Archives for March 2011

‘Brandon has reached out to Bills fans and season-ticket holders, expressing in a long statement that he shared "our fans’ disappointment with the news on Friday (March 11) that the NFLPA has filed for decertification and a work stoppage has begun. We remain hopeful that a new and fair agreement can be reached in time to avoid any significant disruption to our preparations for the 2011 season. We believe that the quickest way to a fair agreement for everyone – players, teams and fans – is through negotiations facilitated by the mediator and not through litigation."’

‘The Bills are content with Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starter but need some longer range planning. Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert or Auburn’s Cam Newton are on their radar.’

‘"We’d have a team party on Tuesday nights downtown at a place called Mr. Anthony’s on Delaware," Bills longtime punter Paul Maguire said. "There was a meeting room upstairs, and it was kind of neat those years we were winning. We’d get after it and look at the film. Then we’d separate and go over it by position. Jack never missed coming to one of those parties. He didn’t drink, but he was there. Through all his life, through his political career, Jack was a team player. And the one thing in his mind that every one of the guys who played with him will remember is there’s nobody who wanted to win more than Jack Kemp." The three-hour long conversation was taped and will be donated to the Library of Congress.’

‘Only four players remain from a 10-pick 2008 class. It hasn’t been all bad news with the 2009 draft producing three very solid players in linemen Eric Wood and Andy Levitre and safety Jairus Byrd. And last year’s draft class, led by running back C.J. Spiller is poised to contribute a lot more in 2011, particularly if wide receiver Marcus Easley and linebacker Danny Batten recover fully from injuries.’

‘In the event that Donte Whitner leaves via free agency, the Bills have no concerns about starting Wilson at strong safety beside free safety Jairus Byrd. If Whiter comes back, they have one of the team’s top reserves and locker-room leaders still in the fold.’

‘"As an organization, winning a championship continues to be our number one goal. Under the direction of General Manager Buddy Nix our entire football staff is hard at work preparing for the upcoming 2011 NFL Draft where we have the 3rd overall selection. Coach Gailey and his staff are also hard at work preparing for when our team returns to the field. Concurrently, the administrative departments continue to work diligently on the day-to-day business operations in preparation for the season."’

‘"Although the off-season has not kicked off in typical fashion, one constant is the Buffalo Bills commitment to our season ticket holders, business partners and fans. On March 28th we will hold our second annual premium seat holder and sponsor "State of the Bills" event featuring Coach Gailey and GM Buddy Nix. We also are excited to host our annual Draft Day Party here at the Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse on April 28th and 29th for all of our season ticket holders."’

‘"We have made prudent preparations for the possibility of a work stoppage. We have, for some time, been very upfront and transparent with our staff so that they too could make informed and educated preparations."’

‘”We have, for some time, been very upfront and transparent with our staff so that they too could make prudent preparations,” Brandon said. “Every employee in the organization will be affected.”‘

‘The current NFL alignment began in 2002 – when the Houston Texans joined the league. From 2002 through 2009, 23 teams posted 4-12 records. Here’s how those teams fared the following season…’.

‘The salaries of all employees are being reduced on a percentage basis, up to 25 percent, according to team sources.’

‘Buffalo Bills Chief Executive Officer Russ Brandon reached out to season-ticket holders Monday by sending them a message aimed at easing their fears over the NFL’s lockout of players.’

‘The clock is ticking on a new Buffalo Bills’ stadium lease, and it’s likely to keep ticking until the clock strikes 12 — or at least well into 2012, or even 2013. The lease between the Bills and Erie County expires on July 31, 2013, just before the start of that season.’

‘He’s coming to Hornell for the 38th Annual Sports Night at the Knights of Columbus Saturday, March 26.’

‘"We have to see the information to make the best decision. And since we don’t have that information we couldn’t even agree to an extension because of not having those audited financials. We can’t continue to play this back-and-forth match. This is the situation the NFL owners have created and now we as players have to do everything in our power to protect all the trailblazers that came before us had fought for. We can’t just give it back on the words, ‘Trust me.’"’