Archives for December 2005

‘Eric Moulds has told WKBW TV that he got into a confrontation on the sideline with wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert which had led to him being excused from practice today and tomorrow. Moulds was being pulled for poor play and replaced by Sam Aiken. Moulds says he spoke with Mike Mularkey about the incident on Monday and was informed Monday by phone message not to come to the stadium on Wednesday or Thursday.’

‘Mularkey would not say whether Moulds was benched during Sunday’s game against Miami or refused to go back in the game when called upon. Moulds’ team record streak of 121 consecutive games with a reception ended versus the Dolphins. “They pay our salaries, and we are there to perform,” said Buffalo safety Troy Vincent. “We are supposed to be professionals at all times on and off the field. When the club feels like we as players are employees doing something that may be detrimental to the club they can address it.”‘

‘What have you changed in your game preparation that is enabling you to connect with J.P. Losman on the deep passes?

Lee Evans: I think we are just getting a rhythm offensively. It isn’t just me running routes; it is him giving me a chance and him making plays. We just continue to get better.’

‘Q: Eric Moulds evidently is going to be sat down this weekend. What can you add to that for us?

MM: I’m really leaving that in-house. I had a conversation with Eric and we’ll leave it at that. He’s been excused from practice today and tomorrow. Beyond that, we have not decided anything in regards to the game.’

‘Q: I have never met you so I can only go by what I have read. I’ve heard that occasionally your personality hasn’t been a perfect blend with your teammates. Could you talk about that and how you have to deal with things in terms of your own personality to get players to respect you and follow you.

JL: Players respect your performance on the field. If you are going to be a jerk or what have you, either way they are probably not going to dislike you, but as far as respect you and listen to you in the huddle it all comes down to your play ultimately. The more that you play and the more smart plays that you make and helping the offense move down the field, they are going to respect that and understand that. I have never heard anything like that as far as them not liking my personality. That is something that you have to ask my teammates. We haven’t had a problem here so far.’

‘Rookie Duke Preston replaced Villarrial and would do so again if Villarrial can’t go when the Bills (4-8) host the Patriots (7-5) this weekend.’

‘Head coach Mike Mularkey would not answer any questions during his Wednesday press conference about Eric Moulds except to say that Moulds was "excused from practice on Wednesday and Thursday" and that the matter would be handled internally.’

‘The paper, citing an unidentified NFL source, said that Moulds’ suspension could be announced as soon as Thursday after the disgruntled wide out meets with team owner Ralph Wilson, who will have the final say.’

‘The Bills are within their rights to suspend a player for 4 games for "conduct detrimental to the team".’

‘The final four games of the Buffalo Bills’ season could very much reveal the true character that McGahee has. Currently, the team is 4-8 and all but eliminated from the playoffs. Will he run at full speed or will he continue to run at the soft pace he’s ran at since November 14th? I guess we’ll all find out what this young man is made of, and it all begins this Sunday in Buffalo’s contest against the Patriots.’

‘However, sources told ESPN’s Chris Mortensen that Moulds was a no-show for a mandatory meeting with Mularkey on Monday.’

‘Mularkey told Moulds of his plan to suspend him during a meeting Monday, a person who has been directly informed of the discussion told The Associated Press on Wednesday.’

‘According to an NFL source, Bills coach Mike Mularkey told Moulds of his intention to suspend the player during a meeting Monday. Whether the suspension actually occurs depends on owner Ralph Wilson, who has the final say, the source said.’

‘”He’s playing at a Pro Bowl level,” Bills defensive coordinator Jerry Gray said of Fletcher, who has been overlooked for the postseason honor despite the fact he has more tackles (899) in the previous five years than any player in the NFL. (He was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2002.)’

‘Imagine for a minute, though, old Will were up in the press box for the game. What words might Shakespeare have punched into his laptop to describe the Miami tragedy?’