Two Bills Drive

“The Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers were also interested in [Lawrence] Phillips, but he chose the 49ers because, he said, the chances are better to immediately break into the starting lineup.”

Many of the same sentiments as expressed by the astute readers of this page.

Another exclusive player interview for TBD! Armon looks like he has a great shot to make the team.

Buffalo – #21 Overall, #5 Hockey, #8 Football

“Heading into the weekend, the 49ers were close to signing Phillips, who instructed agent Mitch Frankel to negotiate only with San Francisco as he eliminated Buffalo and Green Bay from consideration.”

“[Buffalo general manager John] Butler, whose lineup remains virtually unchanged from last season, believes the pieces are in place for another run at the Super Bowl.”

“Buffalo is No. 21 (up from No. 30 in 1998)…”

“The western New York community and people from around the country have been extremely generous and supportive in helping the Hunter’s Hope Foundation,” Jill Kelly, the foundation’s chief executive officer, said in a statement. “We are so happy we can finally put that money into research so scientists can get to work in finding a cure for this painful, fatal disease.”

“The Federal Court of Canada in Ottawa ruled last week three local establishments will pay the NFL a total of $440,000 in damages for broadcasting games without permission over the last four seasons. The Palmwood Hotel in Crystal Beach must pay $173,504. Ryan’s Nite Club in Fort Erie owes $167,340. Pure Platinum, also in Fort Erie, must pay the league $101,198.”

Spielman: A lesson in what it is to be a good human being.

“The Buffalo Bills, once thought to be the front-runners to sign the free agent, were pessimistic of their chances because of Phillips’ desire to sign with the 49ers, the source said. Apparently the only chance Buffalo or Green Bay has of signing Phillips is if talks break down between Phillips and the 49ers.”

“Though no final contract agreement was reached, Phillips reportedly told his agent, Mitch Frankel, that he prefers to play for the 49ers this season…the free agent running back already has an offer on the table from Buffalo that includes a guaranteed bonus in excess of $200,000.”

“The latest ruling involved bars in the Niagara Falls-St. Catharines region that illegally showed Buffalo Bills games during the 1995 to 1998 seasons. The court awarded the NFL damages [$440,000 Canadian] for lost ticket sales, licence fees, concession revenues as well as interest.”

“ESPN The Magazine’s John Clayton reported Thursday that the San Francisco 49ers have increased their offer to Lawrence Phillips in the last 24 hours, and that the free-agent running back is leaning toward accepting the offer.”