Archives for March 2006

‘Western New York doesn’t have enough money to support its two big-league sports franchises comfortably, according to a new study by Business First’s parent company.’

‘Davis was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. The Virginia Tech product, who spent three seasons with the Browns, has 102 catches for 1,602 yards and 14 touchdowns in 48 career games.’

‘Bannan, though, is assured of being a starter after receiving a $3 million signing bonus in a four-year deal from the Ravens, who began expressing interest in him Saturday afternoon. He canceled visits to New Orleans and Miami after accepting the Ravens’ offer. "The money follows the opportunity," agent Tom Mills said. "They wouldn’t pay him that to be a backup."’

‘While not known as a great run-stuffer, Tripplett (6-2, 295) is a smaller, quicker, penetrating lineman suited to the one-gap style that is being adopted by new Bills coach Dick Jauron and defensive coordinator Perry Fewell.’

‘The 26-year old Bannan started seven of the last eight games in 2005 for the Bills. In 55 career games, Bannan had 78 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks.’

‘Davis’ career was highlighted in 2004 when he became the 10th player in NFL history to record a 99-yard touchdown reception, which he accomplished on November 17 against Cincinnati.’

‘The Buffalo Bills are hoping that Eric Moulds will take a pay cut to increase their flexibility under the salary cap. But they are making contingency plans.’

‘"We said we wanted players not just with ability but with high character and they exemplify that," said Bills General Manager Marv Levy.’

‘Where Davis fits on Buffalo’s depth chart is a question, and might depend on the team’s decision to retain or release veteran star Eric Moulds.’

‘A second-round draft pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2002, Davis spent the 2005 season as a member of the New England Patriots.’

‘Wilson, the Buffalo Bills’ owner, thinks the owners got ripped off. "This is a bad deal for the NFL for the next six years," Wilson said. "It’s a bad deal. It’s too much money; 59.5 percent (of revenue for the players) is far too much. … And it’s particularly a bad deal for medium- and small-market clubs."’

‘But those Bills, quarterbacked by Jack Kemp, the future U.S. congressman, won the 1965 AFL championship. Special teams performer Goodwin – it was then known as the "suicide squad" – never carried the ball for the Bills, but when he couldn’t even carry himself up the stairs 35 years later because his heart was failing, he never imagined how Bills owner Ralph Wilson and the men who were so briefly his teammates, most notably Kemp, would rally to his side. "Buffalo was nice," Goodwin said. "Buffalo was perfect. Buffalo came in for me."’

‘What the NFL has done is widen the chasm between large- and small-market teams. Franchises such as Buffalo and Cincinnati that spend to the cap would incur $20 million in player salary increases over the next two years, a burden that exceeds what they’ll receive from the NFL’s laughable, bare-bones revenue-sharing plan.’

‘Yes, there is still principle in pro sports and if anyone is surprised at Wilson’s protest vote they shouldn’t have been. The Bills’ owner has always been a for-the-good-of-the-league man.’

‘Tripplett, 27, helps fill the gaping void the Bills have at defensive tackle and was targeted to fit the Bills’ new defensive scheme. Royal, who will be 27 in May, could be considered an “under-the-radar” find. The Bills consider him a top blocker, and he figures to enter spring practice as the starter at tight end.’