Archives for February 22, 2001

The Miami Dolphins released wide receiver Tony Martin and running back Thurman Thomas today, the team announced. “I appreciate the contributions that Thurman made to the Dolphins this past season, in addition to his professionalism,” Wannstedt said. “We wish him well in whatever career decision he chooses to make.”

‘Bud Carpenter, head athletic trainer for the Bills, will head to his 17th scouting combine this weekend in Indianapolis, a process in which he will try to evaluate the physical condition of over 300 NFL prospects and administer physicals on each one.’

‘It is a rite of passage for all draftees who want to be wearing an NFL uniform next season: going through the physical and mental grind that is the college scouting combine this weekend at RCA Dome in Indianapolis.’

‘They say there is no offseason in the NFL… After the Super Bowl comes the Pro Bowl… And all the while, teams must step up their preparation for the draft in April. That preparation started months ago, but it really heats up this weekend – when college players from around the country gather in Indianapolis for the NFL combine.’

‘A source told the MetroWest Daily News the Bills want to restructure the contract of whichever quarterback it keeps and that Johnson resisted and Flutie was more agreeable.’

‘ESPN is reporting that the Bills and John Holecek have agreed to restructure the MLB’s contract.’

‘How reliable is WGR’s "source"? Chris Mortenson is reporting that Tom Donahoe is adamant that no decision has been made with regards to Flutie or Johnson.’

‘”Our salary cap situation has made this is a difficult time for our fans and the organization,” Bills president and general manager Tom Donahoe said. “But these are moves that have to be made..”.

‘The Bills today announced that the team has released punter Chris Mohr, guard Joe Panos, and nose tackle Ted Washington.’

‘Unfortunately for Johnson fans, it appears the 28-year-old quarterback will be let go and Doug Flutie will return as the team’s undisputed starter next season. It is also believed that Flutie took a pay cut or is willing to take a pay cut to help the Bills, who are frantically trying to trim the payroll to meet salary cap requirements.’

‘Now that the new administration is wasting little time in putting its mark on the Buffalo Bills, I thought that I would share my worst moment of the 2000 season with you as a catharsis to wash away the past. The image is still fresh in mind (not a pretty one), as if branded by a nightmare that woke me from a happy sleep.’

‘Keep in mind that the Bills must now count the 2.5 million the newly signed Moulds counts for 2001 plus pay about a million for 2 restricted free agents, 4 million set aside for draft picks and who knows how much for any unrestricted free agents from the Bills or other teams.’

‘Ted Washington, Sam Rogers and Joe Panos are expected to be among the players released by the Bills. Today is the first day in which NFL teams can waive players, and there will be a large number of veteran players cut loose across the league.’

‘The Buffalo Bills have chosen quarterback Doug Flutie over Rob Johnson, according to a local all-sports radio station. WGR 55, quoting unidentified "sources close to Rob Johnson," said the Bills plan to release Johnson and make Flutie the starter. An official announcement is not expected until next week, the station said.’

‘The Bills are looking at offensive and defensive linemen, running backs and defensive backs.’