An anti-Trent Baalke banner flew over Levi's Stadium prior to the San Francisco 49ers' game against the New York Jets. The banner, completely funded by fans, calls for the firing of the San Francisco 49ers general manager. The banner read, "Jed, you reap what you sow - FireBaalke."
@JedYork #FireBaalke 😡 pic.twitter.com/dQLaaZqknR
— Isco Mireles (@polimireles) December 11, 2016
The quote comes from something that former head coach Jim Harbaugh Tweeted out following the firing of Jim Tomsula – the man who replaced him in San Francisco. "Do not be deceived," Harbaugh wrote. "You will reap what you sow."
Do not be deceived. You will reap what you sow.
— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) January 4, 2016
On Saturday, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported that the Jed York's parents, Denise and John York, will be taking "a more hands-on approach with the team" as they determine how to reposition the franchise. Mike Shanahan could join the 49ers in some capacity as well. Head coach Chip Kelly's job security may hinge on the outcome of whatever shakeup occurs following the season.
The banner was originally scheduled to fly over the 49ers' home game against the New Orleans Saints but was grounded. The 49ers currently sit at 1-12 and have lost 12 straight games following their 23-17 overtime home defeat to the Jets. These past two games were likely the most winnable remaining games on their schedule, so a one-win season looks very likely.
Baalke's misses while drafting and his inability to lure in free agents have led to a diminished roster that appeared in a Super Bowl following the 2012 season.
RELATED Recap: Carlos Hyde's 193 rushing yards not enough in 23-17 loss to Jets
Last season, anti-Jed York banners flying over Levi's Stadium were just one of the numerous expressions of criticism shown by San Francisco 49ers fans. Those criticisms were likely a big reason why head coach Jim Tomsula was fired at the end of the season.
A GoFundMe campaign raised the money to purchase today's banner. It took less than a day to reach the $1,076 goal which covered the cost to have the banner fly over Levi's Stadium. Conor McGuire, Graham Grealish, and Mark Scannell were responsible for both campaigns.
Following the grounding of the banner on November 6, McGuire stated that they would fly the banner over the 49ers' next home game, which was against the New England Patriots. That did not happen. Instead, it flew over Sunday's game against the Jets.
News of the banner was first reported by beat writer Ryan Sakamoto of Niner Fans. Sakamoto was able to talk to McGuire about the latest effort. "McGuire told me that the York banner last year was more of making a statement rather than actually believing Jed would step down," Sakamoto wrote. "Baalke, however, is a different story, as he's on the hot seat and the seat gets hotter with every loss."
Prior to the game against the Saints on November 6, the GoFundMe page said the following about the campaign:
The 2016 season has already spiraled out of control. The 49ers are currently in the basement of the NFC with a 1-6 record. After a demoralizing week 7 loss to Tampa Bay this team is showing no signs of improving. The level of ineptitude that has been on full display every Sunday thus far can only be rectified with a total reexamination of the organizations interior. That reexamination needs to start at the top with the teams' general manager Trent Baalke. Trent has been provided ample opportunities to establish himself as a capable NFL GM. He has failed and it is time for him to go.
"I hear the criticism, loudly," team CEO Jed York said following last season and the firing of Tomsula. "Whether that's talking to fans directly, whether that's social media or from planes flying over my head."
