Archives for January 4, 2001

‘But let’s face reality; a lot of times, our "experts" are long on opinion and short on everything else, including the facts. Once again, the hope must be that if you hear it said often enough, you’ll believe that Johnson is better than Flutie, even if Flutie plays better, wins more games, and entertains the fans.’

‘Chargers president Dean Spanos is so certain that former Buffalo Bills executive John Butler is the right man to take over his football operations that before boarding a private plane yesterday to meet with Butler in Las Vegas, Spanos fired the top two people in his personnel department.’

‘Any chance Butler can entice Bills free-agent defensive end Marcellus Wiley (10 1/2 sacks) and/or disgruntled quarterback Rob Johnson – both Southern California residents – to tag along? Those familiar with Butler’s success wouldn’t be shocked.’

‘"But Doug gets them going much more when he’s on the field. He changes things when he’s out there, it’s a different game with Doug. But he is 38."’

‘It’s been learned Donahoe, who has comparable credentials to Butler, also wants a five-year deal worth at least $1 million annually, parameters Wilson may be unwilling to commit to.’

‘The San Diego Chargers fired their top two talent evaluators Wednesday, presumably to clear the way for John Butler to be hired as general manager of the NFL’s worst team.’

‘He is the first Bills player to admit publicly how deeply the rift affected the team. Bills officials were not immediately available for comment.’