49ers Fans Like Me Are Spoiled Brats

Glenn Franco Simmons by Analyst Written on April 14, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 19:  (L-R) Jed York, Denise DeBartolo York and Eddie DeBartolo look on during a ceremony held in Jerry Rice's honor during half time of the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks at Monster Park on November 19, 2006 in San Francisco, California.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

As I look back upon last season and nearly a decade of frustration as a 49ers fan, I have discovered I am a spoiled brat.

I'm not sure if others are guilty of the same character flaw that afflicts me, but I readily admit my flaw and issue this public apology and vote of confidence for Jed York.

While longtime 49ers fans like me were busily biting their nails and throwing their Nerf balls at the TV—if they hadn't already broken the TV out of sheer desperation as they watched a once-proud franchise tumble to the depths of despair, York was trying to learn the ropes.

To put it kindly, San Francisco's organization, for much of this decade, has been horribly flawed.

Just as a child would do when throwing a fit, many 49ers fans threw fits by writing about the organizational warts that were easily seen by fans in the form of questionable organizational and game management.

It seemed to even affect the play on the field.

I was in the mix and issued numerous complaints.

However, upon reflection, I realized that I was spoiled by former coach Bill Walsh, former owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr., Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, Jerry Rice, and many other 49ers too numerous to name.

Rather than highlighting the negative, it would be nice to start off a new football year with a positive outlook and an admission of guilt.

York has a tough hill to climb, both figuratively and literally (Coach Mike Singletary saw to that, if York ever ventures onto the practice field).

As York attempts to pull the franchise out of its cellar, I think of DeBartolo.

He pulled the 49ers from the cellar, but the 49ers didn't win his first few seasons.

DeBartolo seems to have put his faith in York, and I cannot dismiss that, since DeBartolo is the only single owner to have won five Super Bowls.

While you may quibble with me about Pittsburgh having that honor with the addition of a sixth Super Bowl, may I remind you that those Super Bowls were won under different family members.

So, as York continues to take hits issued by some bloggers, columnists, and talking heads, I prefer to look upon the positive and hope York is as successful as his uncle.

I mean, what's the alternative?

To continue acting like a spoiled brat?

Vote Now! - Author Poll

Are you a spoiled brat?

  • Yes, I need 12-step therapy
  • No, you are nuts
  • I'm a Dallas Cowboy fan
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

Are you a spoiled brat?

  • Yes, I need 12-step therapy

    60.6%
  • No, you are nuts

    33.3%
  • I'm a Dallas Cowboy fan

    6.1%
  • Total votes: 33
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written on April 14, 2009 Opinion

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