Archives for April 2006

‘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.’

‘"I like (Jauron) a lot," he said during a Thursday morning press conference. "A lot of guys that played for him have given me insight on him and the guys love him. A couple of the players even said they’d love to come and play for him now. I think it’s going to be good."’

‘"I spoke with the Senator following the meeting and he told me of the major points that came from the discussion. Those points were that the Bills will have representation on the Qualifier Committee and I cannot stress enough the importance of this. Secondly, as established by the recently extended CBA, 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." "Given this information, I view this meeting as a success…’

‘As part of the program, the Buffalo Bills will host monthly meetings from September through February with the selected students. At each meeting the students will learn different aspects of leadership as members of the Bills staff and other community leaders will discuss their career areas. Students will also have the opportunity to volunteer at Bills community events, work behind the scenes during select home games, and serve as Bills ambassadors to their school.’

‘Senator Chuck Schumer said today that Ralph Wilson Jr. will be one of 8 people on the new committee NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue is setting up to write the new rules of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.’

‘Tagliabue, after the meeting, said the CBA should not be problematic for the team. He also said Wilson will have seat on an ownership committee that ultimately determines a set of qualifiers that teams must meet pertaining to revenue sharing. Wilson was one of just two owners voting against the labor pact with the players, saying it may hinder the Bills’ future in Buffalo.’

‘Tagliabue says the Bills will be part of the 8-member ownership group that will set rules under the CBA. He also called the new the labor agreement "positive" for small-market teams and said he did not see any reason to question the Bills’ long-term future in Buffalo.’

‘"It states that we have until July 15 to sign a long term deal with a franchised player," said Overdorf. "After July 15th it’s still a little cloudy as to whether you can only do a one-year deal or whether you can do a multi-year deal in which you might lose the option of using the tag on someone else."’

‘Schumer tells 7 NEWS Tagliabue has agreed to let Bills owner Ralph Wilson sit on a committee that will decide how revenue is distributed. Schumer also says other small market owners will also sit on that committee.’

‘”There is every reason to believe the Buffalo Bills will be able to continue as they have with a competitive team,” said Tagliabue, adding the team’s well-being “turns more on who the quarterback is and who the running back is than on the specifics” of the labor deal. “What we’re striving to do is focus not just on the Buffalo Bills but on all the small market teams,” said Tagliabue, mentioning the Jacksonville Jaguars, Green Bay Packers, and Kansas City Chiefs.’

‘Bob Dove, who was an assistant coach with the Buffalo Bills in 1960 and 1961, died Wednesday in Youngstown, Ohio. He was 85.’

‘Schumer and Russert are meeting with Tagliabue after Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson warned that he may not be able to ensure the future of the team in Western New York because he says the CBA does not make for a level playing field when it comes to revenues.’