As of four days ago, WR Michael Crabtree is officially a contract holdout. Crabtree was taken with the 10th pick of the draft as San Francisco’s first round draft choice and is the only rookie not yet signed by the team. As I write this, I wonder how many articles you, the readers, have stumbled on lately labeling Crabtree as a “diva,” or perhaps, how many articles you’ve come across calling doom and gloom for the 49ers and head coach Mike Singletary if they don’t get that pick signed right away!

If your eyes are open and you’re looking at sports news, my guess is at least five. I’m here to dispel some of these myths, as well as clue you in on the situation as of right now. What does it mean for the 49ers? What does it mean for the record-setting wide receiver out of Texas Tech? Read on, reader and I’ll tell you.

Statement: “Michael Crabtree is a diva.”

True or False? False, of course, and here’s why:  as far as I can tell, Crabtree has been labeled a diva on two seperate occasions. One was around draft time, and this label came from Eric Mangini. I’ll say it one more time: It came from Eric Mangini. Without resorting to flat out namecalling, I think I’d trust Mangini’s judgement on anything about as far as I could throw the guy… And he’s a big ‘un.

That being said, it is hard to tell where the statement itself came from. Why indeed, Eric Mangini labled him as such? Sure, Crabtree seems to be a bit on the cocky side, but looked at his collegiate career, don’t you think he has a right to be that way? Crabtree supposedly had the attitude of someone who felt he was needed on the football team. I really doubt he came through those doors and said “Future Hall of Famer here… take you pictures, kiddies, Crabtree is here to save your pathetic excuse for a football team!”

That is what I would consider a (coughOchoCincocough) diva. Couple that with the fact that Mangini doesn’t seem to be too reliable a source and the other fact that Michael Crabtree visited several other teams and got no such label from them, I think we can agree on that front, the statement is false, no?

Statement: “Crabtree hasn’t signed his contract yet. Greedy diva, or greedy diva?”

True or false? Do I really need to answer? As of the posting of this article sixteen other teams have yet to sign their first round draft picks. Hm, a whole lot of divas made it in the first round, no? The fact is that, while teams would rather get their picks signed sooner rather than later, most teams don’t.

Crabtree DOES want more money than the 49ers are offering up at the moment, or at least, his agent thinks he does. This is something that happens all the time. Crabtree (and just about everyone else remotely interested in football and the draft) felt that he should have been taken higher in the draft and that he deserves more than 10th pick money. While this can be perceived as greedy, its how the rookie pay system works in this time and until limitations are placed that’s how it’s going to continue working.

Statement: “The 49ers need to get Crabtree signed, succeeding without him will be difficult.”

This statement is true and false. Succeeding without him will be diffult is true, but then again, succeeding with him will also be difficult. Lets take a look at the receivers the 49ers have right now.

Isaac Bruce – Getting up there in age, but put up solid numbers last year. Will only help the team in a big way, and probably the young receivers.

Josh Morgan - The kid is coming into his own and lit up OTA’s. Is looking to be a full-time starter and even possibly push Isaac Bruce to #2. Great value in this kid.

Brandon Jones – I don’t know a ton about this guy I’ll admit. What I do know is that he’s fast, and put up OK numbers. Is looking for a bigger role and is he shines in practice he should get it.

Jason Hill - Has taken a bit longer to get into his groove, but showed great chemistry with QB Shaun Hill last season and put up solid numbers.

Dominique Zeigler - Just elevated from the practice squad last season, didn’t get full playing time but made some spectacular catches near the end of the season, putting up big numbers per reception.

Other receivers include: Arnaz Battle, Mark Bradford, and Michael Spurlock. I feel very comfortable with this young, talented group of wide receivers. I’m not saying “Hey, the 49ers don’t need Crabtree,” because a player of his caliber and talent scope is rare to come by. What I am saying is the 49ers can afford to play hardball and let the kid’s agent know that he was picked 10th overall, and he’ll have to work for that second signing for the big payday.

In summation, I hope we get the kid signed soon, but I’m not overly worried at the moment. He’s a great talent and he should do nothing but contribute to this team, but we should be in no hurry at this point. Check back later tonight/tomorrow morning for a recap of the 49ers’ first day of physical training camp, which coach Mike Singletary has described as “going to be brutal.”