‘It’s unclear why billionaire team owners Terry and Kim Pegula, whose primary residence is in Florida, or the wealthy National Football League, shouldn’t put up more money, and how real the threat is that the team might leave. Taxpayers deserve to see all agreements, financing details and documents. In a best-case scenario, they’d get to vote on a referendum, as Nassau County residents did in 2011 when they rejected a publicly-financed Islanders arena.’
Archives for March 30, 2022
Editorial: A bad deal for taxpayers
‘By contrast, Ms. Hochul’s deal with the Bills hands over $600 million in state money plus an additional $250 million from Erie County on the promise of an estimated 10,000 temporary construction jobs. Since it is merely a replacement for an existing stadium, the plan offers little in the way of new tax revenue or growth.’
The NFL Rewrites Its Overtime Rules After Playoff Outrage
‘Now, both teams will be guaranteed a possession in overtime—of postseason games only. The change comes after the Buffalo Bills were famously never afforded that opportunity during an instant-classic playoff game versus the Kansas City Chiefs in January that highlighted the imbalanced nature of the most important and competitive games in the sport.’
Bills Deal Renews Debate Over Public Dollars For Arenas
‘State Assemblymember Ron T. Kim, a Queens Democrat, used a curse word on Twitter to refer to the proposal. Sochie Nnaemeka, the director of the influential Working Families Party, called the deal “a continuation of trickle-down economic development schemes that have enriched wealthy investors on the backs of Black, brown, and working class communities.”’
NFL admits Tyreek Hill should have been flagged for taunting for throwing up peace sign vs. Bills in playoffs
‘On the play, Hill flashed his patented “peace” sign at Bills defenders at about the 16-yard-line before completing the 64-yard touchdown that gave Kansas City a 33-29 lead. A taunting penalty would not have wiped out the score; it would have either been assessed on the point-after attempt or the ensuing kickoff.’
New NFL overtime rules, explained: How Bills vs. Chiefs helped change playoff OT format
‘The measure needed 24 yes votes to be approved. It received 29 votes in the affirmative, as just three owners voted against the rule change.’
Goodell: Thrilled Bills will remain in Orchard Park for, ‘at least, my lifetime’
‘“I think the Buffalo Bills mean a great deal to the community, and I know that community means a great deal to the NFL. And so I believed firmly that the stadium was necessary. I said some time in the last year or so that a new stadium was really going to be required. The current stadium was nearing the end of its useful life. We needed a new stadium to keep the Buffalo Bills there, there’s no other place to play.”‘
NFL owners, personnel react to new Bills stadium agreement
‘”The project itself is a really fun project… I’m leaving it to [Terry and Kim Pegula] to give the details, but I know this: They’ve thought a lot about it and taken a lot of input from the fans.”‘
Opinion: Finally, we know our Bills are here to stay
‘But now, we don’t have to answer those questions anymore. We don’t even have to ponder them.’
Buffalo Bills’ brass speaks highly of WR Stefon Diggs at Owners’ Meetings
‘Diggs has already been a part of a blockbuster trade once. And the value he’s brought to the Bills’ passing game during that span, and the relationships he’s built in Buffalo, another one likely isn’t in the cards.’
Sean McVay compares Buffalo Bills edge rusher Von Miller to Spider-Man
‘“His production is special. But he’s one of those guys that just treats everyone so well. From the equipment staff to the PR team, everyone is going to love Von Miller and you’re going to really love what he can do on the football field,” McVay added. “He is such a unique talent. I was talking to Brandon Staley [Chargers HC] about this yesterday and he described him as Spider-Man and I think that’s a good way to describe him because of his body control and his athleticism, his flexibility, his ability to close and finish out plays. He was a big reason we were able to win and he’s going to do a great job for the Buffalo Bills.”’
“That community means a great deal to the NFL”, Commissioner Roger Goodell reacts to stadium deal
‘”I am happy to see a resolution. I think the Buffalo Bills mean a great deal to the community and that community means a great deal to the NFL,” Goodell said when speaking at the NFL Owners Meetings on Tuesday afternoon. “I believe firmly that a stadium was necessary. The current stadium was nearing the end of its useful life. There’s a 30-year commitment to be there which I think is important for the fans. I think it’s a good resolution and I’m thrilled the Bills will be there for at least my lifetime.”‘
Hochul directs $418 million of disputed casino revenue to go toward new Buffalo Bills stadium
‘According to Hochul, the remaining funds “will go directly to the counties and cities of Western New York and be reinvested to support the local economy and communities.”‘
What is the Community Benefits Agreement included in stadium discussions?
‘A Community Benefits Agreement is commonly referred to as a CBA. It’s a legally binding agreement that the community at-large will benefit from stadium construction. Forworkingfamilies.org describes a CBA as a contract that “requires the developer provide specific amenities and/or mitigations to the local community or neighborhood.” These key community benefits include things like transportation, job creation and increasing the team’s footprint.’
Seneca Nation releases $564M in casino funds to NY, which says millions will go toward Bills stadium
‘“While the funds are being transferred, let me also send a message to New York. Don’t use the people of Western New York as pawns in your obvious desire to destroy the Seneca Nation,” Matthew Pagels president of the Seneca Nation, said in a video statement Tuesday.’