Former Bush staffer advises Gore, 49ers

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Jul 29, 2008 | by Daniel Brown

SANTA CLARA -- Ari Fleischer, who made his reputation working with Bush, was on hand Tuesday to give advice to Gore.

The 49ers invited the former White House press secretary to talk to players about handling reporters.

"He's going to be our media guru," coach Mike Nolan said of Fleischer.

(Incidentally, Gore -- running back Frank Gore -- doesn't need much help. Forty Niners beat writers voted him the most cooperative player with the media a year ago).

Fleischer, 47, made a presentation at the annual NFL meetings in April that apparently left an impression with Nolan and media relations director Aaron Salkin.

The two invited him to make a similar presentation at a 49ers team meeting. The NFL mandates that every team do media training, so the 49ers in past years have invited former players such as Ronnie Lott, Steve Young and Rocky Bleier as well as broadcasters Curt Menefee and James Brown to address the team.

"I don't know that it's a motivational speech as much as it is an educational talk," Nolan said.

Fleischer served as President Bush's spokesman from January 2001 to July 2003. Now a sports consultant (www.fleischersports.com), he's making the rounds in the NFL. He talked to the San Diego Chargers earlier this week, and in April he addressed his favorite team, the Miami Dolphins.

Fleischer tells players that the media have the right to ask tough questions, and the players have a right to privacy. The key, he said, is to prepare for the tough questions in order to keep harmony in the locker room.

"Football is a mental game and you don't want to make mistakes on the field," he said Tuesday while watching 49ers practice. "It's the same thing with the press. Don't create controversy. Don't let the press bait you into fights."

Jordan let go

Robert Jordan was granted his release by the 49ers after the former Cal receiver needed time off to deal with a death in the family. The door is open for Jordan, an undrafted free agent, to come back down the line, perhaps as a member of the practice squad.

To replace Jordan on the roster, the 49ers signed former San Diego State receiver Robert Ortiz. The 6-foot-1, 188-pound receiver was waived by the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Ortiz played most recently for the Frankfurt Galaxy, posting 27 catches for 255 yards and two touchdowns in 2007.

First-round pick injured

Defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer, the team's first-round draft pick, twisted his right ankle and left practice early, walking off the field under his own power. A team spokesman said Balmer would be reevaluated today. Balmer declined comment.

How Bruce stays fresh

Receiver Isaac Bruce practices sparingly as a way of keeping his veteran body preserved for the regular season. But he made two nice catches on Alex Smith passes during 11-on-11 drills during his most extensive playing time to date. Does he feel like he's getting into the swing of things?

"The swing?'' Bruce, a 15-year veteran said. "I've been in the swing for a long time."

Extra points

Safety Mark Roman is listed as day-to-day after being held out of practice because of a hamstring pull. ... The 49ers' open practice session this Sunday has been moved to 3 p.m. It was originally scheduled for 4 p.m.

-- Daniel Brown, MediaNews staff