
Apr. 26, 2009 (Newsday delivered by Newstex ) --
It isn't often you see one coach taking another to task, but Texas Tech coach Mike Leach ripped into Browns coach Eric Mangini for potentially diminishing wide receiver Michael Crabtree's stock shortly before the draft.
The way Leach sees it, Mangini leaked word that Crabtree acted like a diva during a private meeting with the Browns the week before the draft. The Browns wound up trading out of the fifth spot to the Jets, who selected USC quarterback Mark Sanchez.
quot;Michael Crabtree has been more successful as a receiver than that guy has a coach at this point,quot; Leach told Sacramento Bee writer Matt Barrows. quot;Part of the 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,quot; 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.
Ouch.
Newstex ID: ND-2388-34429716