Archives for April 11, 2012

‘”In Houston the poor young man was booed,” Casserly said. “He was ridiculed. There was a lot criticism of myself, and I purposely tried to put as much on me and take it off of him because at 20 years old and just being drafted this wasn’t his fault. From there everybody was against the kid.”‘

‘”If someone brings to the Council an idea that entertains a new convention center, new development with a stadium that is domed, that is an exciting idea. Whether or not it is feasible is another thing,” said Fontana. “We’ll talk to people about chickens, we’ll talk to people about any topic. So something this big, we certainly will talk about and we’re not taking a stand that it’s gotta (sic) be this, but it’s important to hear a good idea or a potentially good idea that could come down the pike.”‘

‘North District Councilman Joseph Golombek explained, “This is one of those projects that could be, oh, something that could help us save face from all the mistakes that have been made in the past in the city of Buffalo, you know, moving stadiums into Orchard Park.”‘

‘”And who pays for it? Every single taxpayer – even those who would not go to a football game if it was free.”‘

‘”A downtown stadium that’s incorporated into your convention space would become a major attraction not only to other people, tourists, and other venues, but it brings in more hotels, concerts, and festivals,” said Freeman. “Those are the things we’re talking about. A stadium that can be used 12 months of the year.”‘

‘The Bills will sport a new-look defense in 2012, thanks to a promoted coach and a high-profile free agent signing. Dave Wannstedt was promoted from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator in January and the team said it will switch from a 3-4 scheme to a 4-3 defense in 2012. Manning one of the defensive end positions will be former Houston Texan Mario Williams, who reportedly signed a 6-year deal that could be worth more than $100 million with incentives. Buffalo Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly played a big part in the recruitment of the former No. 1 overall pick, who is expected to help shore up a defense that gave up 27.1 points per game last season, third-worst in the NFL. As they head into the 2012 NFL Draft, most pundits expect the Bills to go after help at offensive tackle after losing starting left tackle Demetrius Bell to the Eagles via free agency.’