The allegations of SF tampering with Lance Briggs last year have turned official, as Ironfist Goodell has penalized my beloved 49ers their 5th round pick in the draft, and a 5-slot swap in round three with the Bears (7-12).
If you cheat and get caught, you deserve to be penalized. I think the fact that it was only a 5th rd pick points to it being a relatively minor offense. I also am 100% certain that this type of conversation between team and potential FA's agent happens all the time with almost every team in football. The 49ers were just stupid enough to get caught doing it.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3310056