When the NFL ruled this week that 49ers receiver Braylon Edwards would be fined, but not suspended, for a DUI incident that occurred a year ago, the ruling contained this ominous addendum: "The fine is for the DUI only. Any other matters will be addressed at the appropriate time."
The other matter the league is monitoring is an Aug. 1 bar fight in Birmingham, Mi. that left two bouncers with minor stab wounds. Edwards was in the bar that night and members of his group were involved in the fight. One report at the time cited witnesses who said that Edwards instigated the melee.
However, Cmdr. Terry Kiernan of the Birmingham Police Department said today that Edwards has been cleared of charges in the case. A preliminary hearing for those involved was held Thursday in Michigan. Kiernan said that Edwards flew to Birmingham on Aug. 21 to talk to police about the incident. Edwards caught two passes for 46 yards against the Raiders a day earlier.
"He was very cooperative with us," said Kiernan, who said that Edwards "backed off" when the fight started. "He was not involved with the fight."
In January 2010, Edwards pleaded no contest to aggravated disorderly conduct after being accused of punching a man in the face outside a Cleveland bar. Edwards was fined $50,000 for the DUI incident, which occurred last year in New York. He pleaded guilty to the charges in July and reportedly must continue to take part in an NFL alcohol counseling program that he's been in since November.
The NFL declined comment when asked whether being in a bar violated the conditions of the alcohol counseling program.
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In other 49ers wide receiver news, Ted Ginn agreed to a reduced salary for this season, according to blogger Brian McIntyre, who cites a league source.
Ginn agreed to reduce his base salary from $2,218,750 to $1 million for the upcoming season. Ginn, who is listed as a starter this season, will become an unrestricted free agent in 2012. He also is the team's primary punt returner.
-- Matt Barrows
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