Archives for April 18, 2006

‘"By the time we get out of these minicamps there shouldn’t be any question about protections, lining up, what will get us in and out of running plays, reads in the passing game, what we’re looking to attack and what will scare us away from a play," said Van Pelt. "That should all be understood by the summer."’

‘Russert said he will take part in the meeting "as a son of Buffalo, not as a journalist."’

‘Thomas underwent surgery to repair a broken bone in his right knee last spring, then aggravated the injury before training camp. He was forced to have surgery a second time last September, and was never activated after beginning the year on the physically unable to perform list.’

‘At the Bills’ first minicamp two weekends ago, Spikes wasn’t in attendance because he was continuing to rehab his injury, but he is expected to be present at training camp in July. The best thing the Bills’ new coaching staff–led by head coach Dick Jauron and defensive coordinator Perry Fewell–can do is ease the veteran back in, while making sure they don’t overwork or overstress his injury. The goal is to have Spikes back to form for the regular season opener on September 10, and that may very well end up happening. For Spikes’ sake, let’s hope so. However, for offensive players opposing the Bills on a weekly basis, let’s hope not.’

‘Last Sunday, Schumer vowed to take his concerns to outgoing NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue. New York politicians are rallying behind team owner Ralph Wilson, who says a new labor agreement with players cold hurt the franchise and other small market teams.’

‘Schumer released a statement today saying, "I’m looking forward to this meeting because keeping the Bills in Buffalo is vital to Western New York. We are looking forward to hearing what the Commissioner has to say. This is going to be the first step of a long process to do everything we can to help the Bills and small-market teams."’

‘The lawmakers are asking the NFL to reconsider the proposed new collective bargaining agreement so small-city franchises, like the Bills, are not at an unfair financial disadvantage. They are also asking the league to appoint the Bills’ owner, Ralph Wilson, as a member of the NFL Qualifying Committee to ensure small-market teams’ interests and concerns will be represented.’

‘Paul Tagilabue will hold a meeting with United States Senator from New York Charles Schumer and NBC Political Commentator Tim Russert. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday morning.’

‘Schumer is among a number of New York politicians building support for owner Ralph Wilson, who has said the new collective barganing agreement will hurt the Bills and other small-market teams.’

‘"I’m looking forward to this meeting because keeping the Bills in Buffalo is vital to western New York," Schumer said in a statement. "This is going to be the first step of a long process to do everything we can to help the Bills and small-market teams."’

‘Thomas underwent surgery to repair a broken bone in his right knee last spring, then aggravated the injury before training camp. He was forced to have surgery a second time last September, and was never activated after beginning the year on the physically unable to perform list.’

‘Erie County Legislator George Holt Jr., D-Buffalo, and immediate past chairman of the county lawmaking body, said Monday he and his fellow Democratic Party legislators will present a resolution at their next meeting urging the National Football League to reconsider some of the terms in its new collective bargaining agreement that hurt small market franchises like the Bills.’

Reynolds, in light of his briefing from Bills officials, told members of Congress that he is concerned about “the short-term health and long-term survival of small-market teams.”