49ers Fans Need to Be Patient about Crabtree

Before 49ers fans jump on Michael Crabtree, I suggest patience. 

It doesn't matter to me what type of reputation a player has in college.  It also doesn't matter how good he was in college.

The NFL is a test of intelligence, skill and grit.

The good ones make an impact.

The others are fast forgotten.

Worst, some are busts.

We've had plenty of great receivers in San Francisco history.  And after I'm gone, there will probably be more.

The truth about Crabtree is that he probably will not be as good as Jerry Rice.  But let us hope he is not the bust that J.J. Stokes was.  It's partly up to Crabtree how good he wants to be.

Of course, he can only go so far as his skill can take him.  Factoring into skill, of course, is the hustle, that determination to be the best.

Does Crabtree have that fire?

Time will tell.  He definitely has the intelligence.

I've seen reports that because the club didn't sign Crabtree that it means we're in for a holdout.  Perhaps, and that's really unfortunate.

The last thing this team needs is something that tugs at its unity.  This decade has been one big tug.  And fans are tired of it.

However, the truth is that pro football, first and foremost is a business, and Crabtree has every right to pursue the best deal he can.

I know some fans do not like hearing that.

We are fans who love our team and are prone to make judgments when we question a player's loyalty.  While Crabtree will be a loyal 49er, it is unfair for us not to realize that he has to think of himself.

There is no guarantee that he will not have a season- or career-ending injury at any moment.

With coaches and sports writers saying he was a draft-day "steal," maybe he figures he can pick up a few more bucks than the 49ers offered.  Plus, the 49ers have had a recent legacy of overpaying for under-performers.

If his intent is to hold out for more than what the 49ers will pay, I say let him sit.

We have other receivers.

Let's hope it doesn't come to that for the team's and Crabtree's sake.