Wilson speaks

[ChasBB]

Given that the Bills are finally openly admitting that we are looking at a 3-year re-building plan, doesn't it make sense to trade Evans for a draft pick at this point? Give the poor guy a shot to play for a contender plus help out our future. Even if you are of the opinion that Evans is a true #1 receiver, will he still be in 2-3 years time? Time to stockpile draft picks.

Edited October 11, 2010 by ChasBB

[BUFFALOTONE]

So if it's going to take three more years to rebuild, he's cool with me dumping my season tix till then, right?

 

Thanks for the heads-up, jw. Look forward to reading the full story sted the brief.

I will give you a bag of used footballs for those tix. Wait what section??

[pimp on da' net]

I'm sure he'll be happy to take everyone's money while they "rebuild" for 3 more years.

 

Someone should file a consumer fraud lawsuit. I'm serious.

 

You know why it's gonna take 3 years? Because he won't pay for any more expensive free agents. I'll say it again: "building through the draft" is a financial strategy, not a football strategy.

+1

 

DING, DING,DING...well said. These guys are amazing and shrewd. They want to win, he just doesn't want to pay for it. Hell that whole cash to the cap crap, is so he pays the players salary with gate money.

 

I agree that you can't build with just FA's but selecting certain play-makers on the rise in FA couple with some solid vets to go along with these rookies could legitimize the organization and get this ship righted sooner rather than later.

[DanInUticaTampa]

Sweet, hopefully this means we get a top QB. Even though Fitz is looking good right now, I still want an upgrade at QB. They better be looking at pass rushers and linebackers as well....

[Helpmenow]

At least he said it was his fault that the team sucks.

Been his fault for most of years as owner.

[TheChimp]

LMAO the old man is a real piece of work isn't he? Hey it will take 3 more years, but you keep paying me money to line my pockets the next 3. I say !@#$ that. Next year if there is a season there are a TON of free agents due to hit the market and Ralph better !@#$ing well open up the pocket book.

 

I love how he says we must go get a QB, no **** Ralph? Fans have been saying that for years now.

Just the fact that the old a-hole came out and said that HE'S decided what we're getting in the offseason, regardless of what his GENERAL MANAGER might think, tells me all I need to know.

[johnnychemo]

for those who might not understand the business, a fuller version with direct quotes has been filed and will be moving shortly.

and for those who like to make cracks, i think you'll find it interesting of what Mr. Wilson had to say in regards to why he takes the full blame and also making comments about his age.

 

jw

 

Thanks, John. I was going to ask if there was anything edited out worth mentioning.

[Phil Hansen Forever]

Or is it that he takes responsiblity for hiring three bad coaches in a row, and now realizes his team is nothing but a collection of lousy players and horrible choices?

[birdog1960]

for those who might not understand the business, a fuller version with direct quotes has been filed and will be moving shortly.

and for those who like to make cracks, i think you'll find it interesting of what Mr. Wilson had to say in regards to why he takes the full blame and also making comments about his age.

 

jw

i am extremely interested in this and suspect that this could be very important to bills fans in assessing the future chances of success for the franchise. i really hope that you gave or could give some insight into your subjective impressions of wilson's cognitive state during the interview. it is a legitimate concern for any 90+ yo in a position of responsibility and you are in a unique (albeit imperfect) position to assess it. for example, does he have facility with language (as one would expect a lawyer to)?, do questions need to be repeated and/or explained? is he able to concentrate on questions or does he drift? i think the context and accuracy of the article are dependent on these questions.

Edited October 11, 2010 by birdog1960

[Nyghtewynd]

Did someone have to press down on his sternum after every question in order for sound to come out?

[jahnyc]

Three years of above average drafting would not be enough to fix this team. Clearly, RW does not care about the marketing of this team. How many other owners would say this when many teams have been turned around in one or two years? After 10 years of incompetence, Bills fans deserve better.

[BEAST MODE BABY!]

The problem with wealth, is it usually abdicates peoples' responsibility for coming to grips with the fact that they're ****-ups.

 

Ralph fired the best front office man he's ever had.

 

Ralph messes with the draft.

 

Ralph allowed his daughter to become a scout.

 

Ralph values someone like Littman over Polian.

 

Ralph rarely, if ever, goes outside the organization to find organizational talent. He lucked into Polian.

 

I will wait to read the story, but Ralph has only himself to blame for this whole crapfest. And given his past behavior, him saying he's to blame is more lip service than anything else.

[eball]

I believe Mr. Wilson on many levels. It IS his fault for hiring second rate management and coaches. People such as Levy/Jauron. Ya think he doens't know this? He does imo and is serious about taking responsibility.

 

In terms of getting a quarterback, I believe he is sincere about this as well. A quarterback such as Ryan Mallet will sell tickets galore, and Ralph will earn another 39 million or so. That said, in THIS case, I agree with him. Another dumb selection like Maybin, Lynch, McKelvin, Whitner, Evans, or Spiller would more than likely destroy the franchise beyond repair.

You and I agree a lot these days, although I still think Spiller is going to be a fantastic player coming into his prime when (if) this team finally turns it around.

[Jim in Anchorage]

As far as all the wringing of hands here over RW's age, You do realize Tom Benson is 83 years old? Do I have to tell you who the defending champe are?

[Kettle Creek Football]

Just spoke to Mr. Wilson earlier this afternoon.

Story has been filed and should be moving on the AP wire shortly.

 

jw

Thanks, JW. GREAT STUFF!!!

I can't imagine Buddy Nix, nor Chan Gailey, (or Russ Brandon for that matter) are crazy about the info Mr. Wilson divulged.

[CodeMonkey]

What I found interesting so far is this:

Wilson says general manager Buddy Nix will spend the next two weeks on the road scouting the top crop of college quarterback prospects.

So basically put a fork in this season.

 

Sending the GM to scout QBs instead of your scouts is interesting though. Drafting the next QB could be Nix's defining moment as a Bills GM. I suspect he wanted to do the leg work on this one himself rather than trust any of his scouts.

[DarthICE]

I don't know what the man is going to say and honestly I don't care. YES it is 100% his fault the team has sucked. Sucked before polian, sucked since. Why? Ralph is a cheap ass when it comes to the front office and coaching. Draft picks have been horrible and he keeps the one constent thing here in Tom Modrak that has been here for all of the botched Draft picks.

 

QB, Hell yeah we need a QB we have since 1996! He says it is our #1 priority? I'l beleve it when I see it, but when will the old man break out the money to get a coach that can develop the kid? when is he going to fork over Free agent money to get talent around him?

 

Sorry JW etal, its all the same old bull **** we have heard before, it is past time to see ACTION.

[JPS]

for those who might not understand the business, a fuller version with direct quotes has been filed and will be moving shortly.

and for those who like to make cracks, i think you'll find it interesting of what Mr. Wilson had to say in regards to why he takes the full blame and also making comments about his age.

 

jw

Thanks for sharing. Sorry for the kids on the board. Day off school....

[tomdayfan]

AP just sent out a long write-through a couple of minutes ago.

John Wawrow's interview with Ralph

[Delete This Account]

And here it is.

 

full story

 

jw