Two Bills Drive

Alex Van Pelt doesn’t suffer from delusions of grandeur. The Buffalo quarterback has a handle on his skills and his value to the team. Sometimes, that’s not enough. For a handful of backup players on every club in the NFL, the union that was organized to protect their interests often prices them out of the market with the veteran minimum. That happened to Van Pelt last season before a training-camp injury opened the door to his return. “Exactly,” Van Pelt said. “I was like hey, my union is supposed to be out there helping me, and instead, it’s keeping me out of work.”

‘Along with slashing $1.25 million from their salary cap-strapped payroll, the move allows the Bills to concentrate on developing their youngsters.’

The expected release of Antowain Smith creates much needed cap room for the Bills. According to the NFLPA, Smith was scheduled to earn $1.25 million in 2001. That money will be needed to sign the 2001 draft choices. Since this is the last year of Smith’s contract, accelerated bonus money was not an issue with his release.

The Bills today released running back Antowain Smith. Smith was the team’s first-round draft choice in 1997 and put together his most productive season in 1998 when he rushed for 1,124 yards as the starting running back. He started 11 games in 1999 and saw limited action last season, rushing for 354 yards.

"We liked what we saw in mini-camp from our young running backs and want to give them every opportunity possible," said Bills President/General Manager Tom Donahoe. "We have also added Larry Centers to our backfield and feel confident about the attributes he brings to our club."

‘Larry Centers talks to the media about his role in the Bills’ West Coast Offence, and how he wants to be part of a Super Bowl contender in Buffalo.’

‘…given in an obituary from the Buffalo News (December 25, 1999):

SWEET – Donald E., gave Buffalo Bills their name 12/25/99

When the Buffalo Bisons of the All-America Football Conference sponsored an essay contest to re-name the team in 1947, Donald E. Sweet pulled an end run to win the $500 prize…’

‘The Bills Backers have arranged a group rate at The Holiday Inn located in the historic Old Town district of San Diego. The hotel is just steps away from dozens of shops, bars and restaurants. Most major attractions are just minutes away including beaches, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo and Qualcomm Stadium. Staying with the Backers is a great opportunity to meet and party with Bills fans from all over the country.’

‘The Bills claimed a huge offensive lineman off the waiver wire from the Green Bay Packers. Craig Heimburger, a right guard during most of his college and pro career will be signed when he clears waivers. He’s 6’2 312 pounds and was a 5th round draft choice of the Packers in 1999.’

‘"Many of the players who were here before Gregg said the one thing that was lacking was discipline," said Donahoe. "They wanted discipline, somebody to come in here and correct the way things were going. From the players I’ve talked to, there hasn’t been any complaints about the changes."’

‘Modrak met with Bills president and general manager Tom Donahoe in Buffalo on Wednesday, Bills spokesman Scott Berchtold said. Berchtold described the meeting as an informal one…’

‘Antowain Smith puts house up for sale–you do the math.’

‘Nix was offered the position of director of college scouting with the Bills, but said he elected to join the Chargers because of his relationship with Butler.’

‘But given the outstanding job Modrak did in Philadelphia the past three years, he is a prime candidate for a general manager position in the NFL. He recently had an interview with the Chicago Bears.’

‘Tapping his Buffalo connections again, San Diego Chargers general manager John Butler hired Buddy Nix as director of player personnel Wednesday. Nix spent the last eight seasons as a scout with the Bills.’

‘"We’re confident there will be a fair resolution of this matter … and I expect it will not be a lengthy delay now," said Jerry Whalen, Phillips’ attorney.’