Archives for May 11, 2002

‘Several Van Miller fans responded to last Saturday’s column with e-mails of support for the voice of the Buffalo Bills. Here’s a sampling…’.

‘He had squeezed 10 years and 22 interceptions out of pro secondaries in Buffalo and Denver. George Saimes’ next move was pretty obvious. An old Canton friend who wound up as head coach of the Bills volunteered a key clue. “If it’s coaching,” Hank Bullough advised, “be prepared to move.”‘

‘Buffalo’s loss may be Hamilton’s gain when Bills’ castoff quarterback Pete Gonzalez makes his way over the border to the Tiger-Cats’ training camp in St. Catharines next month. The Tiger-Cats announced yesterday that Gonzalez, who has seen limited play with three National Football League teams since 1998, will become the fourth quarterback in camp this season.’

‘"I think some of the things with Jay unfortunately got blown out of proportion, " Donahoe said. "I’ve seen his name in various places as a cap casualty but that’s not coming from us. We expect him to be here and we expect him to be an important part of our team." The key word is "expect."’

DE Marcellus Wiley in the second round was their best pick and he left via free agency. No one else remains, including their No. 1, RB Antowain Smith, who never quite cut it with the Bills, and a couple of linemen who were occasional starters but not very effective, Jamie Nails and Marcus Spriggs. Grade … D

To ensure that he has a shot at lasting beyond this season, look for Haslett to suggest Benson consider Buffalo director of football operations Tom Modrak for the GM post. Modrak is a friend of Haslett, and when he was in Philadelphia, recommended the Eagles hire him in 1999, before club officials decided on Andy Reid as the guy. Modrak is a terrific football man and he would bring instant respect to the seemingly directionless Saints.