face at 2:30 a.m. outside a nightclub. He pled no contest to the charge on January 12, 2010.

September 21, 2010: DWI. Initially pulled over in New York for excessive tints on his Ranger Rover windows. The officer smelled alcohol on Edwards’ breath. Edwards blew a .16, twice the legal limit, and he was put on probation.

August 1, 2011: Alleged bar fight: According to foxsports.com and management of South Bar in Birmingham,Michigan, Edwards’ two cousins stabbed two bouncers with a pocket knife and a fork while Edwards was “spurring on his cousins.”

Clearly, signing this guy is a major risk. But the 49ers covered their bases. Matt Maiocco reports Edwards’ contract is not fully guaranteed. He only gets the full $3.5 million if he catches 90 passes and makes the Pro Bowl, and only $1 million is guaranteed.

 

Follow me on twitter @grantcohn.

Comments are closed.