Archives for August 2012

‘”New York state is committed to doing all we can to keep the Bills a part of the Buffalo community, while also protecting taxpayer dollars and seeing that the team can thrive in western New York for years to come,” Cuomo said.’

‘Schumer correctly describes his proposal, which presents no threat to lease negotiations, as “basic common sense changes.” Now the NFL and Gov. Cuomo, who has to persuade taxpayers that investing in the Bills during these lean times is in their best interest, must do their part.’

‘”We are excited, we are tired of playing each other every day,” Jones said after Tuesday’s practice at St. John Fisher. “I got hurt late last season, so I am just excited to get back onto that game field.”‘

‘”As far as the negotiations are concerned, I’m not directly involved,” Goodell said. “I get updates from various parties, most specifically the Bills. I know they’re working hard at it and hopeful 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.”‘

‘”I think the fans … need to do everything they can to support the Bills, and we’re going to work hard to make sure they continue to be successful here,” Goodell told reporters before a panel discussion at Chautauqua Institution. “There’s no reason why they can’t be.”‘

‘”Well unfortunately right now I can’t tell you that they aren’t taking HGH because we can’t test for them,” Goodell said. “We educate … and we do everything we possibly can to be certain our players aren’t taking them.”‘

‘On whether the NFL would ever revisit Erie’s designation as a Bills television market over protests from Browns and Steelers fans whose teams are often pre-empted by their broadcasts: “First off, there are fans of the Bills in Erie, Pennsylvania, and there are fans of Cleveland, but you can’t show every one of those games. Sometimes they are going to play up against each other. So it’s a balancing act that we have what we call ‘fan friendly’ broadcast policies.”‘

‘Though the starters for each team are expected to get no more than a couple of series, their cameo appearances come with much anticipation.’

‘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.’