League Probing Tampering Allegation Against Niners Over Bears' Briggs

NFL officials said the league conducted a hearing today regarding an allegation that the San Francisco 49ers improperly tampered with Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs.

The 49ers apparently could be in jeopardy of being penalized by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell if they're found to have had improper contact with Briggs while he was under contract to the Bears.

Fox first reported the league's involvement in the Bears-49ers dispute on its Web site. According to Fox, the Bears contend that the 49ers had improper contact with Briggs this past season before a proposed trade between the two teams unraveled.

Briggs was an unrestricted free agent this offseason but re-signed with the Bears.

Goodell, as part of his proposed crackdown on cheating, recently instructed the league's competition committee to study the rules regarding tampering. Goodell also has proposed lowering the standard of proof required for him to discipline a team or individual for a violation of the league's competitive rules.

By Mark Maske |  March 17, 2008; 6:24 PM ET  | Category:  49ers , Bears , League
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