Archives for June 2009

‘The selection of Berman on Thursday means all six members of the Class of 2009 now has a presenter. It also leaves the Hall of Fame without an master of ceremonies for enshrinement night. Berman has served that role since 1999.’

‘Wilson commented on his choice of Berman as his presenter by saying, “Chris has been a friend of mine for many years and I thought he would be a great person to introduce me, if he would do so. He acknowledged that he would and I thank him very much and he will be in Canton with me. Chris really embodies the Bills fans, who have played such an important role in my career in professional football. Professional football is all about the fans and having Chris as my presenter follows that thought.”‘

‘It’s been a long road back, but Ashton Youboty is closer than ever to a full return to football as he participated in individual position drills with his teammates at OTAs Thursday. Youboty has been out of action since Week 5 of last season after suffering plantar fasciitis in both feet.’

‘Since the release, Jones has made it clear that Owens was cut to help improve locker-room harmony. Yet the owner said Thursday, “I did not think (his personality) was disruptive to this team.”‘

‘In announcing his decision Thursday, Wilson said he and Berman have been friends for many years and noted that, “Chris really embodies the Bills fans.”‘

‘"I’m drawn to when he’s featured on certain segments and I read carefully what’s written. I do that because I have a good relationship with him," Jones said. “I’m very confident that we’ve communicated well. So the answer is yes. When you say pay attention, I certainly look at it. He’s credible with me."’

‘”I’ve known him for a long, long time. His kids followed the Bills growing up. We’ve been friends for years and years,” Wilson said of Berman.’

‘Holland’s grandfather played for the Bills in the 1960s.’

‘”I feel great. The knee is good,” Bowen said Wednesday after organized team activities. “I haven’t had any setbacks, so I’m just ready to get in there and pick up where I left off.”‘

‘”I didn’t think too much of it. It is what it is. You’re going to have one out of the bunch every now and then. They may not be a Bills fan, and then again they may not be a T.O. fan. I didn’t take it to heart.”‘

‘"Mr. Smith has done a lot of positive things for the community in general," said Councilman Jim Wood, a former police officer who worked on the city’s drunken driving task force. "I am extremely troubled by his recent arrest…. If I were to vote on it today, I don’t know how I’d vote."’

‘”I’m just really excited for the opportunity,” Gutierrez said. “They called (Wednesday) morning and I told them I wouldn’t let them down.”‘

‘”They didn’t want me to rent this spot because of the extra or added attention that I may bring,” said Owens, who was informed of the news after a real estate agent and his bodyguard viewed the property. Referring to his real estate agent, Owens added, “In her words, she said, ‘Drama.’ I thought it was funny.”‘

‘Last week Roscoe Parrish expressed disappointment and frustration in not being utilized more on offense come the regular season. In practice Wednesday Parrish however, was the standout performer as he made some big plays in the passing game.’

‘”If you’re able to reach this stage, it’s not going to just happen on this field,” Maybin said. “It’s going to start in your classrooms. It’s going to start in your homes. It’s going to start in your communities.”‘