Archives for July 30, 2014

‘”He’s been impressive so far, but practice is different than games,” the defensive coordinator said. “There’s a different nature to being out there when there’s real action going on out there and he’s under the clock and a different offense and those things. That’s really the hallmark of a player, is what he does on game day. But he’s given us every indication that he’s ready for it.”‘

‘But, the initial bids are just an early step in what is a very complicated sale process. It is possible the Wilson estate trustees, led by his widow, Mary, and longtime chief financial officer Jeff Littman, could instruct Morgan Stanley and Proskauer Rose to re-open the bidding. The Bills are a privately-held business venture and bidding procedures can be adjusted, if the trustees so determine.’

‘”I feel it’s a mentality by the front seven,” said linebacker Nigel Bradham. “Even in the back end, by them coming up with safety support and the corners playing on the edge. It’s all about mentality. We have to come out every day with the mentality we’re going to stop the run no matter what.”‘

‘Preliminary bids were due at Morgan Stanley, the Bills’ investment banker, at 5 p.m. And while a Morgan Stanley spokeswoman did not return calls seeking comment, bidders expected to join the fray include Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula, billionaire Donald Trump, a Toronto group that involves rock star Jon Bon Jovi and possibly former Sabres owner B. Thomas Golisano.’

‘Youth continues to be served on Doug Marrone’s Buffalo staff. Gone are the rocking chairs used by Dick Jauron and Chan Gailey. The Shady Rest is now a Sandals. Five-hour Energy has sacked Geritol.’

‘”It’s bearing on the location of the stadium is only insofar as it starts to narrow the pool of who prospective owners could be,” said Mayor Paul Dyster, who was named to the New Stadium Working Group formed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last year.’

‘”You don’t even have to ask that question,” Bills fan Michael Thomas said after practice on Friday. “C’mon, it has to be Pegula. Anybody but Bon Jovi.”‘

‘… the investment bank conducting the sale of the NFL club for the trust of the late Ralph Wilson received only three bids in total, said a source closely involved in the bid process.’

‘Anyone moving the Bills from Buffalo before their lease expires in 2022 would be hit with $400 million in penalties (although there’s a $28 million escape clause after the 2019 season). But the involvement of Rogers and Tanenbaum – and a report earlier this week that their bid group had explored Toronto-area stadium sites – gives hope to NFL fans in this city.’

‘”I put in a bid in which the team would absolutely be kept in Buffalo,” Trump told The Post.’

‘As for Reed, his contempt goes far beyond rock stars-turned-potential NFL team owners. The seven-time Pro Bowl receiver saved his harshest criticism for Cleveland Browns rookie Jonny Manziel.’

‘I respect Bon Jovi. Always have. That’s why I’d suggest to him to sit this one out.’

‘Trump’s lawyer Michael Cohen tells The Associated Press the Trump bid package will be submitted Tuesday.’

‘”Man, (expletive) Bon Jovi!” Reed told New York Magazine. “You might as well just take this city, throw it in the river, and let it go down Niagara Falls.” Reed also was critical of Manziel, citing a recent tweet by Johnny Football calling LeBron James “my guy” after the Akron native announced that he was returning home to Cleveland to play for the Cavaliers.’