The San Francisco 49ers’ off-season is going anything but smoothly.
Rumors began circulating in early March about team executives shopping head coach Jim Harbaugh to other teams in return for draft picks.
In response to rumors about leaving before the end of his contract, Harbaugh told Sports Illustrated there is “zero opportunity or chance of that in my mind.”
Still, an alleged rift between Harbaugh and the rest of his own organization could set the stage for a rocky 2014 season.
San Francisco cornerback Chris Culliver was arrested on March 28 and charged with a hit-and-run and possession of brass knuckles, both felonies.
Culliver, who caused a controversy last off-season when told radio host Artie Lang that gay players would not be welcome on his team, then later apologized, allegedly hit a bicyclist while driving and then fled the scene, according to NBC Sports.
A witness to the accident followed Culliver and blocked his car in until police arrived. The young player allegedly got out of his car, threatened the witness with brass knuckles, and attempted to flee. Culliver is pleading not guilty.
Last week it came out that starting quarterback Colin Kaepernick and wide receiver Quinton Patton are under investigation for an alleged sexual assault.
A woman, who told police she has previously had a sexual relationship with Kaepernick, filed a police report after she woke up in the hospital with no recollection of how she got there.
The unnamed woman reportedly said she last remembers being in a Miami hotel where Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette lives, and that he, as well as Kaepernick and Patton, were present.
No charges have been filed.
And in the latest hit to the franchise, linebacker Aldon Smith was arrested Sunday at Los Angeles International Airport after he allegedly claimed he was carrying a bomb while going through security.
With yesterday’s arrest, Smith is now involved in three pending criminal cases.
In addition, the Niners acquired Miami Dolphin Jonathan Martin in March. The offensive tackle became the center of a media storm last season after allegations of teammate bullying became public, and the spotlight will likely follow Martin to San Francisco.
Will San Francisco make it to next season in one piece?
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.