MattM

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/16/league-nflpa-may-want-to-look-at-belichick-hernandez-texts/ Sounds from this explanation of the rule that it's more likely to be a violation if BB was "coaching" via text. Let's flip your question on its logical head--what WAS BB texting him about for 33 pages if it wasn't football-related? I agree this isn't in the same category as Spygate, but it sounds like yet another rule was broken by a guy with a long history of breaking rules/vows (his own marriage vows and those of his paramour, who was married at the time)/etc. Considering his history, I'd say a fine in the 6 figures (not reimbursed above or below board by Kraft like he did for Spygate via BB's contract extension) would be fitting.

Or a classy player--compare Mesut Ozil's intentional shank of an 8th goal against Brazil last week to Brady's actions I described above, for ex. So it's the Pats* finding a way around another rule--sound familiar? It should by now

Depends on how you view running up the score on a clearly beaten opponent. They've done that to us on a number of occasions. I also recall Tommy Boy's Esquire interview a few years back when he talked about loving to do that, using a Bills game example (audibling away from a 3rd and 1 run late in a blowout to a long TD pass to Moss). Personally, one of my dreams is we return the favor to both BB and TB before they retire

Sorry, but I really hope you're not in a position where you influence kids, be that as a teacher, coach, whatever. That attitude's a lot of what's wrong with society today. "Win at all costs", and it used to at least be "but don't get caught"--today if you get caught, you get your own reality show....

This^. I think it's pretty clear by now to all paying attention that the guy's a sociopath who puts winning above everything, no matter what he needs to do to win....

Lots of good choices, but as an old ER (as in East Rochester) guy, I've got to mention the Northside Inn, a great Italian place in ER with a legendary pedigree--really good stuff. Other local ER joints to consider are Lemoncello's on East Commercial (run by one old HS classmate whose chef is another old classmate), which serves more modern Italian, and Prince George's or "PG's" which makes up what's left of the old ER bar strip. Back in the day the strip was jumping with locals and college kids alike--quarter drafts on Mondays and ten cent wings drew the campus crowds back then, but de-industrialization has taken its toll on my old hometown, and the kids now drink elsewhere. I still love it because of my history there (my paper route as a kid included the strip), but it's not for everyone. If you're looking for a local bar with some local flavor and a pool table, it's your place. Neighborhood may not be the safest, sadly. In that regard, for those who don't know the Rochester area, ER is right next door to Pittsford (although light years away in many respects), but does a better job "keeping it real." Folks above have hit many of the other good spots--Abbott's is a personal favorite (in fact I drove 40 minutes to the one in a Westchester last week). I'm a bit out of the wing wars these days, but can vouch for Country Sweet from way back. I'm definitely jealous, as I may not make it back home to camp this year due to family travel commitments--enjoy!

I know all that--but he lives in LA now. What better way to move a team there--get a Trojan Horse in the form of a local boy to be the front man to buy the team, and then make a ton of money for your clients/investors (which is his day job) by flipping them to LA during the 2019 Buffalo lease window. Just enough time to build a stadium in LA. The link above where he was talking about courting his clients (to whom he normally owes a fiduciary duty to maximize profits) about the purchase makes me fear that even more.

Sure--I'm in his industry. I know who he is and I know his background and where he lives now and I stand by my statement.

Despite what he says, I'm not too sure I trust a guy who lives in LA to buy the Bills and keep them here....

The Cowpukes and Cheats* are by far my two least favorite teams, so I agree that the Pukes should be 31

I caught part of Brunell's comments, but not about the Bills--he was talking about coaching in general. They also had Bledsoe on talking about Ralph ("he immediately reminds you of your grandfather"), so maybe it was Bills Day there yesterday....

I'd say their rating of the Cheats* at 32 is just about right, too....

I loved that pickup last year and said so at the time. If Moeaki can stay healthy--and with him, that's not a "big" if, but a HUGE if--expect him to catch 50 balls for about 600-700 yards and 5-6 TDs. The one bummer is that he's only signed through this year, so if he puts up those kinds of numbers, the Bills can expect to have to pay him decent money to retain him (although hopefully they'd get some kind of hometown/injury history discount).....

I think they may be hoping that Wynn (who's 275 or so) can give them some quality snaps on obvious/likely rushing downs

They should target the young, hipster market--lots of blue collar, industrial wannabes down here in New York, especially Brooklyn's hipper parts. These days, with electronic media, a move to a new city isn't quite as scary as it used to be for the young and intrepid. No reason that Buffalo and WNY can't benefit from that. In fact, a college friend who now lives in SF and is an architect/urban planner (and hipster back in the day) visited the B'Lo last week for a conference and was raving on FB about the city and its beauty and potential....

We both may be reading too much into this, but I was wondering the same thing. Are the heirs now simply selling everything (including things Ralph loved) to the highest bidder? I work 2 blocks from Sotheby's--maybe I'll have to stroll over for the auction and check it out....

While I personally do believe that for whatever reason, fair or foul, the Pats* have gotten far more than their fair share of calls over the last decade plus or so, I agree with Bangarang on this. The story here is not Pats*' specific, but more situation specific, which, to me at least, is a big difference, even if it still does not paint a great picture of the officials involved.

Apologies--slight exaggeration, but 47 catches for 560 and 3 TDs as a rookie in 2010 is pretty darn good. Let's see if Ebron, ASJ or Amaro match that this year. Those numbers are similar to Chandler's best year. Moeaki was out 2011 and had a slip in production in 2012 before getting hurt again in 2013. My memory may be influenced by his pretty good game against us in 2010 (3 for 45) including some nice catches, which I caught firsthand live.

First mover advantage--he was the original draft fanatic back 30 years or so....

If I recall correctly, a lot of that Seattle low grade was for picking Irvin so high--he's also become a decent (albeit not dominant) player, as fate would have it....

Tony Moeaki was playing near Pro Bowl level before his injuries in KC and he's still pretty young

My seat relo day is tomorrow, so if some of you old timers could hold off re-upping until Tuesday, I'd appreciate it!

Perhaps, but remember when Seattle was getting those D's a few years back for doing things like taking Irvins way too high?

Tolerance much? Or does this somehow bother you on a personal level? If you don't like the topic why (a) read it and (b) go to the trouble of posting on it? For those talking about his supposed lack of a spot in the NFL talent-wise, time will tell on that, but a guy doesn't get voted SEC defensive player of the year without skills. In fact, I thought I heard someone say yesterday that this was the first time someone who'd won that award was picked after the 2d round, but I admittedly may have misheard.

And running backs--don't forget running backs