Two Bills Drive

From 1960-72, there was nothing bigger than Buffalo Bills game days, where residents fired up their grills and charged fans $2 to park in their driveways. During baseball season, foul balls landed on Dodge Street followed by a mad scramble for the balls by the neighborhood kids. Meeting the players was an even bigger thrill.

In 1974, the Bills decided that they were a team "no longer standing still." The team adopted a new official team logo, the charging buffalo now familiar to modern NFL fans.

Eric Metz, agent for Buffalo Bills tackle John Fina, has told Empire Sports and WNSA that after many discussions with the Bills he does not anticipate an offer from the team to keep the lineman in a Bills uniform.

Another NFL source said the Bills decision was not an easy one with the team’s braintrust being divided on the issue of whether to keep Fina or release him.

Talks are expected to continue through the weekend, but Metz believes when all is said and done Fina will be released perhaps as early as Monday.

‘The Bills may look to add another player or two on the defensive line. There are not any difference-makers available…’.

Running back Curtis Alexander punched in the decisive touchdown to break a 13-13 tie and Admirals hearts and remain on course for a World Bowl X clash with rival Rhein Fire. He also had 20 carries for 88 yards including a 25 yard run and a winning TD run. He also had three catches for 56 yards including a 52 yard reception being pushed out of bounds at 2 yard line. David Dinkins on opposite side had 4 runs for 14 yards. Despite being #2 in the depth chart in name, another QB was put in when Admirals QB was injured.

‘"If a company makes something on our banned list, you can’t endorse anything that company sells," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle in a story published on Saturday. "(Moulds) may not be aware of that side of the policy."’

Agent Jack Wirth and GM Tom Donahoe have discussed a new, four-year contract, but it would mean reducing his compensation this season to about $1.6 million. The Buffalo proposal calls for a two-tiered signing bonus, in which the Bills would have to pay Riemersma a second signing bonus next spring to exercise the option on the 2003-2005 seasons.

‘The veteran tackle is expected to be a salary cap casualty, perhaps as early as Monday, according to an NFL source. Meanwhile, Jay Riemersma probably will keep his job, even though his agent has not been able to strike a deal to restructure the tight end’s contract.’

‘The NFL is investigating whether an endorsement of a body building supplement by Buffalo Bills star receiver Eric Moulds violates the league’s steroid policy.’

Bledsoe and Jerry Ostroski are members of the 2001 All-Injury Squad.

5. Bills

Key additions: QB Drew Bledsoe, LB London Fletcher, OT Trey Teague.

Buffalo has been looking for the right leader since Jim Kelly retired after the 1996 season. Although his performance has tailed off the last three seasons, Bledsoe is only 30. He still has a lot of production left in him and could thrive in the Bills’ new offense if he gets enough protection. Although undersized, Fletcher is a quick, instinctive middle linebacker who can make plays from sideline to sideline. Teague replaces an aging John Fina at left tackle and will be counted on to protect Bledsoe’s blind side.

The Bills and the Buffalo Zoo will host a Community Day at the Buffalo Zoo this Sunday, June 2nd. There will be interactive games, face painting, and appearances by Bills players including Ruben Brown, Brian Moorman and Tony Driver between noon and 3:00 PM. Also participating will be Buffalo Jills, team alumni and Billy Buffalo.

Reserved tickets can be ordered only by mail, with a limit of 10 tickets per order. Requests for tickets should be sent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Attn. Enshrinement Tickets, 2121 George Halas Drive NW, Canton, OH 44708.

The August 3, 2002 ceremony has been moved to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium. The new location will provide a seating capacity of 20,348 seat. As a result, the Hall of Fame is able to offer to the public an opportunity to purchase reserved seats.

‘”I think every bar in Buffalo has a sign-up sheet for people to come watch the enshrinement,” said Joe Horrigan, the Hall’s vice president-communications/exhibits, who was born in Buffalo and retains close ties to the city. “With those fans coming from Buffalo, along with the fans who come from Pittsburgh every time a Steeler is inducted, we are expecting a huge, huge crowd.”‘