PAT McAfee asked for an explanation over a little-known NFL rule that was used on San Francisco 49ers star Brandon Aiyuk.
Wide receiver Ayiuk did eventually sign a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the 49ers but only after protracted talks.
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And ESPN’s senior NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed that the talks went to dramatic lengths last month.
“Do you know that Brandon Aiyuk got the five day letter in the middle of August that he had to practice, or he wouldn’t be able to play this year?” Schefter asked.
“No, I did not know that. What’s that mean? I don’t think I know what you’re talking about,” McAfee asked back.
“You get a five day letter. It means you better get back to practice or the team has the right to place you on the list and you lose the year,” Schefter answered.
Aiyuk had refused to practice during the offseason as part of a contract “hold in” with the team.
He said he had a back injury, but coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch said he was cleared by doctors to practice.
Ayiuk still missed sessions however, in a saga that felt tense from both sides.
The 26-year-old was also involved in trade talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Commanders.
And he admitted to reporters just before the start of this new season that he might have gone about things differently.
“I’m not going to lie, I made it a little bit more difficult than I needed to at the end. I think we’re good now,” he said.
“I just had a feel for what I wanted, not just in terms of money, but in all those things.
“Ultimately, I wanted to be here and ended up being here. So I’m happy and ready to go.”
Ayiuk dropped a big touchdown chance from a Brock Purdy pass as the 49ers saw off the New York Jets in their opening game of the season on Monday.
Legendary former quarterback turned TV pundit Peyton Manning blamed Ayiuk’s lack of involvement in practice.
“There’s a reason for training camp! You need it! We need the reps!” Manning said.
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“Get those contracts done earlier so we can get in training camp and you don’t drop balls on opening night.”
