Just got off the phone with Texas Tech coach Mike Leach. I think it's safe to say that Leach has crossed Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini off his Christmas Card list. This is what I mean: Leach had just gotten on a conference call when he described his pupil, new 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree, as someone who fled from the spotlight and as someone without quot;a bunch of distractions going on.quot; That, of course, is the polar opposite of how Crabtree's been portrayed in the last few weeks. Leach obviously believed that rumors as to Crabtree's diva-ish behavior orginated in Cleveland with the Browns head coach.

quot;Michael Crabtree has been more successful as a receiver than that guy has a coach at this point,quot; Leach said. quot; ... Part of the reason is he's (Crabtree) too shy to be like that.quot;

Said Leach: quot;My definition of a diva is someone who's loud and self-absorbed. Michael Crabtree is the furthest thing from loud that I've seen.quot;

As evidence, Leach noted that the tape he had on Crabtree blocking in the running game was better than the tape of Crabtree making catches. quot;I think it's one of the strongest parts of the game,' Leach said. quot;I mean, to the point where it's impressive.quot;

Leach described Crabtree as the quot;ultimate team player who would serve the 49ers well.quot; As for Mangini? quot;Let's see how all those non-divas do up in Cleveland this year,quot; Leach said.

-- Matt Barrows

Newstex ID: SA-3449-34415163