Archives for June 12, 2008

‘Pay in life is all about leverage. If they could find another 6-5, 330 pound man who can move like a point guard then the Bills wouldn’t have to worry about Jason Peters unhappiness. But those guys aren’t standing outside Wilson Stadium looking for a tryout. Sorry, but that is life.’

‘The cuts came after coach Dick Jauron canceled the Bills final practice session Friday. The team is now off until opening training camp on July 25.’

‘"Our offseason program I thought went exceptionally well," said Jauron. "We had great attendance and just decided that we’d throw them a little bone here at the end of it and not hold the last (practice). I certainly feel good about and I know they do. It was a really good offseason for us. We got a lot of work done."’

‘His death was confirmed by the Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home in Frerotte’s hometown of Kittanning. He died of a heart attack, according to cousin Gus Frerotte, a Minnesota Vikings backup quarterback.’

‘Those looking to attend 2008 Bills games will have to bookmark StubHub soon: The franchise recently announced that it has sold over 52,000 season tickets for 2008. That’s compared to 48,236 last year; with about a thousand more purchases, they’ll reach levels they haven’t seen since the Super Bowl years, specifically when they went over 53,000 in 1993. Considering they haven’t played at even a wild-card level as of late, that’s a remarkable pace.’

‘The cost for Peters figures to be higher. A lot higher. Peters is better than Dockery and plays a more important position on the offensive line, protecting the quarterback’s blind side.’

‘However, the Bills can’t let this thing drag into training camp. What might have happened with Hardy and Lynch was out of the Bills’ control. But they can determine how long Peters is out.’

‘Rauch cut center Al Bemiller, and traded defensive end Ron McDole to Washington, where he became a star player. Rauch bad-mouthed McDole and retired punter Paul Maguire. Bills owner Ralph Wilson didn’t appreciate Rauch’s comments about the players and he fired the coach on the first day of training camp in 1971.’

‘”I expect [Bills players] to be cooperative and truthful,” Clark said. “If I get any indication that they are anything less than cooperative and truthful, I will go to the grand jury, which will compel them to testify.”‘

‘The 26-year-old, who signed with Buffalo as an undrafted free agent tight end in 2004 before being converted to left tackle, gave indication at that time that he was displeased with the five-year contract he was given in 2006 that pays him a base salary of $3.3 million this year.’

‘Shockey is an outspoken and fiery player. He’d bring enthusiasm, talent and star power to the Bills. He’d like to make at least 75 catches per season and Buffalo has been lacking a tight end like that for a long time.’

‘"(Levy’s) teams were always the smartest teams, the toughest teams, the most prepared teams and the most physical teams," Trestman said. "It’s great to have him out here. He can talk a little bit about his history with the Alouettes … and maybe set the tone for where we want to go as a team and organization. He’s that powerful a speaker."’

‘In the 1990s Mitch Frerotte helped anchor the offensive line that protected Buffalo Bills star quarterback and East Brady native, Jim Kelly, in multiple Super Bowls. Wednesday night Kittanning Police confirmed Frerotte died in his hometown. The Armstrong County Coroner has not released the official cause of death at this time. However Frerotte’s family reportedly told investigators that the 43-year-old had flu-like symptoms earlier this week.’

‘"As an offensive line, we’re going out there," says Walker. "We’re here. We’re focusing on ourselves. Jason has to do what he has to do. I don’t think anybody is upset at that."’