Taro T Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 Hired a solid GM and got out of the way. Mostly good drafting. They don't sign big free agents. Cough, cough, Chara. (Iginla might be considered a 'big' FA as well.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lv-Bills Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 Cough, cough, Iginla. I'm pretty sure Iginla is considered a big free agent. He leads them in goals and second in points for them this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsVet Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 One random thought: we are VERY lucky to have Chuck Schumer on our side. That guy is a power broker in Washington and not a guy whose bad side the NFL wants to be on. The most dangerous place in Washington is between Chuck Schumer and a camera. WNY hasn't improved much during the 16 years he's been a NY senator and I've rarely if ever seen him do anything other than talk. As for Jacobs, he wasn't lauded as much until only a few years ago. Anyone who likes that he's interested in the Bills needs to research his Bruins ownership until about 5 years ago go see that he wasn't as loved for most of his tenure in Boston. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike in Horseheads Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 (edited) I wouldn't be surprised if the Rich family isn't also involved in some way. If they were willing to spend on MLB which they got screwed on (Buffalo would outdraw either of those Florida teams in a heat beat) why wouldn't they invest in the NFL. They obviously had some interest or they wouldn't have been the Stadiums main sponser and put their name on it. Edited April 6, 2014 by Mike in Horseheads Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purple haze Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 (edited) But the Bruins are one of the Original 6. A lot of prestige in owning them. It's not like the Coyotes or Panthers. Maybe so. But NHL is still niche in America. The NFL is vastly more popular and profitable. I'm not saying that to disparage hockey in any way; Its got a long tradition and is loved by millions across the world. But in America, the NFL and before it, baseball always one-upped hockey for the majority of sports fans. An owner of an NFL franchise will get far more clout. Also, they wouldn't necessarily have to sell the Bruins. Jacobs, Sr. can have one or more of the children divest interest in that entity and own the Bills or vice versa. Like Kroenke did with the Rams and Avalanche. Edited April 6, 2014 by purple haze Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Formerly_of_Roch Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 I have to believe this entire stadium committee wouldn't be working as they are unless they have inside information that the team is staying in Western NY long term. Conversely part of the agreement may be that they also build a new stadium. RG being from Jamestown also helps things out IMO. I don't live in western NY anymore, so don't keep up all hear that much about hockey, but from what I see from a distance, Perulia didn't seem to live up to many of his promises. Has he really spent the money like he promised or has he just been the victim of spending it poorly or being advised to spend it poorly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
May Day 10 Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 The thing with Jacobs and his bruins/boston fan history.... Jacobs is a big union buster. He wouldn't spend out of control like the Rangers, flyers, and red wings etc... were doing. I'm sure he was quite angry. Also boston sports fans are generally entitled and whiney. He is always at the forefront for a cap for the nhl pa and since the cap has been in place they have taken off Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRAWNDO Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 (edited) Not sure if these have been posted. Jerry Zremski, one of the authors of the article was on NFL Sirius Radio with some interesting tidbits These are from Mike Watkins Twitter Acct: Mike Watkins @Merk256 Jerry Zremski on Sirius: things look good for the Bills staying in Buffalo...multiple people in the area will makes bid Jerry Zremski on Sirius: Jacobs is emerging as the leader to buy the #Bills...One of Jacobs sons would relinquish his rights to the bruins Jerry Zremski on Sirius: Need to be a Billionaire... Trump, Casino not a concern to the NFL, they are publicly traded entity Jerry Zremski on Sirius: Stadium Situation, Ralph 2nd oldest and outdated, there is interest in a new stadium, group working to build a new Jerry Zremski on Sirius: Governor and Shumer are very invested in keeping the #Bills in Buffalo. Governor very invested in Buffalo Jerry Zremski on Sirius: Economic turn has started in Buffalo, politicians recognize this and #Bills leaving would hurt/stunt growth Jerry Zremski on Sirius: Pegula has been key, waterfront redevelopment has been key, private sector showing interest in the area Jerry Zremski on Sirius:building a stadium in Buffalo will be priority over Niagara Falls. Type of stadium up to debate retractable/open air Edited April 6, 2014 by BRAWNDO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 If the owner of a Boston team purchases the Bills, does that potentially reverse the karma on Pats-Bills? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExWNYer Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 If the owner of a Boston team purchases the Bills, does that potentially reverse the karma on Pats-Bills? Haha! Probably not. Instead, it might mean that every Bills fan instantly becomes a giant douchebag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDIGGZ Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 I don't know where this stuff comes from. Jacobs is not buying the Bills. Pegula is not buying the Bills. Those guys live and die for their teams. They have no interest in also owning the Bills. They put everything into their current teams and their businesses. To think they would also have the time and energy for the Bills makes no sense. Maybe they would go in as part of a large group of local investors just to keep the team here but they aren't buying the team themselves. Chuck Schumer mentioned that he feels better about the team staying than he did last week so hopefully that means some people are coming together to keep the team here going forward. Will be curious to see what that's about in the coming months Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE GUY YELLING BEHIND YOU Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 I don't know where this stuff comes from. Jacobs is not buying the Bills. Pegula is not buying the Bills. Those guys live and die for their teams. They have no interest in also owning the Bills. They put everything into their current teams and their businesses. To think they would also have the time and energy for the Bills makes no sense. Maybe they would go in as part of a large group of local investors just to keep the team here but they aren't buying the team themselves. Chuck Schumer mentioned that he feels better about the team staying than he did last week so hopefully that means some people are coming together to keep the team here going forward. Will be curious to see what that's about in the coming months I believe based on the really numerous reports that have been leaking out the last two weeks that it is almost a certainty that a GROUP headed by either Terry Pegula or Jeremy Jacobs will be the eventual buyers. I do not believe they would work together due to a conflict of interest between owning competing franchises. But the Rams situation is the exact blue print that would be used for a Jacobs purchase. He could VERY easily divest himself or one of his family members to own the Bills and more importantly the check wouldn't bounce. I've always maintained that Pegula has done enough. He bought the Sabres ($189 Million) and after some good intentions has realized that the whole program has to be built from scratch. So I am not going to jump on his back (yet). Murray (especially important) and Nolan are great building blocks along with the young talent. AND he has personally financed Harbor Center ($180 Million) which looks amazing from each picture I see of it on social media and/or news articles. It is unfair for us to keep going to that bank. If he wants to get involved great! But, I think Jacobs should be considered the leader heading into the back 9. Either way, as one of the articles pointed out...Pegula being estimated worth 3.3 Billion and Jacobs being estimated worth of 3.2 billion, would be worth more than about 27-28 other current NFL owners (Allen, Ross, Johnson, and Kroncke). Bon Jovi and the canadians can kick rocks...GO BILLS!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buftex Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 (edited) I don't know where this stuff comes from. Jacobs is not buying the Bills. Pegula is not buying the Bills. Those guys live and die for their teams. They have no interest in also owning the Bills. They put everything into their current teams and their businesses. To think they would also have the time and energy for the Bills makes no sense. Okay... so where does any of this come from? There are plenty of NFL owners have as much/more invested in owning other busnesses as Jacobs and Pegula have in their respective NHL franchises. Are you expecting a billionaire candidate to step out of the shadows, that has no other business endeavors to occupy their time. If so, you will be waiting a long time. How do you think Jacobs has maintained the Bruins, and his Delaware North? Edited April 6, 2014 by Buftex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillnutinHouston Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 I don't know where this stuff comes from. Jacobs is not buying the Bills. Pegula is not buying the Bills. Those guys live and die for their teams. They have no interest in also owning the Bills. They put everything into their current teams and their businesses. Where does your stuff come from? When people speak with such certainty, it gives me a hearty laugh. Your statement about Pegula and Jacobs that "they put everything into their current teams and their businesses" - is that based on extensive research or just your intimate knowledge of high finance? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo_Stampede Posted April 6, 2014 Share Posted April 6, 2014 Jacob's has been planning this for years. Why do you think its being said this could be done in a matter of months. Everything is moving fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trader Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 I don't know where this stuff comes from. Jacobs is not buying the Bills. Pegula is not buying the Bills. Those guys live and die for their teams. They have no interest in also owning the Bills. They put everything into their current teams and their businesses. To think they would also have the time and energy for the Bills makes no sense. Maybe they would go in as part of a large group of local investors just to keep the team here but they aren't buying the team themselves. Chuck Schumer mentioned that he feels better about the team staying than he did last week so hopefully that means some people are coming together to keep the team here going forward. Will be curious to see what that's about in the coming months Some people believe that when Jacobs purchased the Bruins he did it primarily to protect the concession contract at the Garden. I do know for a fact many of the Bruins fans were not crazy about his ownership and several very negative stories once appeared in the Boston press. All of that is ancient history of course and the press and the fans have been positive since the Bruins have been champions or near champions. I do not pretend know his level of attachment to the current Bruins but I would bet that should they be sold now it would be a record breaking deal. Buying low and selling high is always a good idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Wiz Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 (edited) i agree with all this. I still don't understand the argument as a whole though. Were some people actually saying that it would be tough to sell the Bruins? Or not hard at all? I believe it was take no time to sell the Bruins. They have a flare at history, and one of the bale at teams in the league in a very strong sports market. The Jacobs family is also worth so much money they could give the Briluins away for nothing and still have enough to buy the Bills and fund a brand new stadium all on their own without any public funding and still have another $1Billion left over for play money. If they really want to purchase the team, they will purchase the team. A few hundred million for a hockey team is nothing to them, they probably write that much off every year. Not to mention how much more money he would take in owning an NFL team instead of an NHL team. The income would be ten fold. Edited April 7, 2014 by The Wiz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Doug Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 I have to believe this entire stadium committee wouldn't be working as they are unless they have inside information that the team is staying in Western NY long term. Conversely part of the agreement may be that they also build a new stadium. I would also bet they even had inside knowledge of Ralph's health over the last 6 months and, like you said, were working under the understanding the new owner/group (who've they also known for some time) would want a new stadium. Otherwise, why all the interest in a new stadium when no one publicly is asking for one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnightRider Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 I don't know where this stuff comes from. Jacobs is not buying the Bills. Pegula is not buying the Bills. Those guys live and die for their teams. They have no interest in also owning the Bills. They put everything into their current teams and their businesses. To think they would also have the time and energy for the Bills makes no sense. Maybe they would go in as part of a large group of local investors just to keep the team here but they aren't buying the team themselves. Chuck Schumer mentioned that he feels better about the team staying than he did last week so hopefully that means some people are coming together to keep the team here going forward. Will be curious to see what that's about in the coming months So just this last week I was listening to a Boston sports station who mentioned how uncomfortable it used to be when the Bruins players would visit the Jacobs home (in Florida, I think), and Jacobs didn't even know who the players were. While this doesn't exactly have me enthralled with him taking ownership, it also does not sound like he was living and dying Black and Yellow... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDIGGZ Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 So just this last week I was listening to a Boston sports station who mentioned how uncomfortable it used to be when the Bruins players would visit the Jacobs home (in Florida, I think), and Jacobs didn't even know who the players were. While this doesn't exactly have me enthralled with him taking ownership, it also does not sound like he was living and dying Black and Yellow... He seemed pretty proud of his team when he brought the Stanley Cup to Buffalo a couple of years ago. I got a picture with it. I think if he wanted to sell and take a run at the Bills then he would have done so then when the Bruins were worth the most. It "could" happen, which is what this article is about, but it's just not a likely scenario Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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