The Big Cat Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Some might call it an outright lie... That's one hell of a speculative accusation based on Tim Graham's speculation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebandit27 Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Some might call it an outright lie... Those that would call it so would have to be functioning under the assumption that what Graham is saying is accurate. That's worth noting... I thought Brandon and Marrone had a connection through SU? I always assumed the way Brandon talked about Marrone that he was Russ' first choice... He probably was Russ' first choice...the hire was Nix/Whaley's call though...they had the ability to hire whomever they wanted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 (edited) The next time the Dougs or Russ are available to respond to questions, I would hope that the Buffalo media directly ask these guys the questions raised by TG (which are based on whatever sourcing). For example, Marrone should be asked whether he has tried to get Bud Carpenter (fill in whatever other name you want) fired. If so, why? If not, do you have confidence in him? The same with Whaley. The fact is that -- whether this is true or not -- the Bills either have to put out the fires that are being created (or attempted to be created) or move on. The Bills also need to get out front of this story and get beyond it one way or another. As I mentioned before, whoever leaked this (if any of this is true) should have tried to resolve all of this in house rather than go crying to the media. Coaches B word and moan about players going to or leaking to the media. If someone within the team actually leaked this, they should have quit instead if they are unhappy with the resolution. Leaking to TG (again, if any of this is true) does not show a lot of leadership or courage (especially given that, if there was a leak, it was anonymous). On the other hand, if I were in charge, I would consider firing whoever leaked this story. This was someone's attempt to cry and take his ball home when he did not get his way (again presuming any of this is true). The worst part is going to the media about Bud Carpenter (I have no use for Littman). Here is a guy who is a working stiff who does not make millions or hundreds of thousands of dollars like say Marrone or Whaley and presumably supports a family on whatever he makes. He has been loyal to the organization. As far as I know he is respected by his peers. It is ludicrous to suggest (as TG initial blog does) that the Bills have not made the playoffs because of Bud Carpenter. The whole thing is a cheap shot and gratuitous. Edited February 24, 2014 by Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KOKBILLS Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 He probably was Russ' first choice...the hire was Nix/Whaley's call though...they had the ability to hire whomever they wanted Got ya! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebandit27 Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 The next time the Dougs or Russ are available to respond to questions, I would hope that the Buffalo media directly ask these guys the questions raised by TG (which are based on whatever sourcing). For example, Marrone should be asked whether he has tried to get Bud Carpenter (fill in whatever other name you want) fired. If so, why? If not, do you have confidence in him? The same with Whaley. The fact is that -- whether this is true or not -- the Bills either have to put out the fires that are being created (or attempted to be created) or move on. The Bills also need to get out front of this story and get beyond it one way or another. As I mentioned before, whoever leaked this (if any of this is true) should have tried to resolve all of this in house rather than crying to the media. Coaches B word and moan about players going to or leaking to the media. If someone within the team actually leaked this, they should have quit instead if they are unhappy with the resolution. On the other hand, if I were in charge, I would consider firing whoever leaked this story. This was someone's attempt to cry and go home when he did not get his way (again presuming any of this is true). The worst part is going to the media about Bud Carpenter (I have no use for Littman). Here is a guy who is a working stiff who does not make millions or hundreds of thousands of dollars like say Marrone or Whaley and presumably supports a family on whatever he makes. He has been loyal to the organization. As far as I know he is respected by his peers. It is ludicrous to suggest (as TG initial blog does) that the Bills have not made the playoffs because of Bud Carpenter. The whole thing is a cheap shot and gratuitous. I have to agree...this whole report reeks of trying to stir up controversy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsVet Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 My inclination is to believe that when Brandon took control he knew it was only a matter of time before Whaley was elevated...And he wanted that...So I'm assuming the decision to bring Marrone in was Brandon and Whaley in full agreement...That basically makes Brandon, Whaley, and Marrone connected at the hip...I would not be surprised at all if this is a calculated spin by those three to cut the "lifers" off at the knees...Brandon is fully aware of the ability this fan base has in effecting change...He's a marketing guy for pete's sake...If that's what is actually happening here it's brilliant...And I would absolutely love Brandon, Whaley, and Marrone for it... What does Brandon get from siding with the Dougs by going after Littmann and Overdorf via this report? Aside from a big headache, nothing. The point is, Russ learned from Ralph, with the latter being very connected with Littmann. The announcement on 1/1/13 was nothing more than a re-arranging of the deckchairs on the Titanic. Nothing really changed that day and Russ never planned to deviate from the established management structure at OBD and in Detroit. Russ is part of the problem, not the solution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsfan714 Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 (edited) What is there to discuss here? I can't believe the amount of people rushing to protect these guys. Over the last 14 years of futility the Bills have replaced numerous players, coaches and GMs and that's gotten us nowhere. It's way past the time we start weeding out the guys on top. You are absolutely right. There has always been a group of posters on here who will defend anything the Bills do. Modrak had his defenders on here right until the end. It was never his fault---he just sets the board!!! If they cant defend what the Bills are doing then they attack the messenger, in this case Graham. Edited February 24, 2014 by billsfan714 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ecgetty Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 (edited) Brandon is the President/CEO of the Bills but Litmann controls Ralph's overall finances. It is like being the president of the news division of NBC. You are still at the mercy of the people at corporate. Littman is in charge, always had Ralph's ear and probably always will. Brandon is more than a figure head, but less than a final authority. Would be nice to be seen as the reason for an amazing ROI like a NFL franschise. Litmann must be the luckiest man on the planet. Edited February 24, 2014 by ecgetty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Big Cat Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 What does Brandon get from siding with the Dougs by going after Littmann and Overdorf via this report? Aside from a big headache, nothing. The point is, Russ learned from Ralph, with the latter being very connected with Littmann. The announcement on 1/1/13 was nothing more than a re-arranging of the deckchairs on the Titanic. Nothing really changed that day and Russ never planned to deviate from the established management structure at OBD and in Detroit. Russ is part of the problem, not the solution. What does he have to gain!? What does he have to lose!? If it doesn't workout and the team continues to lose, he's absolved for his post-Bills career/ If it does workout, and they start winning, he's a hero for doing it in spite of the penny pinchers. If he **** cans the penny pinchers, there is zero mystery where is leverage comes from. Just because you don't provide any answers to your rhetorical questions, doesn't mean none exist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KOKBILLS Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 What does Brandon get from siding with the Dougs by going after Littmann and Overdorf via this report? Aside from a big headache, nothing. The point is, Russ learned from Ralph, with the latter being very connected with Littmann. The announcement on 1/1/13 was nothing more than a re-arranging of the deckchairs on the Titanic. Nothing really changed that day and Russ never planned to deviate from the established management structure at OBD and in Detroit. Russ is part of the problem, not the solution. That may very well be 100% true...And if it is I'm guessing Marrone and Whaley will jump off the deck of that Titanic before the thing even sinks... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ecgetty Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 People are guessing this was leaked by Marrone or Whaley. What if it was leaked by Brandon? I thought the same thing. But Graham was tweeting about Brandon being silent earlier in the weekend. Smokescreen? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebandit27 Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 What does Brandon get from siding with the Dougs by going after Littmann and Overdorf via this report? Aside from a big headache, nothing. The point is, Russ learned from Ralph, with the latter being very connected with Littmann. The announcement on 1/1/13 was nothing more than a re-arranging of the deckchairs on the Titanic. Nothing really changed that day and Russ never planned to deviate from the established management structure at OBD and in Detroit. Russ is part of the problem, not the solution. So let's see, things that apparently haven't changed since Russ didn't take over on 1/1/13: New GM New coach New head of college scouting New director of player personnel Re-vamped scouting department Finally drafted a QB with the team's first draft pick (for the first time ever) Finally started drafting players for talent as opposed to only drafting choir boys Shall I continue? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KOKBILLS Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 I thought the same thing. But Graham was tweeting about Brandon being silent earlier in the weekend. Smokescreen? Silent...But deadly... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
extrahammer Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 (edited) i think theres varying degrees of belief. i do believe that tim spoke with someone that indicated those things. whether that person was an a good source, and what to take away from it all is a whole different story. Tim and the Buffalo News wouldn't run the story unless it had a very solid source. So it's not some low-level employee. I think it's a power play. Edited February 24, 2014 by thisiskeith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thewildrabbit Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 What does Brandon get from siding with the Dougs by going after Littmann and Overdorf via this report? Aside from a big headache, nothing. The point is, Russ learned from Ralph, with the latter being very connected with Littmann. The announcement on 1/1/13 was nothing more than a re-arranging of the deckchairs on the Titanic. Nothing really changed that day and Russ never planned to deviate from the established management structure at OBD and in Detroit. Russ is part of the problem, not the solution. haha, good point! Does anything this team does really matter until ownership changes hands? I can recall Wilson complaining to the media how much it cost him to send his employees to the super bowl. I get the impression that he would rather avoid the playoffs because of all the costs that would incur. Like everyone wants a raise for success, more players in the pro bowl that will want more money. (What was someone else's comment... success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan.) Fans getting jaded after they get used to winning and stop attending games. Which is what happened in Indy this year. Look how long it took for this franchise to utilize the first #1 pick in the draft for a QB, and that was out of desperation. It might not even work out considering the disinterest in building a superior offensive line. #1 & #2 picks all day long in the defense, secondary, LBers, and D line. But forget about getting the rookie QB better protection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boyst Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Imagine if this was an Ed Werder story about Dallas or Phili. It'd be lead on every sports show. Glad to be Buffalo. Not joking. Let this be fixed with out the fanfare circus the national media brings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 (edited) SB Nation NFL @SBNationNFL 1h Rifts in the Bills' front office? @BuffRumblings has more http://www.buffaloru...-whaley-marrone Edited February 24, 2014 by YoloinOhio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rubes Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 KevinMassare We have been told Jeffrey Littmann will never be replaced. He is Wilson's finance guy for ALL his endeavors. He will leave when Ralph does. 2/24/14, 3:43 PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXBILLSFAN Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 (edited) So let's see, things that apparently haven't changed since Russ didn't take over on 1/1/13: New GM New coach New head of college scouting New director of player personnel Re-vamped scouting department Finally drafted a QB with the team's first draft pick (for the first time ever) Finally started drafting players for talent as opposed to only drafting choir boys Shall I continue? Something else that hasn't changed, the 6-10 record ! (sorry, couldn't resist ) Edited February 24, 2014 by TXBILLSFAN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miyagi-Do Karate Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 There are going to be MAJOR changes at OBD. I would predict that littman gets demoted to berchtold's job, overdorf is promoted to littman's job, and marv levy is hired to replace overdorf. As a result of these changes, Bills season ticket sales then soar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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