SectionC3

No inside knowledge here, but my guess is that the locals aren't terribly plugged in. The stadium is primarily a state issue - when the deal gets cut, it's with the governor. There is a county component, but when the bills seal the deal it's with the governor on the phone. I think a lot of the stadium talk is posturing. Poloncarz is up for reelection next year, and he's not going to give the bills a blank check, particularly when the "bills" money would impact his constituency's use of libraries and community services. One of the other wild cards here is that both potential republican candidates will pose "bills" problems for Poloncarz. Chris Jacobs of the Jacobs clan could be in the mix, and if that family is involved in "saving" The bills through a stadium deal that could make things dicey for Poloncarz for obvious reasons. At this point the other realistic opponent is pat gallivan, who will probably try to peel some democratic votes out of south buffalo by working the CPS issue (think of the five year old who was murdered there within the past year or so), and in that event Poloncarz will have to deal with the issue how to balance funding for a bills stadium with monies for CPS and like programs. I don't consider Stefan mychajliw a realistic opponent at this point, but to the extent he's the opponent I doubt he poses a "bills" problem.

Spend some time volunteering tutoring in schools and things like this will cease to amaze you. This coming from a guy who will never be mistaken for a rocket scientist.

Great point on falling forward on fred - absolutely right. I just tin he hits it a little high and a little slow in the type of situation we saw list night. I like Dixon in the role. Summers wasn't all that bad last year at it, but the next cut he makes when a hole is plugged will be the first. Btw, I really enjoyed yOur posts today. Thanks for the insight and the conversation.

Totally agree on LG. Cost us two games last year (Cincinnati and KC). Also FJ is not a good short yardage back. He just isn't . Starting to remind me of a slower McGahee based on new body type and patience, but just isn't a good short yardage back. Personally I think he runs a little high for that task, but just me. Also, perhaps it would help to be under center on those down and distances now and again, especially at the goal line.

Yes. Looks out of shape. Like he took signing bonus and pulled the chute. He and urbik should worry about their spots. Urbik may make it by default, but if we see Bryant/Charles/Cohen getting snaps with the ones next week it may be a sign that branch is in serious trouble.

Says who? I'm being serious when I ask that question. I'm going to guess this is a tech group. Assuming it is, and if you'll indulge me, could I learn about it on "Facebook," should I "google" it, or would it be best that I "twitter" it to learn more?

Joe Dufek. Vince Ferragamo is too rich for their blood.

Kelly's presence is basically immaterial to me. Only way he's involved is if someone needs him, and someonone only needs him if they in turn need to play the sentimental card with the trust. Assuming reports are true, pegulas presentation goes like this: I have about 1.3B cash that I will give you for team. And, as far as movement goes, I'm local so I'll do whatever you want to guarantee team here. And --- this is the part I doubt anyone can match --- team will either be held jointly w right of survivorship w my wife, Kim, or solely in her name. Beauty of that is Kim is not only a local but 45 YEARS OLD, so the worry of another sale to pay estate taxes is virtually nonexistent for 30 years. In other words, in addition to seming cash advantage the pegulas can play the local game as well as anyone. Only group w that kind of edge might be the young tech guy from Lockport or the Jacobs if they get into the kid and put the team with the kids. Kelly's presence is basically immaterial to me. Only way he's involved is if someone needs him, and someonone only needs him if they in turn need to play the sentimental card with the trust. Assuming reports are true, pegulas presentation goes like this: I have about 1.3B cash that I will give you for team. And, as far as movement goes, I'm local so I'll do whatever you want to guarantee team here. And --- this is the part I doubt anyone can match --- team will either be held jointly w right of survivorship w my wife, Kim, or solely in her name. Beauty of that is Kim is not only a local but 45 YEARS OLD, so the worry of another sale to pay estate taxes is virtually nonexistent for 30 years. In other words, in addition to seming cash advantage the pegulas can play the local game as well as anyone. Only group w that kind of edge might be the young tech guy from Lockport or the Jacobs if they get into the bid and put the team with the kids.

The tg article is great. Doubt we get confirmation of its veracity soon. If reports of the nda are the and I represent JBJ, I'm calling him and telling him now would be a great time to shut the eff up.

Bc it's a negotiation. If someone wants to do a deal w you, but you can increase the deal by ridiculous sum (say $100m) by dragging things out for a few weeks, I bet youd do it (I would, and for WAY less coin). Read my purely spec timeline, as I guess assented to by Kirby.

I suspect there is at least one local bidder besides BTG still in the wings if needed. No direct info, just an educated guess. Doubt we think or hear of this prospect unless trust and/or NFL needs him.

Seems like this was sniffed out on Sunday morning. Great news bc means trust is likely satisfied with local indicative bids - otherwise wouldn't dismiss JBJ bid. My guess (Kirby and bandit, feel free to comment): at least one more bidder (BTG) will enter fray; if trust unsatisfied w finalist bids may seek to open door to another local bid through creative plan previously hinted at here. Once satisfied w final bids target AIP before first home reg season game to have raucous celebration of Ralph; deal to close at October mtgs and new owner introduced at October 12 game. Current machinations likely efforts to tease more money out of pegula bid.

Doubtful on legal action. Why alienate bidders? Would deflate price. Also, based on subject statements, good luck proving damages.

It's a nice letter, but they shouldn't stop at the escape clause. To waive that provision would be a nice show of good faith (or a brilliant ploy, depending on your perspective), but my concern with the bongiovanni group is post lease.

You got it. Someone here said dont underestimate Russ's role, and I'll say a similar thing about Schumer. Schumer interest alone is a big threat to nfl. Notice gillibrand is uninvolved on issue, and prob wouldn't have the juice to do anything if she was in the mix. Cuomo key too on stadium end, but that doesn't matter if no local buyer or no local mandate. Absolutely. Totally agree w logic. Likely something in trust precluding future employment for trustees - just bc they wouldn't seem to want it for geograpghical or fiscal reasons doesn't mean something weird couldn't happen - think "Mary Owen, I will make you the queen of the bills and get your mug on espn all the time," and maybe she wants that. Anyhow, agree w you on unlikelihood of conflict, and will guess there is something in trust dealing w that problem.

Agree on protection of wishes. Almost certainly written into trust. But what about an "all thing being equal" situation - that is, tie or near thing bw two local groups - one who will give them something they want v one that won't. I guess where I struggle is that if Russ isn't a trustee bc of conflict w future employment they (Littman and Owen) seem to have similar problem.

We think alike!

One more q. How are Mary Owen and Littman not conflicted? Assuming they're trustees (I'm so assuming) I've wondered about the possibility of their interests in the sale. I'd really like to see how the trust is constructed - it's probably beautiful - but I've thought about the possibility of a bidder "working" those votes. I suppose the practical answer (maybe not for Littman, but whatever) is that they're beneficiaries and any gain from sale dwarfs their salary, or that as trustees they're precluded from working in or for org for a certain time after sale.

Thanks. Makes perfect sense. Cutting JBJ, or any group, weakens competition and obv could push price down. Any idea on timeline for this? Given reeds thing last night and the smoke around town I'm assuming the sale is close to done deal and the current state of affairs is posturing.

Quick question if I may (and if you know and are willing to share): did JBJ group advance, not advance, or is question tbd? Wondering whether jury is out at last nights politicking and the letter addresses the tbd issue. Also would explain relaxation of rules to allow golisano in to create competition if JBJ is out or tbd (and in general, I guess, but not the point of my question). I suppose terms of trust could support your "not moving" statement (assuming statement considers post-lease bills), but under that scenario it's hard to explain such a mealy mouthed bongiovanni letter. Either JBJ is more direct under that scenario (better pr this way), or no need for suspect letter in first place.

Creative and good thought. Any things possible. I question whether the trust would allow this to happen - NDA should have been so restrictive as to prevent collaboration amongst groups bc of the threat it drives down sale price.

What does lead owner mean? Beats me. The q was about the other two thirds of the to group overruling bongiovanni on a desire to stay in buffalo. Answer is that it depends on how their partnership is structured. Bongiovanni could have only 30% equity in team but still control team bc of partnership or share structure. Think of the raiders. Reports are that mark Davis only has 47% of raiders shares - probably a plurality - but he controls the team because of share classification.

Depends on the partnership agreement. If set up as an llc or something like that, would depend on the voting rights of the share (which would also be established by agreement of founders of the llc or like entity).

I will add to the sentiments about Mr. Bongiovanni's letter this morning's buffalo news. It does not speak to Mr. Bongiovanni's intentions with respect the bills after the expiration of Bills current stadium lease, or during the 2020 calendar year, wherein the lease buyout is significantly lowered. I have never been a fan of Mr. Bongiovanni's music, but I understand it to be quintessential 80s pop. I suspect that Mr. Bongiovanni's line about "risking it all" is borne of the same mindset that generated so many of the abhorrent sounds and empty lyrics that gave rise to the incredible wealth. Mr. Bongiovanni's letter insults our collective intelligence, but I'm glad that he is chosen to keep "talking" because it seems like he digs himself deeper every time he opens his mouth or puts pen to paper. I'll also comment about McCarthys column in this morning's buffalo news. This column contains nothing new or insightful. None of the academics or observers referencing the column has anything to do with the sale, and their points are obviously speculative. I don't doubt that the trust and the NFL have a common interest in enhancing the sale price, and I can foresee a scenario in which there is tension between the NFL and the trust regarding the sale price. For example, should the trust accept something other than the highest bid with the goal of ensuring teams long-term stability in Buffalo, the NFL and its owners may attempt to scuttle the sale to the local bidder. But, let's not forget that there is a significant political wildcard here that McCarthy has not mentioned. Sen. Schumer is keenly interested in ensuring it the teams long-term viability in Buffalo, and I doubt the NFL would want to twist the tail of that lion by approving a bid to a group (such as the bongiovanni group) that is not resolutely committed to the long-term future of the bills in Buffalo beyond 2020 and beyond the expiration of the current stadium lease. Schumer's power could threaten the NFL antitrust exemption, which in turn could threaten the NFL's national television contracts. Bear in mind that Schumer has chaired the Democratic Senate campaign committee, and as such he is incredibly well-connected in the Senate and could even be the next Senate majority leader. Even if the Senate changes hands in the next election cycle or two, national politics are cyclical there's a very good chance that under that scenario the Senate could revert to democratic control while Schumer is still in power. Should the NFL act against Schumer's wishes on this particular issue, I strongly suspect that he will be miles up the NFL's proverbial colon during the rest of his time in office. This is not a politician that the NFL or anyone else can simply have removed from office; he's too strong within his party to get in a primary, and too strong within the state to have any hope of defeating in a general election given the current political climate. On top of that, he is close with Hillary Clinton, and there's a very good chance, as we all know, that she could be the next president of United States. Let's not forget that the Clintons LOVE Buffalo. In short, the political climate is such that if A strong, competitive local bid emerges, I do not believe that the NFL would reject that bid as the McCarthy article. Putting aside what would be the penny wise and pound foolish nature of that approach, I also doubt that Ralph's former business partners would put his estate in a bind of not being able to pay estate taxes to the extent the sale is not approved in October. Finally, there is one more tangential political going to be made about the sale process. Astute observers may notice that Steve Casey recently left the mayors office in Buffalo. He now works for Scott congel, who as many of us know, is attempting to develop an area in West Seneca that could potentially house a new bill stadium. My personal view is that for variety of reasons this is a terrible site for a stadium. Putting that aside, the bonding for the project is something that would cripple the town of West Seneca's ability to fund capital improvement projects for the next few decades. Current town board members may feel that way, but there are only three of them. Given the small size of the West Seneca town board, my sense is that casey's duties with congel may include facilitating the election of two board members who would vote for the bonding necessary for Congel to proceed with this project. It's much easier to change the Constitution of a town board that it is to deseat a strong incumbent senator, and it's very possible that the not-too-distant future things could get pretty "real "in West Seneca politics on an issue that might involve work on the site of a future bills stadium.

This. There is a potential angle to bring another local bidder into the mix that was mentioned awhile back, but I haven't seen or heard anything about it in months. Not even the connected people on this board have mentioned it, which makes me doubt that the team/trust was in the loop on it. If we hear of someone besides BTG / tp as a local bidder, it may be through that particular path. If that road gets traveled at this late date we'll know that those vested in a higher sale price are looking to drum up demand.