Archives for April 2014

‘In effect, in the coming months and quite possibly a year or more, nothing will operate any differently than it has for the past year. Brandon was given final decision on all team matters on Jan. 1, 2013 by Ralph Wilson, and that will not change moving forward.’

‘He long expressed no desire to leave the team to his family, and this announcement is the first step in what’s likely a lengthy path to new ownership.’

‘Bills CEO Russ Brandon will retain operational control of the team.’

‘A process will be established at an appropriate time for the sale of the franchise. This process will ensure that the club complies and is faithful to NFL rules and to its obligations to New York State and Erie County. We plan to have detailed discussions with the NFL, the State and County, and others as we determine the timing and structure of any sales process.’

‘Mary Wilson said, “I have complete confidence in Russ Brandon, our President and CEO, to continue his duties of running the organization. General Manager Doug Whaley and Head Coach Doug Marrone remain empowered by Russ to run the football operation.”‘

‘For the third straight day there were draft prospects visiting One Bills Drive. Clemson DB Bashaud Breeland and Duke CB Ross Cockrell met with members of Buffalo’s coaching staff Thursday.’

‘Who would coach the Trumps? Nothing against Doug Marrone, a fine coach but Trump would want someone with charisma, personality, a go-getter. In other words, Trump would name himself the coach. If he can run a multi-billion dollar business, a NFL team would be child’s play. Anyone can do the x’s and o’s but leadership is what separates the great teams from the good ones.’

‘Fans may attend at any time between 1 to 4 p.m. Parking lots will open at noon, and there is no tailgating for the event.’

‘Thomas remembered his old team with great pleasure. He joined the Bills as the 40th pick of the 1988 draft. Who knew he would be such a steal? Certainly not the teams that picked running backs Gaston Green, John Stephens, Lorenzo White, Brad Muster, Craig Heyward, Ickey Woods and Tony Jeffrey before Thomas.’

‘Each NFL team is alotted 30 pre-draft visits from non-local colleges. The Bills still have 25 remaining.’

‘Let’s assume that $800 million of the purchase price is amortized over 15 years. Such a large write-off would eliminate the team’s tax bill entirely. Moreover, the remainder ($600 million) of the write-off could be used to shield taxes from the other businesses owned by the team’s investors. Even if Trump were, say, just a 20% owner of the Bills, he would have perhaps $120 million of write-offs to deduct from his profitable businesses, like television and training programs.’

‘Seastrunk’s ability to stop, cut and return to top speed quickly is unquestioned, but NFL scouts were wondering about his straight line speed after posting a 4.51 40 time at the NFL combine. At Baylor’s pro day he improved on that figure running a 4.46 to go with his impressive 11-foot two-inch broad jump and 41.5-inch vertical.’

‘The New Stadium Working Group has important work to do, and it starts right away. Members have the credibility, experience and deep commitment to this area to understand that keeping the Bills in Buffalo is the No. 1 priority and, with Schumer, they have another team player with the clout to smooth the way.’

‘If Trump were to join a group with a intentions of buying the Bills, the group would have to be approved by the league’s other 31 owners. Given Trump’s history in the USFL – fairly or unfairly, the former owner of the New Jersey Generals is accused of killing the league by successfully lobbying USLF owners to agree to move its schedule from the spring to the fall to compete against the NFL and bringing the lawsuit against the NFL – any potential bid may be nothing more than a Hail Mary pass.’