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April 29, 2007

Another curious selection

Tarrell Brown might have been arrested on drug and weapons charges, but he might not be the 49ers' biggest character risk in the draft.

The team completed its 2007 draft class with Kansas State running back Thomas Clayton who was charged with misdemeanor battery in 2005. According to the school paper, Clayton was arrested after nearly striking a parking official who was attempting to put a wheel lock on Clayton's car because of unpaid parking tickets. He drove off and later was arrested at the university football complex. He was suspended twice in 2005 for violating team rules.

Clayton, who is a second cousin of former 49er Julian Peterson, said in a conference call that he had learned from the incident.

"I went through a little situation my junior year and looking back on it I know it was a mistake," Clayton said.

Clayton also reportedly ran afoul of the Kansas State coaching staff his senior season. He did not have a carry after Sept. 30 and did not travel with the team to Kansas State's Texas Bowl game.

Like Brown, Clayton visited with 49ers coaches in Santa Clara weeks before the draft. What's interesting is that neither he nor Brown was included on a list of player visits released to the media.

Things that make you go "hmmm."

- Matt Barrows

Posted by Ahmed Ortiz at 1:01 PM | Comments |