Raiders and Niners mix it up in Napa

<p>NAPA - The San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders met in a rare combined practice Monday and -- here's a surprise -- a fight broke out.</p><p> The scuffle and ensuing scrum erupted shortly after the morning practice began, and occured even as coaches were warning players to avoid "live" tackling</p><p>Their purpose was to avoid injuries by employing a "wrap-and-release" technique instead of full-bore contact.</p><p> But Raiders linebacker Edgerton Hartwell didn't get the memo. He leveled 49ers fullback Moran Norris with a shoulder tackle on a 7-on-7 passing drill. Norris got to his feet and immediately went after Hartwell. There were a few punches thrown as players from both sides joined the fun.</p><p> Forty Niners coach Mike Nolan, who coached Hartwell with the Ravens, tried to calm him down. Hartwell pleaded his case to Nolan. He told Nolan that Norris came at him.</p><p> Combined practices are unusual in the NFL, but take place occasionally to give players a change of pace. The cross-Bay rivals play an exhibition game Friday, 7 p.m., at the Oakland Coliseum.</p><p>See Matt Maiocco's blog for regular updates on the San Francisco 49ers.</p>