49ers Baalke still considers Gregg Williams friend

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — San Francisco general manager Trent Baalke recently reached out to former New Orleans defensive coordinator Gregg Williams regarding the Saints' targeting of 49ers players in their bounty program.

Apparently, no hard feelings on Baalke's part. They worked together during the 2004 season in Washington and Baalke still considers Williams "a friend." Baalke says "it was a good conversation" and that he has long respected Williams as a football coach.

Williams oversaw and contributed money to the illegal bounty fund for planned vicious hits on opponents and has been suspended indefinitely from the NFL for his involvement in the scheme from 2009-11.

Baalke says he doesn't feel any differently about Williams today than did "20 days ago."