Archives for April 21, 2006

‘The Bills linebacker took advantage of the financial assistance provided for college over the final two and a half years of his college education while at John Carroll University. Fletcher says the reason why the program makes a long term commitment is due to the fact that most "I Have a Dream" programs are set up in inner cities where there are a lot of different social issues that kids must face. Many of those issues can derail kids and keep them from graduating high school.’

‘”Secondly, as established by the recently extended collective bargaining agreement,” Wilson said, “the portion of the future digital media revenue streams that would go to the high revenue clubs will instead be placed into the revenue sharing pool to fund the low revenue clubs. Thirdly, the Qualifier Committee will have equal representation among small and large market clubs, and lastly, the qualifiers will be based on each individual market’s economic situation, not on the national averages.”‘

‘”I wouldn’t say humbling,” Price said Thursday in his re-introduction to the local media. “But it has been a learning experience for me.”‘

‘Russert, calling himself ‘a son of Buffalo,’ is confident his favorite team will have a good future once an agreement is worked out. "The response to the Bills in WNY has been extraordinary," he said. "I think this session today only re-enforces a long and hopefully prosperous tenure for the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo."’

‘Advocates for the Bills, like Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, say it’s a great first step. Jim Kelly said, "I think it’s a very good step, especially when all of the problems and everything that’s come up in the last few weeks about how Buffalo and some smaller markets are getting put on the short end of the stick."’

‘"This was an important first step for all of the league’s 32 teams in maintaining our status as the leader in professional sports," Wilson said. The 87-year-old Wilson has repeatedly voiced concern that under revenue-sharing rules already on the table, the Bills could lose money in 2006 because of increased player costs. Having representation on the Qualifier Committee is critical for small-market clubs, Wilson said. "I can’t stress enough the importance of this," he said.’

‘During a meeting with Senator Chuck Schumer on Thursday, Tagliabue says the Bills are staying put. He also assured the organization and its fans that the Bills are not leaving town.’