Archives for June 10, 2000

‘Phillips ended a crisp, spirited afternoon practice by telling his players not to be foolhardy with their weekend off. “You represent yourself, your family, the Buffalo Bills and me. Do the right thing this weekend.”‘

‘The Bills are replacing Ray Bentley, who now is coaching the Buffalo Destroyers of the Arena League, with veteran play-by-play man Jay Randolph on their preseason telecasts. Steve Tasker will be the analyst for the two games in August, which will be carried locally on Channel 49. "We love Ray, but we thought it was in the best interest of both of us to make the change," said a Bills spokesman.’

‘Nine days after the birth of the namesake grandson he never got to see, Vincent A. Tobia, the late Buffalo Bills lawyer and legendary State Police undercover mob and narcotics investigator, was lauded by Gov. George E. Pataki and the State Legislature at a Buffalo ceremony Friday. A State Legislature resolution praising Tobia, who died of a heart attack at 60 last July 7 was presented to his son, attorney Vincent J., and his 81-year-old father, Vincent. During the noontime ceremony in Erie County Hall, Mayor Anthony M. Masiello cited Tobia’s business and legal skills as key factors in keeping the NFL franchise in Buffalo while teams moved out of much larger, more media-intense cities over the past decade. Masiello told the courtroom filled with the late lawyer’s friends that Tobia had played "an integral role" in keeping professional football alive in Buffalo.’

‘"Size," Moore said, pausing, following a mini-camp session this week. "I never really thought much about my size. Other people, they’re always talking about my size. But I just constantly wanted to go out and make plays. And that’s what I do best. "So don’t worry about my size. I just let my play-making take control of that."’