Wilson Encouraged: Ralph Wilson released a statement this afternoon and said he's encouraged by what came out of the meeting this morning between Sen. Schumer, Tim Russert, and Commissioner Tagliabue. Wilson thanked all three people for the meeting and called it an important step for all the teams in maintaining the league as the "leader in professional sports". Wilson said he can't stress enough how important it is that the Bills will now be represented on the Qualifier committee that will handle the guidelines for revenue sharing. He also stated that he found out other important points from the meeting that helps small market teams. One is the sharing of the future digital media revenue stream. The other positive points are that the committee will have equal representation between small and large market clubs and that the qualifiers will be based on each individual market's economic situation, not national averages. He called the meeting a success based on this information but said it is only a first step and the Senator will continue to monitor the situation.

Wilson To Sit On Committee: Senator Chuck Schumer said his meeting with Commissioner Paul Tagliabue was very positive this morning. The commissioner assured him that the longterm future of the Bills in Buffalo is bright and that Ralph Wilson will sit on the eight men committee that will look at the revenue sharing plan in the new CBA. Other small market owners are also expected to be on the committee. Tagliabue reassured Schumer and Tim Russert in this morning's meeting that the new agreement won't hurt the Bills and other small market teams and they won't be forced to relocate. Tagliabue went on to say that the Bills future focuses more on who is on the field and not the CBA, there is every reason to believe the team will be able to remain competitive. He said they are striving to focus on all small market teams and the ground rules of revenue sharing will not be a problem for the Bills. Schumer said he was very happy with the meeting and is "very hopeful about the long future of the Bills in Buffalo."

Bills, Clements Maintain Contact: Bills Executive VP of Football Administration Jim Overdorf says there have been periodic contact between the Bills and representatives for franchised corner Nate Clements but not as much as there could have been since Clements was slapped with the tag. Under the new CBA the Bills have until July 15th to sign Clements to a long term deal and get the use of the tag back. Clements did not participate in the April minicamp and has yet to signe the one year tender.