49ers President Carmen Policy "has resigned from the
organization," SI Senior Writer Michael Silver reported to
CNN/SI. According to Silver, the rift between Policy and
team co-Owner Edward DeBartolo "had grown too big, and
Policy could not work for him anymore." The two "have not
talked since the Super Bowl in January." Policy told NFL
Commissioner Paul Tagliabue of the move over the weekend.
One "likely candidate" to replace Policy is Bill Walsh.
Policy "is in Cleveland, where he will meet with Al Lerner,
who has an interest" in the new Browns (CNNSI.com, 7/22).
In S.F., Matier, Ross & Miller write that word of Policy's
resignation and possible move to Cleveland "shot through San
Francisco late last night, stunning city officials." S.F.
Mayor Willie Brown: "I had dinner with Carmen Saturday
night, and believe me, there was no sign at all." Policy is
set to return to the Bay Area today for a news conference.
49ers execs could not be reached for comment. NFL
VP/Communications Greg Aiello said early today that he knew
nothing about Policy's resignation (S.F. CHRONICLE, 7/22).
