The San Francisco 49ers began their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, and Vernon Davis was a no-show as expected. Davis admitted earlier this week that he is looking for more money. The same is true for offensive lineman Alex Boone, who also skipped Tuesday’s practice.
Jim Harbaugh is unhappy with both Davis and Boone for not showing up, and he was not shy about admitting it.
“I’m disappointed in that decision for them not to be here,” Harbaugh told reporters Thursday, per CSNBayArea.com’s Matt Maiocco. “As a voluntary segment to the offseason and we appreciate those guys volunteering to make the team better. Now, it’s mandatory and wish they could’ve … (it’s) not the decision I envision being the 49er way.”
Coaches understand the business side of football. Harbaugh should know as well as anyone else that guys don’t care about the “49er way” when they feel they are not being fairly compensated. Davis may have signed the most lucrative contract ever given to a tight end in 2010, but he feels he has outperformed it.
The Niners can now fine Davis and Boone $70,000 for missing minicamp. They obviously don’t mind paying that if it means strengthening their negotiating stance. Davis is an enormous part of San Francisco’s offense, and Colin Kaepernick would love to have him back as soon as possible. Unless the 49ers cave, it doesn’t sound like Davis will be around the team’s facility anytime soon.
