Sources: Bears cry foul on Niners over Briggs
Several league sources have told FOXSports.com that there is a hearing scheduled in New York City for Monday to help determine if the 49ers tampered with Briggs and/or his agent Drew Rosenhaus during the 2007 NFL season.
The issue stems from a near-trade between the two teams for Briggs that abruptly collapsed right before the end of the midseason trade deadline in 2007. The Bears believe the 49ers had contacted Briggs' agent regarding a contract before being granted permission to do so.
If the 49ers are found guilty, the loss of draft picks and/or a fine would be likely.
The Bears have a large contingent flying to New York, including team president Ted Phillips, general manager Jerry Angelo, and perhaps head coach Lovie Smith among others, a sign that they are taking these charges quite seriously.
An NFL front-office source said commissioner Roger Goodell was hoping the two sides could work out a solution to their discrepancy prior to Monday's hearing. If not, Goodell would likely make a ruling on a penalty if he finds San Francisco guilty.
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