Contra Costa Times

49ers may pull out of Stockton
 
 
February 22, 2003
 
TIMES WIRE SERVICES

A decision is expected in a week or two on whether the 49ers will continue to hold training camp at the University of the Pacific in Stockton or move it to their Santa Clara practice facility.

The 49ers are midway through a 10-year deal with Pacific. General manager Terry Donahue declined to say Thursday if the team would have to pay a buyout if the contract is terminated. He said team officials have been in discussions with the school and plan at least one more meeting before a decision is made.

"We have a number of concerns; they have a number of concerns," Donahue said. "There are some things we need to get squared away."

The 49ers have been unhappy over a lack of office space and what they perceive as declining cooperation from the university, team sources said. Concerns also have been expressed about the condition of the practice fields and logistical problems associated with providing for player security on an open campus.

"We're not looking for a better deal to go elsewhere," Donahue said. "If we don't go back to Stockton, we're going to have training camp at our place."

STEELERS: Linebacker Larry Foote was charged with a misdemeanor after a brawl at a restaurant. The fight started when Foote and some friends came to a woman's defense after seeing other men drop her on the floor in a restaurant on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor on Feb. 3. Foote, who was treated for a left thumb injury, played at Michigan.

MINORITY HIRING: The Black Coaches Association will work with the NFL to promote minority hiring. More than 100 coaches and front office personnel attended a meeting during the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.

FALCONS: Cornerback Ashley Ambrose, wide receiver Shawn Jefferson and defensive tackle Shane Dronett were released by Atlanta, which moved more than $12 million under the salary cap.

PATRIOTS: New England released wide receiver Donald Hayes, who signed with the team as a free agent last summer but made little impact by catching only 12 passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns.


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