Archives for May 2015

'There has been speculation that owners Kim and Terry Pegula are considering starting up a regional sports network akin to the Empire Sports Network to televise their games and that they may move the radio rights of the teams.'

'“It certainly didn’t start that way,” Erin said. “There were moments when we were reluctant to share on social media, especially my dad, just for our privacy’s sake and because of the struggle that he was going through. But we came to the point where we knew we had to share — not only so that people would pray for my dad because so many people rallied around him and that was because of social media — but because social media provided us an avenue to be an encouragement to others. Rather than being this burden of social media, it really became a blessing to all of us.”'

'“I was definitely hitting my stride,” Carrington said. “I hadn’t been that clear, ever. I was so focused and clear for that season. Unfortunately, I got hurt. Make no mistake about it – I’m still hungry.”'

'We made a tour of the locker room and asked some Bills players what they would say, if they were called upon to deliver a commencement address.'

'“You have to be on the field to be productive,” new Bills coach Rex Ryan said. “If you’re not on the field, it’s hard to knock a guy for not being productive.”'

'Williams, a fifth-round selection from Florida State, comes with some off-the-field concerns and adds to an already crowded running back depth chart. A former safety, Williams saw his playing time decrease during his final season at Florida State, but the Bills are excited about the value he could bring to special teams.'

'While Stephon Gilmore battled injuries early in his career as a top 10 pick, he has developed into a legitimate No. 1 cornerback in the NFL. Meanwhile, Courtney Upshaw was a second-round pick of the Ravens back in 2012 and has recorded just one sack in three NFL seasons. The Bills were better off without Kiper again.'

'The Bills will have a three-man quarterback competition between Matt Cassel, EJ Manuel and Tyrod Taylor. Not only will the winner of the competition be the Bills' opening week starter in 2015, but the player who comes out on bottom could end up getting cut. Most teams keep just two quarterbacks on the active roster, so the team may not have room for Cassel, Manuel and Taylor. Buffalo's front office will have an interesting decision to make at the end of training camp.'

'"Without Hunter's Hope and Jim Kelly, there would be no newborn screening," said Maria Kefalas, a sociology professor at St. Joseph's University whose charity, the Calliope Joy Foundation, funds research and programs to help children with leukodystrophy. "Jim set all these events in motiion."'

'Miller was chosen 81st overall and has a chance to start at guard this season for the Bills. The 6-foot-2, 312-pound from Louisville started 47 of 48 games with the Cardinals.'

'Williams finished ninth in Florida State history with 22 rushing touchdowns.'

'The Bills now have seven players with the last name "Williams" on their roster.'

'Second-round choice Ronald Darby (CB, FSU) and sixth-round choice Tony Steward (LB, Clemson) are the only two remaining draft picks yet to sign their deals.'

'“It’s an amazing feeling to be able to sign my contract and officially become a Buffalo Bill,” Miller told Buffalobills.com. “It’s great I get to put this behind me and focus on football and learning the plays.”'

'“I’m not afraid of it and I’m going to be behind some great guys, some guys who’ve proven themselves and great backs. Having the challenge and going up there is going to be great and learning from those guys.”'