Two Bills Drive

‘"I was very surprised when I first heard the news," Cowart said from his off-season home in Jacksonville, Fla. "Anytime you lose someone you play next to and bond with, it’s a tough thing."’

‘I, too, am impressed with Donahoe and Williams. Nevertheless, let’s allow a smidgen of reality to seep in here.’

‘The Buffalo Bills say season-ticket sales are progressing nicely. While the team doesn’t have an exact figure, it is optimistic about exceeding the totals of the past two seasons.’

‘"The way I’ve been treated, everything I went through wasn’t worth it," he said.’

‘The Buffalo Bills are reminding fans that single-game tickets for 2001 will go on sale to the general public this Saturday, July 14th beginning at 9:00 AM.’

y cutting Holecek the team saves just over $2 million dollars on this year’s cap and almost $1.5 million on next year’s cap.

\’He\’s a scheme-oriented player, a great team guy, a super individual, high class, team-oriented and everything else. But as the fourth LB [in a 4-3], where he can flow to the ball and use his great instincts and intangibles, he\’s a terrific player. He\’s just couldn’t be as effective in the 4-3.\’

One-team veterans becoming something to savor; Hansen and Jones are some of few veterans who remain with one team for 10 years.

‘"I think Gregg Williams is going to be a great coach and he has a terrific staff. But I can foresee some problems with the general manager and the coach because there’s not a lot of honesty coming from the general manager position."’

‘The move — which caught Holecek by surprise and has left him feeling bitter — saved the team around $1 million in cap space. The Bills are now $2.25 million under the cap, which is enough to sign their top three draft picks, Nate Clements, Aaron Schobel and Travis Henry.’

‘"But it just seems to be the story of this off-season, guys being let go. We have to rally together and young guys definitely have to step up."’

‘The four-way partnership encompasses wide-ranging initiatives, including online and offline cross promotion and marketing with America Online, a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Time Warner Inc., and CBS. It also takes advantage of Viacom’s stable of media properties. In addition, SportsLine.com Inc. will produce and host NFL.com, the most popular sports league site.’

Quoting Marv Levy, legendary former head coach of the Buffalo Bills, who said, “I don’t consider hunting a sport; I consider it murder,”

There had been speculation last winter that Holecek would leave as the Bills worked to trim millions to get under the salary cap. But Holecek, who signed a five-year, $12.5 million extension in 1998, reportedly agreed to a $600,000 pay cut.

"This has been one of our more difficult decisions to make," said Bills President Tom Donahoe. "We’ve decided to do it now so that John can have the opportunity to catch on with another team. We certainly appreciate all that John has contributed to this organization and wish him all the best in the future."