Two Bills Drive

‘"I had an excellent working relationship with John, just as I had a great working relationship with his predecessor, Bill Polian," Levy said when asked about that scenario. "I have great regard for John. Yes, that would be a desirable situation, but I don’t even want to speculate about that."’

‘The Bills reportedly will be $11 million over the adjusted salary cap for 2001 and will have to pay big money to retain free agents Eric Moulds and Marcellus Wiley. The team will have to cut several high-priced veterans and is unlikely to have any money to attract any significant free agents.’

‘When asked about the speculation that he would be courted by other teams, specifically the Chargers, Butler said: "I didn’t even have a chance to think about anything besides the Buffalo Bills. They were my team for 14 years."’

‘A month ago, the Bills were 7-4 and in the thick of the playoff hunt. They’ve since lost four straight for the first time in 15 years, been decimated by injuries, and are playing out the season in a mean-nothing game at Seattle.’

‘After four Super Bowls, 15 seasons and 941 catches in Buffalo, this is what the once-magical hands of Andre Reed have been reduced to. And each time a picture of Reed in a Bills uniform slides into his hand, it seems to make him a little sad.’

‘Chargers president Dean Spanos has said he would consider hiring a new general manager if the right man became available. That might have happened yesterday.’

‘"He had heard the Chargers were holding a job open for Butler," said the source, "and when Ralph gets ticked off, he lashes out."’

‘The owner, two more losses removed from those comments, conceded, "As far as Wade and the coaching staff is concerned, I’m here to talk about John Butler … so I’d rather not comment." That’s hardly a vote of confidence.’

‘Put it this way: The 82-year-old Wilson isn’t planning to take a cross-country flight on Christmas weekend to do sightseeing in the Pacific Northwest. The one thing he is going to take careful notice of, though, is the effort of the players.’

‘With the San Diego Chargers poised to make Butler an offer he couldn’t refuse, and Wilson wouldn’t match … something had to be done as soon as

possible.’

‘By contrast, Butler used to start his day by chipping ice off the windshield and maybe listening to Ann Burke on the way to One Bills Drive.’

‘"The reason for the dismissal is because John has refused to give me an answer as to his future intentions," Wilson said. "The time has come to move forward, and therefore I can wait no longer to see who will be the Bills’ general manager after this season."’

‘With a new season to plan for and no time to waste, Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson said he couldn’t wait for an answer from John Butler any longer.’