The 49er fray

Sporting News, The, August 17, 1998 by Ann Killion

Stability was once a hallmark in the 49ers' organization, but not anymore. And the effects could ripple throughout the NFL.

Usually, an NFL front-office move is a big yawn. One guy in a suit replaces another guy in a suit. What does that have to do with tackles and touchdowns?

In the case of Carmen Policy and the 49ers, a lot. For years, onlookers have been waiting for the team to fall apart. And it's Policy's departure--not Joe Montana's or Bill Walsh's--that actually signals the end of the 17-season success story.

Policy's July resignation rocked not only the 49ers but much of the NFL. In a chain reaction, the move destabilized one franchise, potentially solidified another and even could impact the Packers.

Just two days after stepping down as 49ers president, Policy joined billionaire Al Lemer's bid for the Cleveland Browns franchise, which infuriated some in the 49ers' organization who were already questioning Policy's loyalty.

But Policy knew that his days in San Francisco were numbered. So he did the prudent thing--secured his future. Lerner's bid isn't a slam-dunk; there are other well-connected groups in the running for the coveted Browns franchise, which comes complete with a lakefront stadium and rabid fan base. But Policy's arrival--in his native Ohio--automatically strengthened the group.

That's the power of Policy, who for years has been the smoothest operator in the NFL, accessible and accommodating to the media, tight with the commissioner, able to twist the salary cap to his desires.

So if Charmin' Carmen is so good, so powerful, so well-connected, why isn't he working for the 49ers?

Good question. Anyone who thought modern day sports was a cold, calculating place never met 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo, who has turned his showcase franchise into a wrenching, hot-blooded opera. Too bad the name "Carmen" is already taken.

Over the past two years, DeBartolo came to view Policy with increasing suspicion. Policy was replaced as DeBartolo's confidante, and the relationship disintegrated during a hard-fought stadium battle and a probe by federal authorities into a Louisiana casino license that encompassed DeBartolo.

That investigation, still ongoing and which could lead to an indictment by a federal grand jury, caused DeBartolo to step away from active ownership last fall, handing over that role to his sister.

At the time, conventional wisdom said DeBartolo's problems wouldn't affect the team because Policy was in charge. Policy was the safety net.

Without him, the 49ers are in a free-fall.

The new president, Nashville attorney Larry Thrailkill, was the chief operating officer of the DeBartolo Corporation with little to do with the football team. Former wide receiver and new director of football operations Dwight Clark is the senior 49ers executive.

A new stadium, which squeaked through the San Francisco voting gantlet in 1997, is plagued by doubt. That hard-fought election victory was almost solely the work of Policy. While DeBartolo was threatening to move to Los Angeles, Policy was busy smoothing things over with the fans. Policy earned the voters' trust, and now that bond is broken.

On the field, the 49ers--NFC runners-up in 1997--aren't m such a crisis mode but could soon be. Jerry Rice, who will turn 36 in October, is attempting a comeback from injury. Steve Young will turn 37 in October. An era is close to its end.

The 49ers have survived past transitions through stable management. The signature of the San Francisco franchise--more than its heralded offensive system--has been a secure front office.

That's no longer true. DeBartolo's furore is in doubt, and he has never been a hands-on owner. He handed the reins once to Bill Walsh. Then to Policy. Both men left after dashing with DeBartolo. Now DeBartolo--especially without the guidance of his late father--will be hard-pressed to find a third godsend to guide his team.

Walsh had been rumored to return, but he put that talk to rest last week. At 67, Walsh knows he's not the man to lead the 49ers into the 21st century.

Which is why the name of Bay Area native Mike Holmgren keeps popping up. After this year, Holmgren's Green Bay contract allows him to pursue a job that would give him both general manger and coaching capabilities. In any case, Steve Mariucci--a coach hired by Policy--can't feel too secure.

The 49ers are hanging precariously, with no safety net to catch them. The future looks awfully threatening.

Ann Killion, a columnist for the San Jose Mercury News, writes a monthly column for The Sporting News.