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San Francisco 49ers owner needs to clarify ‘winning with class’

By Brian Spaen

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A recurring theme in the San Francisco 49ers offseason has been Jed York’s mission to win “with class.” It’s something that’s probably haunted him in his dreams and wishes he’d never said those three words in the press conference following the departure of Jim Harbaugh. After the recent signing of Jerome Simpson, it’s time for York to either define what he meant or simply retire the phrase.

It’s actually been a pretty good week for the 49ers. Aldon Smith restructured his contract and the team won’t be on the hook for him if he does anything stupid again. They signed an ex-rugby player that may make the offensive squad and Darnell Dockett, a defensive tackle that will bolster the already solid unit.

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However, another signing was wide receiver Jerome Simpson. It’s an interesting addition because Simpson has been convicted for drug trafficking. In 2011 after police were able to obtain a package holding 2.5 pounds of marijuana. It was being sent from a townhome Simpson owns enroute to a different home in his name. Police searched his home and found six pounds of marijuana along with scales and boxes that looked like the package they found.

In 2012, Simpson was sentenced to over two weeks in jail and is still on probation from the criminal activity. He was also suspended for the first three games of the 2012 season after violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He was eventually released by the Vikings on September 18, 2014, despite resigning with them for a one-year contract.

So, why in the world would the 49ers pick up a player that was involved in dealing drugs? Well, York told us to look toward another source because he apparently wasn’t involved according to Ann Killion of the San Francisco Chronicle — general manager Trent Baalke.

Wrong answer, York. For an owner that told everyone to hold him accountable, he’s now pointing the finger to Baalke. If York is going to already start blaming others for questionable decisions, you’re going to bet he’ll be pointing to both Baalke and Jim Tomsula if the 49ers finish with a losing record.

It doesn’t matter whether York had any involvement in the signing of Simpson. He’s the owner of the team, he oversees everything, and he needs to have a better response than throwing Baalke under the bus.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise, though. York also responded to Harbaugh’s comments on the situation not being mutual with, “I feel sorry that’s how he feels. I have a signed agreement that says otherwise.”

Congratulations, York. On a piece of paper that probably somebody else or an intern typed up that Harbaugh signed, it says that it was a mutual parting. I mean, everyone actually agrees to the fine print when they click “I Agree” and install a program on their computer, right?

It’s time for York to clarify exactly what he means by “winning with class.” If he doesn’t address it now, the fanbase, media, and public will never live it down. The franchise will be attached to that phrase for the rest of his tenure. It’s going to be used in the same snark as the famous Oakland Raiders slogan, “commitment to excellence.”

Avoiding it won’t do any good. If York wants it to go away, he needs to retire it and present a new mission statement. Hopefully it’s one he’ll actually stick by.

Next: Would 49ers drafting Maxx Williams be too high?

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