Bucky Gleason Leaving TBN After Requesting a Buyout - Jerry Sullivan and Now Tim Graham Out

[corta765]

10 minutes ago, skibum said:

I guess he had a lot of fans on this board, but I got tired of his constant vitriol against the Sabres and Bills organizations. Neither team has been perfect over the years, and any entity with that much influence in a community should be open to public scrutiny, but I always felt that Bucky had way too much of a personal vendetta - especially against the players. It's kind of pathetic for a guy who couldn't run a 40-yard dash without stopping at Arby's, to be so venomously critical of pro athletes' performance. I think it affected his work, because it seemed like the players didn't want to talk to him. I stopped reading his work a long time ago. 

 

Kind of ironic that his career at TBN ends with a buyout, which seemed to be his standard prescription for every underperforming Sabre over the years. 

 

Agreed. I have zero issue if a columnist was critical of a player or the team, I write for a Sabers website and have had my criticisms. The difference though is both Sully and Bucky would take unnecessary shots and criticism at players, the team, and the owners that was unwarranted. My understanding is that the Pegula's got fed up with both of them real quick and effectively started blocking or just not giving access to both. Additionally with WGR gaining a major foothold they always seemed bitter about that development.

 

I will say both teams awful performance had to take a toll because I don't think anyone was to constantly have to write about negative stories, but even in the good moments Bucky still could find a way to be negative. Newer blood has been needed for a long time in the sports area so this is 100% for the best.

[Royale with Cheese]

1 hour ago, BillsEnthusiast said:

I heard a rumor that Sullivan is on the fence about leaving as well....

 

Is it the same fence that Cyrus K climbed over naked?

[Buffalo716]

1 hour ago, BadLandsMeanie said:

That is just the sort of leader I want at the helm when times get rough! 

 

Going all the way back to George Washington at Valley Forge who said "Gentlemen was are fighting the world's largest Empire. We are doomed"

 

Very inspiring.

 

I had kin at valley forge. Probably the most interesting winter in American history 

[Lurker]

1 hour ago, May Day 10 said:

This is the beginning of the end for the Buffalo News.

 

With nearly half a million daily readers?    Not anytime soon, especially if they get their costs down with these buyouts.

 

And it's a banner day with the Buckster moving on and rumors of Sully thinking about it...

[I'm Spartacus]

I was up & down with Bucky's articles. Some I liked, some I didn't.

But I sure like Bucky a hell of a lot more than Sullivan. Jerry's articles just plain suck. Maybe he can get a job in Rhode Island somewhere.

[Foxx]

2 hours ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

smart move by Bucky. he sees the hand writing on the wall. newspapers time is marked. won't be much longer when the getting out won't be as good.

[BillsFan4]

Can't say I'm all that sad to see Bucky leaving... 

 

Now we just need Sully to request a buyout! Come on Sully, you know you want to. 

 

I wouldnt mind seeing Harrington leave either. 

[ricojes]

I did read this a few days ago:

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2018/05/23/nine-buffalo-news-reporters-take-buyout-offers.html?ana=yahoo&yptr=yahoo

 

 

[BringBackOrton]

1 hour ago, PromoTheRobot said:

It just strikes me that certain writers play up the Buffalo paranoia. Who's insulting us now? Don't expect success because it's the Bills/Sabres. Don't accept outsiders. It's tiresome and reinforces the local woe-is-us attitude.

"Hello, who is this?"

 

"Hello! I'm looking for a Mr. Kettle."

 

"This is him, may I ask who is calling?"

 

"This is Mr. Pot, it's a pleasure to finally meet you!"

[The Frankish Reich]

1 hour ago, oldmanfan said:

I grew up reading the Courier, the News, and the Tonawanda News every day.  To me it's just incredibly sad to see so many papers going downhill.  What we're going to be left with a wannabe journalists writing their blogs and such,  Internet sites masquerading as news sources that simply post whatever they can as quick as they can, and such.  True good journalism, involving solid research, solid use of sources, integrative study of local issues, and solid writing is rapidly becoming a thing of the past.

 

Maybe they can figure out a way to replace the printed page with the electronic page and still figure out some kind of profit margin.  But for me it will never replace the feeling of the paper in your hands and you turned pages to get your news.

It's inevitable. The local dailies are dying. I too feel that something will be lost, having grown up with the local paper. But I guess I'm part of the problem - I dropped my last local daily subscription about half a dozen years ago, and I really can't see what would make me go back, print or online paid subscriptions ...

[LabattBlue]

1 hour ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

I never liked Bucky's work but man what a disgusting **** show the last 15 years......and truthfully MOST of Ralph's ownership was.     Some things needed to be said.

...and the Sabres since 2007 have been an equal mess.  Yet people wonder why the BN columnists have been negative for the last decade or more...they would have been criticized just as much for writing columns full of sunshine and lollipops, while the two local franchises were shitting the bed year after year after year.

 

 

Yes they were over the top at times, but that is part of their job probably dictated by their bosses.

Edited May 25, 2018 by LabattBlue

[US Egg]

Sad sign of the times. Hate seeing the old institutions fading away and people losing their jobs.

 

But, contrary to BN  steady spewing everyone hates Trump and the Pegula's are clueless, many longtime subscribers feel the opposite.

 

They tired of that constant drumbeat and decided enough of this and cancelled their subscriptions in droves over the last couple of years. The BN expedited their demise.  

[C.Biscuit97]

Just now, Ifartalot said:

Sad sign of the times. Hate seeing the old institutions fading away and people losing their jobs.

 

But, contrary to BN  steady spewing everyone hates Trump and the Pegula's are clueless, many longtime subscribers feel the opposite.

 

They tired of that constant drumbeat and decided enough of this and cancelled their subscriptions in droves over the last couple of years. The BN expedited their demise.  

Well if Ifartalot says it, it must be true!

[LabattBlue]

8 minutes ago, Ifartalot said:

They tired of that constant drumbeat and decided enough of this and cancelled their subscriptions in droves over the last couple of years. The BN expedited their demise.  

You have facts to back that up...cancellation numbers and why subscribers cancelled?

[FLFan]

Good riddance, as far as I am concerned.

[Lurker]

8 minutes ago, LabattBlue said:

...and the Sabres since 2007 have been an equal mess.  Yet people wonder why the BN columnists have been negative for the last decade or more...they would have been criticized just as much for writing columns full of sunshine and lollipops, while the two local franchises were shitting the bed year after year after year.

 

 

Yes they were over the top at times, but that is part of their job probably dictated by their bosses.

 

The problem is, Bucky and Sully never brought anything more to the table than any TSW poster could.   Or, more frequently, any drunk on a barstool.   

 

Once upon a time, this town had HOF columnists like Jim Kelley, Larry Felser, Phil Ranello and sharp young guys like a Vic C (not the current version who's retiring in place since he came back to Buffalo).   Those columnists had a deep knowledge of their sport, had contacts all over the league and could get insider stories that Bucky and Sully can only dream about.   The old school columnists worked hard to get that kind of perspective, and reading them added value to the fan experience. 

 

The current BN guys never talk to anyone besides the voices in their head, fart out columns that make good bird cage liner and block slots that could go to hungrier, more talented younger writers...

[US Egg]

9 minutes ago, LabattBlue said:

You have facts to back that up...cancellation numbers and why subscribers cancelled?

Not that it'll satisfy you, but a "little birdie" friend of mine who's worked at the BN for over 20 years and is fretting about their job told me.

[Buffalo Barbarian]

3 hours ago, BillsEnthusiast said:

I heard a rumor that Sullivan is on the fence about leaving as well....

 

Jumping from a sinking ship

 

 

[blitzboy54]

I'm still waiting for him to apologize for calling me and my family loser's 

Edited May 25, 2018 by blitzboy54

[hondo in seattle]

I didn't actively dislike Bucky but I can only think of three BN sports writers who I really liked: 

 

1.  Larry Felser

2.  Tyler Dunne

3.  Vic v. 1.0

 

Larry had  contacts and provided insight & inside information.

Tyler dug into stories and provided color & depth.

 

Vic 1.0 seemed to be developing into another Felser but things went wrong with him later on.

[I'm Spartacus]

11 minutes ago, hondo in seattle said:

I didn't actively dislike Bucky but I can only think of three BN sports writers who I really liked: 

 

1.  Larry Felser

2.  Tyler Dunne

3.  Vic v. 1.0

 

Larry had  contacts and provided insight & inside information.

Tyler dug into stories and provided color & depth.

 

Vic 1.0 seemed to be developing into another Felser but things went wrong with him later on.

 

Yeah. Vic started to take on the personalities of Bucky & Jerry S.

[ToGoGo]

3 hours ago, May Day 10 said:

 

Hopefully it manifests itself into something good (and up to date technologically) to fill the void

 

 

I actually dont mind the columnists at TBN... other than Harrington's ridiculous and embarrassing twitter wars with people.  I do think they could have served themselves well having a "positive outlook" point of view columnist.  Its been a tough 12-20 years in Buffalo sports, but having 3 columnists writing negative things (many earned IMO), is repetitive and one sided.

 

I wonder how much influence he had in poisoning the lockerroom.  Word/rumor is, Eichel and Reinhart got close with him and those 2 are a big part of the issues.  

 

Kane appeared to be a good soldier in his life's biggest contract year.  Now, with 7 years guaranteed and $50 million, let's see if he remains committed to his craft.  I have my doubts, and Im glad the Sabres werent the team to take that risk.  

 

 

Interested in hearing more about that.

 

About the BN, good riddance. Time to clean up the vibe around this city and the sports teams. 

[baskingridgebillsfan]

Sully, Bucky, and TImmy certainly had a lot of things to be negative about.  My issue with them is they simply are not interesting.  The last 5 years the Bills have been kinds of average , but the coverage of Marrone and than Whaley was brutish and unfair. 

[eball]

56 minutes ago, hondo in seattle said:

I didn't actively dislike Bucky but I can only think of three BN sports writers who I really liked: 

 

1.  Larry Felser

2.  Tyler Dunne

3.  Vic v. 1.0

 

Larry had  contacts and provided insight & inside information.

Tyler dug into stories and provided color & depth.

 

Vic 1.0 seemed to be developing into another Felser but things went wrong with him later on.

 

43 minutes ago, I'm Spartacus said:

 

Yeah. Vic started to take on the personalities of Bucky & Jerry S.

 

It went downhill for Vic when he had to figure out Twitter.

[Gordio]

4 hours ago, May Day 10 said:

 

Hopefully it manifests itself into something good (and up to date technologically) to fill the void

 

 

I actually dont mind the columnists at TBN... other than Harrington's ridiculous and embarrassing twitter wars with people.  I do think they could have served themselves well having a "positive outlook" point of view columnist.  Its been a tough 12-20 years in Buffalo sports, but having 3 columnists writing negative things (many earned IMO), is repetitive and one sided.

 

I wonder how much influence he had in poisoning the lockerroom.  Word/rumor is, Eichel and Reinhart got close with him and those 2 are a big part of the issues.  

 

Kane appeared to be a good soldier in his life's biggest contract year.  Now, with 7 years guaranteed and $50 million, let's see if he remains committed to his craft.  I have my doubts, and Im glad the Sabres werent the team to take that risk.  

 

 

 

You are very observant.  I have a friend in the marketing department over at Sabre's land, & she tells me they wanted to get Kane as far away from Eichel as possible, she said he was a very bad influence on him.  That was a big part as to why he was traded.

[Fadingpain]

4 hours ago, May Day 10 said:

 

Hopefully it manifests itself into something good (and up to date technologically) to fill the void

 

 

I actually dont mind the columnists at TBN... other than Harrington's ridiculous and embarrassing twitter wars with people.  I do think they could have served themselves well having a "positive outlook" point of view columnist.  Its been a tough 12-20 years in Buffalo sports, but having 3 columnists writing negative things (many earned IMO), is repetitive and one sided.

 

I wonder how much influence he had in poisoning the lockerroom.  Word/rumor is, Eichel and Reinhart got close with him and those 2 are a big part of the issues.  

 

Kane appeared to be a good soldier in his life's biggest contract year.  Now, with 7 years guaranteed and $50 million, let's see if he remains committed to his craft.  I have my doubts, and Im glad the Sabres werent the team to take that risk.  

 

Kane's performance in his K year is NHL 101 for hockey players these days.

 

He will quietly fade into oblivion now, and make millions in the process.

 

Guaranteed Ks have destroyed the NHL.

 

 

[Jerry Jabber]

I did not like Bucky’s articles. I remember when he bashed Terry Pegula for not making a statement about the Penn State sex scandal, which made absolutely no sense. Also, the way Bucky was grilling Doug Whaley at the season ending press conference was idiotic. I’m glad to see him go. Sounds like Sully is soon behind as well, so that’s good news. Too bad Mike Schoop isn’t joining them.

[Augie]

6 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Birds aren't fussy.  They'll poop on used Sudoku and crosswords just as happily.

 

Add me to the list. I’ve been hit an inordinate number of times....usually in front of a crowd. Ask my wife, she thinks it’s hysterical! The worst was coming out of the water in front of a thousand people in beach chairs on a cruise. They were all a half dozen “Coco Locos’s” in, and it got more laughs than the comedian on the ship. I turned around and trudged back into the water to wash off....

[BillsPride12]

2 hours ago, Gordio said:

 

 

You are very observant.  I have a friend in the marketing department over at Sabre's land, & she tells me they wanted to get Kane as far away from Eichel as possible, she said he was a very bad influence on him.  That was a big part as to why he was traded.

Do you have any examples of this?  I don't doubt this but I am just curious as it's an interesting topic.  I can vaguely remember hearing some reports of Kane and Eichel hanging out gambling together in Vegas before they played the Knights this season but other than that I really haven't heard of any instances of those two getting into any bad situations together.  

[N.Y. Orangeman]

Good luck, Bucky.  Thanks for your takes over the years.

 

Jesus, there are so many people without lenses on their sunglasses...

[transient]

4 hours ago, hondo in seattle said:

I didn't actively dislike Bucky but I can only think of three BN sports writers who I really liked: 

 

1.  Larry Felser

2.  Tyler Dunne

3.  Vic v. 1.0

 

Larry had  contacts and provided insight & inside information.

Tyler dug into stories and provided color & depth.

 

Vic 1.0 seemed to be developing into another Felser but things went wrong with him later on.

 

I’d definitely add Jim Kelley and Allen Wilson to my list, as well. 

[Punching Bag]

7 hours ago, Rico said:

Thanks Bucky for helping to spread the truth about Ralph, Brandon, Whaley, and the rest of Ralph’s trash. Happy trails!

 

How long before Rico gets a buyout from SDS?

 

7 hours ago, May Day 10 said:

Bucky was paid to give opinions.  Not everyone is going to agree with his opinions.  People did read him and it resulted in discussion.  

 

Hope he lands on his feet somewhere.

 

He is not a cat so will land on his head but fortunately it is made of rock.

6 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

I never liked Bucky's work but man what a disgusting **** show the last 15 years......and truthfully MOST of Ralph's ownership was.     Some things needed to be said.

 

Really? I thought you were Bucky's alias on this board.

[Bad Things]

3 hours ago, musichunch said:

 

Interested in hearing more about that.

 

About the BN, good riddance. Time to clean up the vibe around this city and the sports teams. 

 

1 hour ago, Jerry Jabber said:

I did not like Bucky’s articles. I remember when he bashed Terry Pegula for not making a statement about the Penn State sex scandal, which made absolutely no sense. Also, the way Bucky was grilling Doug Whaley at the season ending press conference was idiotic. I’m glad to see him go. Sounds like Sully is soon behind as well, so that’s good news. Too bad Mike Schoop isn’t joining them.

 

I take his leaving as another good sign that our fortunes are finally turning around.

 

 

[Roundybout]

Yeah, it's all but certain. I'm hearing that Sully is taking a buyout as well.

[Cripple Creek]

9 hours ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

How much is he paying them?

[EasternOHBillsFan]

9 hours ago, May Day 10 said:

This is the beginning of the end for the Buffalo News.

 

Not really... Bucky and Sully leaving would be the BEST for the Buffalo News... they have alienated so many fans.

[YoloinOhio]

15 minutes ago, EasternOHBillsFan said:

 

Not really... Bucky and Sully leaving would be the BEST for the Buffalo News... they have alienated so many fans.

I have to agree. It was time for some new blood. I never really read any of Bucky’s stuff, but it seemed to me Jerry just dusted off old articles, changed some names around, and mailed in the snark. Good riddance. I welcome their replacements. 

[Ol Dirty B]

10 hours ago, May Day 10 said:

This is the beginning of the end for the Buffalo News.

 Because the guy you all hate left? Shouldn't that be a good thing to you guys, or is this just irrational hatred?

 

I don't get why so many people want a business fail because they don't like the opinions of a couple employees have on their favorite sports team. 

[Sky Diver]

Are Chip, Biff and Skippy going with him?

Edited May 26, 2018 by Sky Diver

[JohnC]

17 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

I have to agree. It was time for some new blood. I never really read any of Bucky’s stuff, but it seemed to me Jerry just dusted off old articles, changed some names around, and mailed in the snark. Good riddance. I welcome their replacements. 

Bucky and Sully's reporting have little to do with the plight of the BN. The newspaper business is being subjected to a new economic reality where the paper news is not viable in a world where many, if not most, are receiving their news through digital devices. Just as record stores are nonexistent because of music being downloaded and mortar department stores are at a fast pace vanishing because of online shopping from Amazon etc. the economic forces are on the one hand killing old line businesses and creating new businesses. 

 

The challenge for the BN is to make money from the  digital side of their operation. Getting enough subscriptions at a reasonable price is the new challenge that all newspapers are dealing with, including the major outlets such as the NY Times, Washington Post, LA Times etc. 

 

The notion that irascible reporters such as Bucky and Sullivan are factors in the steady demise of their company is missing the reality of the landscape for their business. They simply are two provocative columnists who provoke their readers. That's what columnists do. Whether you agree with them or not is not what they are getting paid for. If they are provoking a response, positive or negative, then they are doing what they set out to do.