Archives for April 2006

‘At the Bills’ first minicamp two weekends ago, Spikes wasn’t in attendance because he was continuing to rehab his injury, but he is expected to be present at training camp in July. The best thing the Bills’ new coaching staff–led by head coach Dick Jauron and defensive coordinator Perry Fewell–can do is ease the veteran back in, while making sure they don’t overwork or overstress his injury. The goal is to have Spikes back to form for the regular season opener on September 10, and that may very well end up happening. For Spikes’ sake, let’s hope so. However, for offensive players opposing the Bills on a weekly basis, let’s hope not.’

‘Last Sunday, Schumer vowed to take his concerns to outgoing NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue. New York politicians are rallying behind team owner Ralph Wilson, who says a new labor agreement with players cold hurt the franchise and other small market teams.’

‘Schumer released a statement today saying, "I’m looking forward to this meeting because keeping the Bills in Buffalo is vital to Western New York. We are looking forward to hearing what the Commissioner has to say. This is going to be the first step of a long process to do everything we can to help the Bills and small-market teams."’

‘The lawmakers are asking the NFL to reconsider the proposed new collective bargaining agreement so small-city franchises, like the Bills, are not at an unfair financial disadvantage. They are also asking the league to appoint the Bills’ owner, Ralph Wilson, as a member of the NFL Qualifying Committee to ensure small-market teams’ interests and concerns will be represented.’

‘Paul Tagilabue will hold a meeting with United States Senator from New York Charles Schumer and NBC Political Commentator Tim Russert. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday morning.’

‘Schumer is among a number of New York politicians building support for owner Ralph Wilson, who has said the new collective barganing agreement will hurt the Bills and other small-market teams.’

‘"I’m looking forward to this meeting because keeping the Bills in Buffalo is vital to western New York," Schumer said in a statement. "This is going to be the first step of a long process to do everything we can to help the Bills and small-market teams."’

‘Thomas underwent surgery to repair a broken bone in his right knee last spring, then aggravated the injury before training camp. He was forced to have surgery a second time last September, and was never activated after beginning the year on the physically unable to perform list.’

‘Erie County Legislator George Holt Jr., D-Buffalo, and immediate past chairman of the county lawmaking body, said Monday he and his fellow Democratic Party legislators will present a resolution at their next meeting urging the National Football League to reconsider some of the terms in its new collective bargaining agreement that hurt small market franchises like the Bills.’

Reynolds, in light of his briefing from Bills officials, told members of Congress that he is concerned about “the short-term health and long-term survival of small-market teams.”

‘Heading into these April meetings, the Bills scouting department already has a working draft board that was initially put together during their February meetings. The scouts have expressed their opinions on each of the players for which they are responsible. Any of the concerns with a player’s character, mental ability or an injury have been addressed, but the personnel department does do follow up work. "If we still have a concern about a player we’ll investigate it further," said Majeski. "And we’ll either say, ‘No, he’s a guy we don’t want on our team, or we’ll say we’ve rectified the concerns and while there are minor issues to be aware of it won’t hold us back from taking him."’

‘It’s in the best interest of Wilson, the Bills and the football-addicted sector of the local population to lobby for the most equitable system possible. Without it, the team could soon be losing money as the revenue other teams receive from corporate sponsorships and extravagantly priced seating boosts the salary cap out of Western New York’s price range. Claiming that it’s going to happen as soon as this year, while refusing to reveal any details, though, sounds more like a boyish accountant whining "wolf," or worse yet, laying the groundwork for a move to an economically healthier region, than a persuasive argument for a fair system.’

‘"Buffalobills.com is the information center for Bills fans throughout the world and our expanded website provides more insightful content and entertaining features for our fans," said Vice President of Broadcasting and Marketing Marc Honan. "Through our expanded multimedia features section and in-depth written features from Chris Brown, fans will receive unprecedented access to the Bills franchise."’

‘Listen, no wants to see the Bills leave Western New York – but the issues facing the team are the issues that face all businesses and residents in this area – a depressed economic environment and a mass exodus of Western New York residents due to high taxes and poor government. If Higgins, Schumer and the rest could do something about that, they’d really be helping the Buffalo Bills – and the rest of us.’

‘It may not be what the Bills’ faithful wants to hear, but it’s the undeniable truth to anyone not wearing rose-colored glasses.’