San Francisco 49ers: Why They Should And Will Cut DE Kentwan Balmer

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Kentwan Balmer has been a major disappointment due to his poor performance on game days. Now, making the former first round pick's situation even worse, he's starting to pile up some major off-the-field concerns.

According to reports, from the Raleigh News and Observer, Balmer paid for former UNC teammates Marvin Austin and Cam Thomas to travel to California during the summer of 2009.

While this may not seem like a big deal, it is, indeed, a violation of the NCAA's preferential treatment, and would ultimately lead the university to discipline from the NCAA if the statement is confirmed. Sure, in my mind, that is borderline ridiculous. But, that's how the regulations are set up. 

Of course, this is likely to only the start to what could soon uncover to be an even more serious issue.

In other news, Balmer has also been absent from 49ers' training camp over the past few days. 

At first, head coach Mike Singletary had given him some time off in order to handle personal family matters.

"It's on Kentwan," the coach told KNBR-680 on Tuesday. "As far as I'm concerned, we're going to continue to practice and do what we have to do. And Kentwan's got to make up his mind, in terms of how he's going to handle some of the personal issues he has to handle.

"It's just like any other young man, or any other individual, sometimes things come up in life and you have to decide which is more important. And that is where Kentwan is. Until he makes a decision, I'm going to give him the time to handle it because there is certainly a lot on his plate right now."

However, as of Wednesday, Balmer is aware that he is being considered unexcused. 

In response, he told The San Jose Mercury News, "People are making a big deal about nothing. I feel like the 49ers could do a better job of saying that, but it's not my place to say."

Reading between the lines, this basically will end his tenure in San Francisco. A disciplined organization, like the 49ers, are not going to stand by allow those type of statements to be made. 

And they shouldn't. 

For a team that's a favorite to win the NFC West for the first time since 2002, they don't need any potential distractions. They already have things to sort out with the recent injuries and the development of their rookies, and it's best if they simply accept their losses and move on.

It's not as if he's been an integral key to their defense. Despite being drafted with the 29th overall selection back in 2008, he's only registered a mere 19 tackles, and has not proven he can be a quality contributor, let alone a starter. In my mind, he's an absolute bust. 

Despite some potential, there's truly no need to keep him around, especially considering his added baggage. 

Nonetheless, I do wish Balmer the best of luck moving forward. Hopefully, he can get his life back in order and revive his career. 

Note: Information from ESPN and the San Francisco Chronicle were used in this article.