Archives for April 6, 2006

‘O’Rourke said the agreement allows for no wiggle room. Small market teams have to sell out each week. Ideally, he said, the Bills would have more luxury boxes that they could sell at $100,000 to $200,000 like larger markets do. Trouble is, he says, there are so few Fortune 500 companies around that could afford the higher-priced luxury boxes.’

‘NFL.com National Editor Vic Carucci say the Bills could be gone from the area if they don’t build a new stadium or get more money from the state. Owner Ralph Wilson said the long term viability of the Buffalo Bills in Western New York is in serious doubt. Carucci says the Bills will always be mentioned in conversations for Los Angeles until that market has a team.’

‘Buffalo businessman Drew Cerza said, "Western New York cannot afford to lose the Bills, but I think it comes down to this question: can we afford to keep them?"’

‘Thomas, a six-year vet out of Georgia Southern, has played in 85 games over the course of his career. A fifth-round draft choice by Jacksonville in 2000, Thomas spent five years with the Jaguars where he played in 75 games and started 11. Last year, Thomas was with the Dolphins and played in 10 games.’

‘Gibson, drafted 27th overall in 1999 by the Detroit Lions, has 34 starts in 38 career games. He spent last year out of football after spending two seasons with Chicago, including 2003 where he played under new Bills coach Dick Jauron.’

‘”It’s concerning to me,” said Golisano, who owns the Buffalo Sabres. “I’m very interested in the topic. How I would get involved is undetermined at this point.”‘