Quotes from Ashley Lelie

Feeling good about how things are going with the 49ers, Lelie said:
"Everybody here has been honest to their word. I'm just getting more comfortable and better every day." (HSB)


Asked if he wants to give Denver coach Mike Shanahan a piece of his mind when the 49ers face the Broncos, Lelie said:
"I already gave him a piece of my bank account, so that's enough. Right now, it's all over. It's been a year." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Several clubs have wrangled with their first-round picks this summer because their agents want to guarantee their clients' second-year option bonuses, including the Raiders and No. 1 choice JaMarcus Russell. Teams have shown trepidation about guaranteeing these common, salary cap-friendly bonuses for players who could conceivably walk away from the team, as Lelie did.

Just last August, Lelie was sitting home in Denver while he waged a bitter holdout against the Broncos, his team for his first four NFL seasons. Lelie, who twice led the NFL in yards per catch for Denver, felt disrespected and marginalized after the Broncos' acquisition of Javon Walker to start opposite Rod Smith.

The Broncos finally traded Lelie to the Atlanta Falcons, where he never got into a rhythm with Michael Vick. He played one disappointing season before signing a two-year deal with San Francisco in March.

After arbitration, Lelie was allowed to keep his $220,000 option bonus, but lost about $500,000 in fines and other bonus money. Though he felt partially vindicated by the ruling, he quickly realized he needed to alter his public image if he hoped to extend his career."


About how he learned from his Denver/Atlanta experience, Lelie said:
"I'm just more experienced with the game now. I've got a couple of years under my belt. I've been through some adversity, and that builds character. I'm definitely a little wiser now than before." (HSB)


About how he's been doing in the 49ers training camp, where he's listed as 3rd team, Lelie said:
"I've had some good days out there, made some good plays. I don't hurt any more. Everything is healthy, so that's a good thing." (HSB)