Archives for August 9, 2012

‘He’s calling Wednesday for the NFL to alter a loan program it has in place to help teams renovate their stadiums so the Bills could access up to $25 million to upgrade Ralph Wilson Stadium.’

‘Chan Gailey has seen many rookies play in their first games. He said, “Depends on the guy. I do not think Stephon will be flustered a lick being out there in the first game. Some of the others might be a little bit more wide-eyed, but (Gilmore) has lined up in big games, in front of big crowds and I don’t think it will bother him a lick.” As far as the Bills number one pick he said, “Oh yah, I’m looking forward to it. I’m still trying to just take it one day at a time, but I’ll watch a little film on them and I’m looking forward to going up against Washington.”‘

‘What are some of the key things to look for? Let’s take a gander…’.

‘”I will do everything in my power to keep the Bills right here in Buffalo. Because of the their unique situation, the bottom line is that the NFL’s loan program to upgrade stadiums, as structured, is practically useless for the Bills. Making some basic, common sense changes to this key NFL loan program is something that can generate significant resources for much-needed stadium renovations, and could do so in a way that provides significant incentive for any future owner to keep the team in western New York,” said Schumer.’

‘Schumer wants the NFL to waive the “Due On Sale” rule so the loan can benefit a future owner, but only if the new owner keeps the team in WNY. The change would make it easier for the Bills to take advantage of the loan to match the teams investment into stadium upgrades. However, Schumer says the “Due on Relocation” Rule should remain ironclad and put a significant financial penalty on any new owner that tries to relocate the team during the life of the loan.’

‘”I know they’re working hard on it, and hopefully they can get something done in the near future. Like anything though, things don’t happen quite as fast as you all want. But I know the intent of the Bills is to get something done responsibly and I think they want to do that quickly,” Goodell said.’

‘Senator Schumer is calling on the NFL to amend the G-4 Loan Program, so the Bills can achieve the intended benefits. Schumer wants to preserve the “Due on Relocation” rule, so a new owner would get penalized for moving the Buffalo Bills from Ralph Wilson Stadium. Schumer wants the NFL to waive the “Due on Sale” rule, so future owners will not need to repay former loans upon sale.’

‘Goodell met with reporters prior to a scheduled event at Chautauqua Institution.’

‘”It’s not novel for the NFL,” said Schumer. “They’ve already written in a similar exception for people who have owned the team for more than 20 years in the revenue sharing agreement that the league currently uses. They’ve done it for the revenue sharing in terms of paying that back, they can do it for this G-4 program.”‘

‘Describe Chan Gailey in one word. Discipline.’