Archives for March 2001

‘"The people of Buffalo, the fan support that I had there, the organization, the players on the team, it was just a great, great three years and a lot of fun," Flutie said.’

‘And Antowain Smith, who lost his starting job last season, asked to be traded and was expected to be a salary-cap victim but survived last week’s cuts, is part of new coach Gregg Williams’ plans.’

‘One potential problem for Doug Flutie in San Diego: The Chargers want him to start for next season but he says he has three or four good years left in him as an effective NFL QB.’

‘One of the most beloved players in New England history, the former Natick and Boston College star fielded calls from Atlanta, Carolina, Kansas City, and Miami, but decided sunny Southern California was his best option.’

‘SportsLine.com has learned that the six-year contract that Doug Flutie signed with the team on Friday is structured more as a two-year deal. On paper, the contract is believed to be worth $28 million to $30 million, but is severely backloaded, with the final four years averaging somewhere in the area of $5 million annually.’

‘Flutie’s pretty excited, too, notwithstanding his $30.3 million, six-year deal that includes a $3 million signing bonus.’

‘The Washington Redskins on Friday signed lineman and long snapper Ethan Albright from the Buffalo Bills.’

‘Although neither side would discuss specifics, the contract is believed to be in $28 million to $30 million range, similar to what Brad Johnson got from Tampa Bay and Elvis Grbac got from Baltimore. The signing bonus is believed to be about $3 million.’

‘The Buffalo Bills allocated fullback Josh Roth and guard Corey Hulsey to NFL Europe on Friday.’

‘"He’s been a winner. That is the realm of a quarterback. That is what its all about," Chargers coach Mike Riley said. "He has won football games."’

‘Even before signing Flutie, Butler had spent $71.6 million on defensive free agents Wiley and cornerbacks Ryan McNeil and Alex Molden.’

‘Grocery stores should begin stocking up on Flutie Flakes, since that breakfast cereal figures to be a hit in San Diego now that free-agent quarterback Doug Flutie has agreed in principle to a contract with the Chargers.’

‘It appears free-agent Doug Flutie is the man being asked to resurrect the Chargers’ tepid offense, as sources confirmed his agent, Kristen Kuliga was to arrive in San Diego late Thursday night.’

‘Flutie is expected in Kansas City Sunday night to give the Chiefs a serious look…Even if K.C. is an alternative, will Flutie’s loyalty to Chargers executives John Butler and A.J. Smith —- for giving his NFL career CPR in 1998 —- sway him toward San Diego?’

‘"Rob is very understated and that may be why our community has underestimated his role and his involvement," Kahn said. "He has an innate understanding that sometimes media can exploit sick kids. We don’t want to put our kids on display and Rob understands that. And he doesn’t want that. He wants to do it in a quiet way that’s meaningful."’