Archives for October 27, 2001

‘Bills quarterback Rob Johnson has a big fan in Riley. The two share a special relationship from their days together at USC. Johnson set numerous records there while Riley was the offensive coordinator. "Rob spent about every day in my office," Riley said. "He was a great guy to have around, and I really enjoyed coaching him. He was a heck of a kid."’

‘All Tomlinson has done is resurrect a Chargers’ running game that hasn’t produced a 1,000-yard rusher since 1994. He is the NFL’s fourth-leading rusher with 544 yards – more than any San Diego running back has gained in a season the last two years.’

‘He insists he had no arrangement in place with San Diego when Wilson fired him before the last game of the regular season in December. And he said it’s ludicrous to think any financial decisions were made without Wilson’s knowledge and consent.’

‘Henry was accused of having consensual sex with a 15-year-old girl in his home Sept. 23, authorities said. The girl, a runaway from the Hopevale residential facility for girls whom Henry had met at a Camp Road gas station, told Henry she was almost 18.’

‘”I came in as a second-round draft choice and I went to three Super Bowls right away,” Hansen said. “They (the Bills) have done nothing but treat me well, and I’ve given them an honest day’s work with the talent I’ve got. It’s been a good marriage.”‘

‘Yesterday’s practice was supposed to give linebacker Junior Seau a better idea of whether he’ll be able to play tomorrow against Buffalo. But after going through his second practice in as many days, Seau (strained groin) seemed no closer to having an answer.’

‘"I don’t have to face him," Johnson said of Flutie. "He’s not playing defence. Some of his fans probably think he can play defence, but no." Johnson’s problem, of course, is that few Buffalo fans believe he can play offence.’

‘"We’ve gone beyond ridiculous (on the Flutie-Johnson issue) a long time ago," he said with a sad smile.’

‘"He’s a great player, a great athlete, so you always like to watch him, but now the tables are turned. We have to go against him, I can’t be in awe of what he’s going to do next. The awe is over with, I know what he can do, now we have to stop it."’

‘With that in mind, tomorrow may provide the ultimate irony. Just as Ralph Wilson Stadium is sprinkled with Flutie supporters on any given Sunday, there will be a pro-Johnson faction of family, friends and fans at Qualcomm. Johnson is still remembered fondly in these parts for setting a number of passing records while at USC.’

‘"Here," longtime Buffalo News football columnist Larry Felser said, "you’re not considered an outsider, a mercenary, even if you are. It’s a very important, very impressive thing, to be an athlete here." Sunday, as they watch how the Bills fare against the Chargers, Buffalonians will be renewing a time-honoured habit. They will look west, toward the sun, and measure the friends who moved on against the friends who stayed.’

‘And how about Wiley on Chargers quarterback Doug Flutie? "Put it this way," he said. "When I signed here, I called Doug Flutie and I said, ‘Come on, my man.’"’

DT Maa Tanuvasa (ankle) placed on “Reserve-Injured” list. On 10/9 Whitman was signed to Chargers PS.

Whitman, 6-4, 245, went to training camp with Buffalo as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2001. He was released by the Bills on 9/2 as part of final roster cuts. He went to training camp with Buffalo as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2001 after 4 year career at the University of Illinois.

‘Along with the 90 days in jail, Henry can be fined a maximum $500 for the misdemeanor.’