49ers deny electrical substation theory (but quietly admit training is a problem)

One of the biggest problems with conspiracy theories is they're almost entirely impossible to 100-percent prove wrong.

Because the proof simply becomes part of the conspiracy theory; the inevitable, "of course, they'd say that."

The San Francisco 49ers were doomed by this ever since talk of an electrical substation outside of Levi's Stadium and the team's nextdoor practice facility became part of the discussion about the Niners' ungodly amount of injuries suffered on a year-to-year basis. While several players, including All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, have given zero credence to the thought of electrical waves being the cause of said injuries, the discussion hasn't gone away.

And it probably won't anytime soon, at least not until San Francisco enjoys several relatively injury-free campaigns in a row.

For now, all general manager John Lynch can do is reinforce the fact it's not an issue, which is what he recently did from the annual NFL meetings.

John Lynch on electrical substation theory: 'It was a big nothing burger'

Lynch has been asked about the substation being a problem several times now, and each time it comes up, the GM has denied the plausibility while also allowing for further investigation.

Well, that investigation apparently concluded.

"We did hire an independent scientist." Lynch said, via Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News. "He basically [said] it was a big nothing burger. We’re safe. We’re in a safe place of work. The levels are 400 times less than an unsafe zone."

While almost nothing Lynch said will fully satiate the conspiracy theorists, the fact the 49ers had zero problems bringing over future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans in free agency speaks measures to what high-profile players feel about the substation being a true issue.

The fact Evans was willing to switch coasts away from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his only NFL employer up to this point and one that reportedly offered him more money, speaks measures against such a conspiracy theory.

Again, though, those who want to believe electrical waves aren't going to stop anytime soon.

49ers take measures to improve training facilities and staff

Nearly unprecedented injuries, dating back to the early 2010s, have still forced the Niners' hand despite any debunking of the substation being a problem.

What's known is San Francisco received relatively poor grades from the NFLPA report card regarding both the training staff and facilities. So, while it may be nice to deny electrical substation theories, Lynch and Co. can't deny how their players feel about the measures taken to keep them healthy.

So, as Lynch added, the 49ers are investing $9 million in their training facilities, as well as adding three more trainers to the medical staff with the hope of providing more one-on-one attention to the players:

At least the Niners are taking some (hopefully) proactive measures there to ensure a repeat of the disastrous 2025 (and 2020 and 2021) injury-plagued seasons don't repeat in 2026 and beyond.

If they do, though, the conspiracy theorists will be out in droves once more.