Archives for May 2014

‘”I know Howard Milstein. I’ve had conversations with him. He has never mentioned his interest in owning the Bills. I saw his name mentioned in media reports and I’m glad to see his name mentioned,” Duffy said.’

‘The Bills could be in the position to snare a franchise left tackle with the ninth overall pick, either Texas A&M’s Jake Matthews or Michigan’s Taylor Lewan, depending on how things shake out.’

‘Here, then, is a rundown of all the people who have shown interest in purchasing the Bills, and their thoughts on relocation…’.

‘Whether it be Jacobs, Golisano, Rich, Pegula, a group headed by former Bills quarterback Jim Kelly or a combination of the aforementioned, the long-term viability of the team in the region will hinge on the stadium issue-whether a new one should be built or whether the Ralph should be renovated even further. This issue will not be easily resolved because taxpayers undoubtedly will be asked to foot a good chunk of the building or renovation costs. That won’t be an easy sell, given that it would amount to corporate welfare in a region with a poor economic climate.’

‘”There’s a delicate balance there,” Whaley said. “You want to get somebody who can come in and contribute right away, but you also have one eye open for the future. It’s nothing that’s going to weigh on us heavily and say ‘we have to do this because of the future.’ But you’re definitely cognizant of what’s going on after this year.”‘

‘”The biggest thing I want to improve on is becoming more of a leader, taking more command of this offence,” Manuel said by phone from Orchard Park, N.Y., during Week 2 of the Bills’ voluntary team off-season training regime. “That’s a broad statement but I really mean it.”‘

‘Whaley sounded confident in the gains his club made in their first year and there is no question that the addition of free agents Chris Williams (OG), Brandon Spikes (MLB), Keith Rivers (OLB) and trade for talented wideout Mike Williams boost the talent on the roster. To make the jump out of the AFC East cellar, however, Manuel will have to show significant improvement in his second season in the NFL. The Bills could help him in that endeavor by giving him more weapons, as well as help along the line of scrimmage.’

‘Two people familiar with discussions confirmed Milstein’s interest as a prospective owner and keeping the franchise in western New York. The people spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday on the condition of anonymity because Milstein hasn’t publicly revealed his intentions.’

‘A source, who had a lengthy conversation with Milstein just this week, tells our Scott Brown that Milstein is “absolutely interested” in buying the Bills and that if he were successful, he would “definitely” keep the team in Western New York.’

‘Raij, because of his role in the 2012 lease talks, has a keen understanding of the impact the Bills have on the region. With team owner Ralph Wilson Jr.’s death on March 25, speculation has been growing about who may purchase the team. While the Bills said they expect the team to be sold, no time table has been set.’

‘”We want to send a message to potential ownership groups that we’re very serious about looking at a stadium as part of the package to keep the Bills in Western New York,” said Howard Glaser, the governor’s state operations director who was a key player in the 2012 and 2013 talks that led to the stadium lease deal designed to keep the team from moving for at least the next seven years.’

‘Irwin Raij, who played a key role in negotiating the Bills’ 10-year lease, is staying on to represent the state’s interests in securing the franchise’s long-term future following the death of owner Ralph Wilson.’

‘We do not care what position our pick plays. We intend for whoever we pick to be a starting player. If it happens that a valuable player already plays that position for the Bills, so be it. Injuries, trades, whatever, we’ll work that out later.’

‘Empire State Development has had a contract since the Summer of 2012 with Foley & Lardner to advise them on the Bills issue.’