DeBartolo Doesn’t Expect Rice to Sign, but Door Is Not Closed

SAN FRANCISCO — Edward DeBartolo Jr., owner of the San Francisco 49ers, doesn’t believe that All-Pro wide receiver Jerry Rice will play for the team this season, according to a published report.

DeBartolo said Sunday he doesn’t think the team will sign Rice, who is seeking a four-year, $16-million contract, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Monday. Rice has said he is prepared to sit out the season.

“I don’t think they intend to come off their demands, and we don’t intend to (raise) our proposal,” DeBartolo said at Wembley Stadium, where the 49ers defeated the Washington Redskins, 17-15, Sunday. “I do not think he will be in a 49ers uniform this year.”

Jim Steiner, Rice’s agent, said that he isn’t sure what to make of DeBartolo’s comments.

“I don’t know what they’re based on,” Steiner said. “They seem to be unfounded. Maybe he’s frustrated. Maybe it’s a knee-jerk reaction. We’ve got three weeks before the season starts. That’s a long time.”

DeBartolo said his statement was “strictly personal” and added that he and club President Carmen Policy, who is negotiating with Rice’s agent, do not agree.

“We’re going to clear the air with Rice this next week and I hope we can get this settled,” Policy said. “We want to get to the bottom line. We’re going to put up the ultimate deal we can offer.”

The newspaper said the two sides are $1.5 million apart.