Brian Billick, a future Super Bowl coach who began his career as a lowly 49ers public relations assistant in 1978, visited practice Friday and told a short story that went a long way in explaining why Eddie DeBartolo is going into the 49ers Hall of Fame this weekend.

During his second year on the job, Billick got married and was trying to scrape up enough money to buy a house. He and his wife liked a place in San Mateo, but couldn’t get enough for a down payment.
Suddenly, without warning, another 49ers employee handed Billick a check for $25,000. It was a special delivery from DeBartolo.
“Eddie D. wants you to get that house,” Billick was told.
The loan to Billick came without strings. Every time Billick inquired about how to pay back DeBartolo, the answer was something along the lines of “Don’t worry. It’ll work out.” That didn’t change even when Billick left for another job.
Billick, who will be part of the Fox broadcast team this weekend, said he eventually did pay back the 49ers boss. He forgets how long it took, but he’ll never forget how DeBartolo dropped a check in his lap for $25,000.
“You remember those acts of kindness,” he said.
—In a radio interview on “The Dan Patrick Show,” Texas Tech coach Mike Leach again defended Michael Crabtree’s reputation. As he did on the day the 49ers drafted Crabtree with the No. 10 pick, Leach scoffed at the notion that the receiver is a diva.
“You’d have to know him to understand. He’s not a diva,” Leach said. “He’s a guy that kind of goes and does his stuff alone, and I’m sure he’s got all the people advising him saying ’do this, do this,’ and Michael goes about his business. You wonder if maybe he shouldn’t take a more assertive part in this.”
“I deliberately haven’t gotten involved. If he had followed my advice, he’d still be at Texas Tech. No, he’s more of a loner than a diva.”
—Jed York, on a radio interview of his own, told KNBR that the reports of the 49ers lowering their offer to Crabtree are false — for now. “We’re not reducing the offer, but we’re looking at it,” York said, “and at some point there will be diminishing returns for Michael the longer he misses.”
—Right tackle Adam Snyder will start against the Seahawks, but recently signed Tony Pashos is going to get some playing time as well, coach Mike Singletary said. Snyder struggled against Arizona in the opener and enters Week 2 needing a bounce-back performance to keep his job. Pashos started all 16 games for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season.
—Linebacker Ahmad Brooks (knee) was the only player ruled out for Sunday’s game. Receiver Brandon Jones (shoulder) practiced is likely going to need another week to be in game shape. The 49ers listed Jones’ status as doubtful.
“It was great to have him out there, and I know he felt good, but he’s just not game ready yet,” Singletary said.