Archives for September 10, 2014

‘The highest price for an NFL franchise was $1.1 billion, which Stephen Ross paid for the Miami Dolphins and their stadium in 2009.’

‘”From day one, keeping the Bills in Buffalo has been one of our administration’s top priorities, and reports that Terry and Kim Pegula have been chosen as the team’s new owners highlight a tremendous step toward making that goal a reality,” Democratic New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.’

‘”It’s Christmas morning,” said season-ticket holder and noted Bills tailgater Scott Hunsinger. “It really takes a burden off of die-hard fans that we know now that we’re not going to lose our team.”‘

‘Dareus attended a hearing Tuesday in Hamburg Town Justice Court in an attempt to reach a plea deal but did not appear before the judge. Dareus’ lawyer, Michael Caffrery, declined comment on his way out of the courtroom.’

‘Any sale would need to be approved by the NFL. That process could be completed by next month.’

‘Former Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, real estate tycoon Donald Trump and rocker Jon Bon Jovi were all involved in groups angling to buy the franchise. The Bon Jovi group, made up mostly of Toronto businessmen, was not popular in the region because of a fear the team could be moved to Canada, where the Bills played one regular-season home game every year in recent seasons.’

‘Four years ago few of us had ever heard of the Pegulas. It was the end of November 2010 that a report arose of the Sabres being for sale and Terry Pegula, fan, being in line to buy them. I remember the day, partly because my great friend and esteemed sports writer Jim Kelley died that night.’

‘”Kim and I are humbled and honored that the Wilson family has chosen us to be the second owner of the Buffalo Bills. Pending the NFL approval process, being the next owner of the Buffalo Bills would be a great privilege for our family. Ralph Wilson left an indelible mark on our community and we will strive every day to honor his legacy.’

‘The next step in the approval process will be for the Pegulas to meet with the NFL’s finance committee. The Pegulas have a reported net worth of $3.5 billion, and will likely have little trouble in that phase. Once that hurdle has been cleared, the winning bidders will then be put to a vote at one of the league’s upcoming owners’ meetings and will need to be approved by 24 of 31 franchises accross the league.’

‘The Bills, and the Pegula’s other sports property the Sabres, and Buffalo are intertwined. Both franchises are a fabric of the community and part of our soul. If either team ever left it would be like someone had ripped out our heart. With the Pegula’s playing the role of white knight, we don’t have to worry about that anymore and hopefully never again.’

‘Manuel finished his day 16 of 22 with a TD, an Interception and a rushing TD. His numbers aren’t going to impress too many individuals but to me, it was a good day. Manuel threw the ball down the field with success, and while accuracy has been called in to question, he did the job well enough for me. Let’s take a look at one of his better throws of the day…’.

‘Buffalo Bills Controlling Owner Mary Wilson said, “This is a very important day in the history of the Buffalo Bills franchise. Ralph brought professional football to Buffalo in 1959 and it was his life’s passion. He loved his team and he cherished the fans and his legacy will remain for all-time. Ralph would have been pleased with the sale of the team to the Terry Pegula family, who has been so committed to Buffalo and the Western New York region.”‘

‘”He demanded everyone’s attention and he’s just the leader of our offense,” receiver Robert Woods related. “Before the game he spoke to the whole team. He just fired everyone up. Everyone is believing in him and confident in him and he just got us the win.”‘