Mike Singletary’s run as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers was marred by all-too-infrequent triumphs and some of the most ridiculous moments in sports history.
Singletary, the new linebackers coach for the Vikings, is still drawing criticism from his time in San Francisco thanks to his use of the “nutcracker” drill in 2009 and 2010 practices. The drill pits two guys lined up against each other who burst at each other, trying to push the other back, and is gaining a reputation for causing unnecessary injuries.
Niners center Eric Heitmann will miss the entire 2011 season with a neck injury that reportedly stemmed from Singletary’s use of the nutcracker last summer. In 2009, several 49ers suffered injuries because of the drill.
“I have no response to that,” Singletary answered when asked about the injury. “I don’t really know what Eric’s prior situation was, so I’m not going to respond to that.”
Coaching quirks and one-on-one drills don’t make for the most exciting training camp storylines, but this year it Singletary will doubtless have to be careful with his use of the drill.
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