Archives for October 2001

‘"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.’

‘…will be sentenced Nov. 9. He faces up to 90 days in jail and a maximum $500 fine for the misdemeanor, but it is more likely that he will have to do community service.’

Bucky Gleason will be on the Jim Rome radio show shortly — today, Friday 10/26 — discussing this article.

The Buffalo Bills, Target and two selected Buffalo city schools kicked off the Buffalo Bills-Target Art Program Tuesday with a press conference and reception for the students who will be participating in the program. Buffalo Bills’ Bryce Fisher represented School #53 and Bills’ center Craig Heimburger represented School #74.

During Tasker’s eleven seasons with the Bills, he was selected by his peers and coaches to represent the AFC in seven Pro Bowls and played in each of the Bills four Super Bowl appearances. His extraordinary talent on special teams and leadership attributes off the field, made him both a team and a fan favorite. Tasker retired in December of 1997 and is a commentator for CBS Sports, a host on the Empire Sports Network and member of the WNSA broadcast lineup.

While the primary focus on the changes to San Diego’s offense in the off-season has been on the acquisition of Doug Flutie, a rookie running back is quietly becoming the key to the Charger offense. LaDainian Tomlinson has made an immediate impact in the NFL for the Chargers, and is filling the role to help pile up yardage and time of possession.

‘"It’s better off for Rob that this game is on the road," said Dennis Williams, sports director at WIVB-TV, the CBS affiliate in Buffalo.’

‘Linebacker Junior Seau (groin) worked on Thursday; Sam Rogers (thumb) didn’t. But coach Mike Riley said Rogers is more certain to play Sunday against the Bills than Seau. "He’s not full speed, so we are going to reserve judgment,” Riley said of Seau. "But it is encouraging that he worked a little bit today." Said Seau: "I practiced at a controlled pace.” Riley said Rogers will play with a cast on his dislocated thumb. If Seau can’t go, Gerald Dixon would move from the strong side to Seau’s weakside position, with Rogers taking Dixon’s spot.’

‘Wiley doesn’t begrudge the Bills’ decision. He just wishes they had made stronger attempt to keep him.’

‘If the Buffalo Bills’ special-teamers didn’t realize they were in for a big test in San Diego, they found out the moment they looked in their locker stalls this week. The Bills’ special-teamers found a sign reminding them that the Chargers rank No. 1 in the NFL in kickoff coverage.’

‘Prick him lightly and you’ll find the resentments are still there, just beneath the surface.’