Archives for March 31, 2009

‘”I understand this may be a contractual obligation,” said Assemblywoman Nancy Calhoun, R-Blooming Grove, Orange County, who spotted the spending line before it was approved Tuesday by the state Assembly. But she said it still seemed like an odd way to spend money in tough economic times.’

‘But most Bills fans know he did much more than leave a single memorable sound bite. While feeling mournful, they should also be thankful that Saban was part of their team’s past. He presided over the squad not only for a significant time period but also for a good deal of the franchise’s most illustrious achievements. Even though Saban left when he wanted, this team is fortunate he served each of his non-consecutive terms.’

‘"I have a few more gray hairs than I did before," Brandon joked during an interview at the NFL owners meetings in Dana Point, Calif., last week, "but it has been an absolute dream come true to have this opportunity in my home region."’

‘"We’ve had dialogue with Jason’s representatives and we will continue to have dialogue," Brandon said. "Obviously, Jason is a tremendous football player and we would like to have Jason as a cornerstone for many years to come. But it takes two to come together. We spoke to Jason at the conclusion of the season. He knows how much he means to us. Hopefully we can make some headway here in the oncoming weeks."’

‘The complete NFL exhibition schedule was released Monday, but the exact dates and times of most games are not yet set. The regular-season schedule will be released within the next several weeks.’

‘”I found out that thousands of babies died because they’re born in the wrong state,” Kelly said.’

‘”When you are a parent and you see your child suffering and you find out that your child would not have to suffer if you had found the disease earlier . . . well, just imagine how that would feel,” Jim Kelly said.’

‘”I’m pretty excited to meet the guy,” tackle Langston Walker said. “We’ve all seen him make some amazing plays and catches over the last few years. His work ethic is going to be one thing I really like. I heard nothing but people raving about how hard the guy works every day, so that’s important.”‘

‘Coach Dick Jauron has given weak-side linebacker Keith Ellison a strong vote of confidence. Still, there has been enough activity at the position this offseason to make one believe the team isn’t entirely sold on having the tough-but-undersized fourth-year pro return as the starter. Ellison, a restricted free agent, has signed a one-year tender from the Bills that will pay him at least $1.01 million this season. That’s a decent investment for the team.’

‘New Bills center Geoff Hangartner, taking part in the team’s offseason conditioning program, has started the process of learning new names and faces. None are more important to his job than quarterback Trent Edwards. “I would say at some point we’ll watch some film together and just go over how he sees a defense and how I see a defense and things like that,” Hangartner said. “That’ll probably happen fairly quickly within the next couple of weeks. We’ll start watching film together. And maybe go play some golf together. I heard he’s a pretty good golfer. To have a good football relationship you have to have a pretty good friendship, so we’ll build towards that in the next couple of weeks.”‘