Archives for August 22, 2000

‘Day was a member of the defensive unit that helped the Bills win AFL titles in 1964 and 1965. Day also played for the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Chargers before retiring in 1968. After retirement, Day worked to help former NFL players in times of need through the retired players division of the NFL Players Association, Day was active in the United Way. He was also a member of the Bills Alumni and served as president of the organization for two years.’

‘The former Pine Valley and University of Buffalo star has made the first cut of the Buffalo Bills after appearing in the first three exhibition games against Cincinnati, Detroit and St. Louis. “Definitely, I am pleased to have made the first cut and I am one of three fullbacks remaining on the roster,” said Roth, who will be in action against Philadelphia on Thursday night.’

‘"I don’t know what the hell is going on," Panos said. "It’s real frustrating. I was in a pretty bad place (mentally) after the game. I was pretty (angry). They say this stuff happens for a reason. What it is, I have no idea."’

‘Tom Day, a former Buffalo Bill whose avocation later in life was helping other former NFL players in times of need, died suddenly Monday at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Amherst. He had entered the hospital Saturday for tests. His death came one day after his 65th birthday.’

‘The Buffalo Bills cut 14 players Monday as teams trimmed their rosters to 65. Both players from the University at Buffalo, receiver Drew Haddad and fullback Josh Roth, were among the survivors with more cuts coming by Sunday. Quarterback Phil Stambaugh, who did not play a down in the first two preseason games, was among those released.’

‘After an encouraging return from surgery to repair a bulging disk in his neck, an injury that cost him all of last season, Panos will miss at least the regular-season opener against the Tennessee Titans on Sept. 3 after tearing a muscle under the arch of his right foot.’

‘"Tom was the joy of the defensive line," said Lou Saban, who coached Day in Buffalo. "He had a lot of spirit and a lot of drive. He was playful at times, but when the whistle blew, he got the job done."’

‘The Bills trimmed their roster by 14 players yesterday. Now comes the hard part, trimming to the NFL regular season limit of 53 by Sunday. "That’s the toughest cut overall," coach Wade Phillips said. "All the guys who left today didn’t have quite as much of a chance because of ability. Certainly the next cut, it’s about guys with more ability who have a chance of making an NFL club."’

‘Free-agent rookie quarterback Phil Stambaugh was among 14 players cut by the Buffalo Bills Monday…All 14 players were free-agent pickups this offseason.’