Bills Statement on Russert Death: The Bills released a statement this afternoon about the shocking death of Buffalo native Tim Russert. "“The Buffalo Bills organization is devastated in hearing the news of the passing of Tim Russert. Tim, as everyone knows, was a tremendous Bills fan. He was always so proud to let people know just how much he loved our team and was such a great ambassador for Buffalo. So many times he ended his “Meet The Press” show with his patented “Go Bills!” that it became part of our Game Day morning rituals. He was a true friend and we will miss him immensely. Our sincere sympathies go out to his family and our team carries a heavy heart tonight as we mourn the loss of this great man, Buffalo’s native son and a Bills fan forever.” There will be a candlight vigil at Tim Russert park in Buffalo tomorrow night at 9pm. Flags in Buffalo have been ordered to half staff.
Russert Dies: Bills fans mourn the loss of one of their greatest and well known fans. NBC Chief Washington correspondent and host of "Meet The Press" Tim Russer has died of an apparent heart attack at the young age of 58. Russert never forgot his Buffalo roots and even mentioned the Bills during their Super Bowl runs on his show praying for a victory. He was given his own jersey by the team when they unveiled their new jerseys. He also played a prominent role in getting the league to help the small market teams like the Bills in the last CBA. Russert also was going to be a big ally and powerful voice in keeping the team in Buffalo long term. Personally I always thought Russert made watching politics fun and it will be very hard to watch this year's big election without him on TV. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.
Players, Administrators To Be Subpoenaed: The police continue to be frustrated by what they perceived is a lack of cooperation from the Bills on the Marshawn Lynch incident and have decided to convene a grand jury and have subpoenaed James Hardy, Christian Gaddis, and Steve Johnson. The police would not say if these players were in the car or just had information on the case. Members of the administration will also be subpoenaed including Russ Brandon, Ralph Wilson, and reportedly two security personnel, and the players program director. Buffalo police visited the Bills yesterday and talked to some of the players but were not given answers as they were referred to the attorneys. It is also being reported that the Bills also referred questions to administrators to the team's corporate attorney. The grand jury will convene on June 20th.
Bills Statement On Lynch Situation: The Bills released a statement to the media late last night to despell rumors that they are not cooperating with the hit and run investigation centered aroun Marshawn Lynch. The statement said, "The Buffalo Bills received a request from the Buffalo Police Department to interview certain Bills players in connection with the incident on the morning of Saturday, May 31st at the corner of West Chippewa Street and Delaware Avenue. The Buffalo Bills organization has fully cooperated with the authorities by assisting them in setting up the interviews with the several players they requested. Those players voluntarily attended the interviews and the investigators were able to speak with each of them.
It is the view of the Buffalo Bills organization that the investigation is not a team matter, but rather a personal matter. The Buffalo Bills have been asked to and have assisted the investigators. At the conclusion of the player interviews, the investigators indicated their intent to impanel a grand jury, to subpoena several Buffalo Bills players and to further subpoena several members of the Buffalo Bills administrative staff. The Buffalo Bills organization has cooperated fully and will continue to cooperate fully with the Buffalo Police Department in connection with this matter.
The Buffalo Bills organization is issuing this statement to respond to media reports that suggest that the Buffalo Bills have not been cooperative with the authorities, which is completely untrue."
Thursday June 12, 2008
One Signed; Two Cut: The Bills signed their second draft pick today as 4th rounder Reggie Corner signed his deal. 7th round pick Kennard Cox previously signed with the team. The team also released two players after the close of minicamp today. TE Teyo Johnson who was signed this offseason was released. He was a former 2nd round draft choice of the Raiders and was in a very crowded battle at the position for a roster spot. Recently signed rookie free agent QB Luke Drone was also released. He was the 5th quarterback in camp and the team normally just keeps four in training camp. Front Office.
Minicamp Ends Early: Dick Jauron chose to reward his team for all the hard work and great attendance in the offseason conditioning program, organized team activities, and the mandatory minicamp. He did so by ending the camp a day early. The players now have no official obligations with the team until the start of training camp which has been set for July 25th with the players reporting a day earlier. Jauron said the offseason program went exceptionally well and they threw the players a bone which he felt real good about. Lee Evans was not on the field for the final workout because he felt sick. Jon Banks was not in attendance because of the birth of his daughter earlier this week.
Players May Have Info: Police are reportedly trying to talk to at least three teammates of Marshawn Lynch who may have information on the alleged hit and run incident. These players reportedly are also not cooperating with the investigation which may mean a grand jury may have to be formed to get them to talk. A Buffalo police officer will be at the stadium today trying to get information from a few players.
Two Alumni Pass On: Former Bills offensive lineman Mitch Frerotte and former coach John Rauch have passed on. Frerotte played on the offensive line during the Super Bowl era and was a backup guard for many years. The cause of death of the 43 year old on Wednesday night is pending an autopsy but it appears to have been a hear attack. He was complained of flu like symptoms a week earlier. Rauch is a former head coach of the Bills, he died of a possible heart problem at the age of 80 in his sleep.
Wilson, Kelly In Attendance On Day 1: Jim Kelly and Ralph Wilson were among the spectators at the closed mini camp practice session. Wilson couldn't be pleased not to see his starting left tackle on the field. The offense clicked early in the practice but struggled later on. Not participating in the full team work out because of injury were Melvin Fowler, Robert Royal, and Lee Evans. Royal is still recovering from offseason knee surgery and Fowler and Evans from offseason shoulder issues. Evans is working out during individual drills.
Wednesday June 11, 2008
Peters To Be Fined: Dick Jauron spoke to the media after today's workout and said that Jason Peters will be fined for missing the start of minicamp. He can be fined a maximum of $8,638 for missing the camp and the team is already talking about moving on without him. Turk Schonert said they will move Langston Walker to left tackle if Peters isn't back by the start of training camp. There has been no talk from the Peters camp about why he's missing the entire offseason but some teammates indicated that it is about his contract.
Peters Not In Attendance: The minicamp is underway and Jason Peters is a no show. The Bills have the option of fining Peters since the camp is mandatory. It would be a lump sum fine.
Minicamp Gets Started: The only mandatory full squad minicamp of the offseason gets underway today and runs through Friday. The big news will be whether or not Jason Peters shows up. He is the only player that did not show up for at least some of the voluntary organized activities that ended today. He's required to be there today or risk a fine. Dick Jauron said he expects Peters to be there but hasn't talked to him as of last week. It is assumed that Peters is staying away in a contract dispute although there has been no comment from him or his agent.
Tuesday June 10, 2008
OTAs Wrap: The organized team activities are now over with just a mandatory minicamp ahead starting tomorrow. Josh Reed and Justin Jenkins worked out on Tuesday after being held out on Monday. Marshawn Lynch worked out some as he recovers from laser eye surgery. Not in attendance for the final voluntary workout were J.P. Losman, Lee Evans, Jason Peters, Jon Banks and Aaron Schobel..
Hit And Run Investigation Going Slow: The lawyer for Marshawn Lynch met with investigators lately but he didn't really say much. He was looking for a preconditions before giving information and the police declined. They have now turned their investigation to the passengers that were in the car. They have not ruled out bringing in a grand jury to get passengers to testify although they admit it is a last resort. The investigation isn't as far along as the police want but they say they will get to the bottom of it.
Monday June 9, 2008
Final OTAs Underway: The final two days of OTAs got underway with a ninety minute workout this morning. Not in attendance were Jason Peters, Langston Walker, Josh Reed, Lee Evans, Jon Banks, Aaron Schobel and Will James. Derrick Dockery arrived late. Spencer Johnson was back on the practice field after missing two weeks with a hamstring injury.
Lynch Has Eye Surgery: Marshawn Lynch was back at practice today but he did not participate. He had laser eye surgery on Friday and that is why he missed that workout. He was wearing dark sun glasses on the sidelines.
OTAs Resume: The last busy week before training camp starts late next month gets going today. The last two days of voluntary organized team activities start today. They are followed by the only full squad mandatory mini camp that runs Wednesday through Friday. Dick Jauron said last week went pretty well and it was nice to get outside for practices since the weather warmed up. Things did not go perfectly as the offense had issues especially pre-snap. He also wasn't happy with the off the field distractions that are building from Jason Peters to Marshawn Lynch.
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