June 30, 1999

Stadium News: The renovations at the stadium are 75% complete and will be ready for the final exhibition game on Sept. 4th against Pittsburgh. The club is selling bricks in the 12th man walk of fame that is being built outside the stadium. There are three different sizes of brick sales ranging from $150 - $750. The revenue from this will go to the Buffalo Bills Youth Foundation.

Opening Game Ceremonies: Even though the renovated stadium will have a practice game it will be officially revealed in front of a nationally televised audience for the home opener agianst the Jets. There will be commemorative coins handed out, fireworks, and a wall of fame induction ceremony for former team trainer Eddie Abramoski

Phillips Update: The hottest property on the free agent front now is Lawrence Phillips and he and his agent are currently mulling over their possibilities. They say he may make some visits and it can take up to 10 days before we know where he will play this season. The Raiders are seen as the front runners but our Bills are very much in the picture. Like the idea or not, he is an explosive runner with more talent than Antowain Smith.

June 27, 1999

Congratulations to Jim and Jill! Jim and Jill Kelly had their third child on Thursday. Camryn Lynn was brought into the world at 8 lbs. and 7oz. She is a healthy baby, previous testing indicated she does not have Krabbe's disease.

Butler in Europe? Fox Sports is reporting that GM John Butler is in Europe for the World Bowl game today trying to sign Lawrence Phillips before he leaves to come back to the states!

June 23, 1999

Another Draft Pick Inked: The club has come to terms with its second low round draft pick. Seventh round pick Sheldon Jackson has signed a deal, terms were not disclosed.

June 21, 1999

Sabres Season Ends in Controversy:While the Bills quietly prepare for the coming season Buffalo went "Cup Crazy". I just returned from attending the Game 6 travesty. The City of Buffalo was snakebit once again, It was the pass interference call and wide right all rolled in to one very tough loss. The atmosphere was incredible before and during the nearly six hour marathon. The Sabres, like the Bills, have a very bright future and should be perennial cup contenders for years to come!

June 17, 1999

Bills Sign First Draft Pick: 6th round pick Armon Hatcher became the first of the class of 99 to agree to terms with the club. As usual with the Bills terms were not disclosed.

June 9, 1999

Reed to Holdout of Camp: ESPN is reporting that Andre Reed will hold out of training camp, which begins on July 31st, if his contract is not re-negotiated. The veteran receiver has already missed both mini-camps. The Bills maintain that they have no more money under the cap to rework his deal, but Reed's agent says that they can re-do the deal and make it cap friendly at the same time. This situation is getting pretty ugly stay tuned.

June 8, 1999

Bills Look at Phillips: As the second week of mini-camp gets going the main interest of scout A.J. Smith is in Europe. The Bills sent their top scout over there to look at troubled RB Lawrence Phillips. ESPN's John Clayton is reporting that the Bills, Raiders, and Packers are the three teams emerging as the leaders in the Phillips sweepstakes. This is a surprise that the club is interested in him. He is not a "Buffalo Bills Type Player", and running back is a position of strength for the club. The interest in Phillips may be a lack of confidence in Antowain Smith as the featured running back for years to come.

June 3, 1999

Camp No-Shows: Besides Hulsey, the three remaining veterans from the four super bowl teams are the only absentees from the optional mini-camp. Bruce Smith is participating in the NFL Cadillac Golf Classic and Phillips is not upset with his absence since he knows all the defensive plays and is in great shape. Andre Reed is missing because of his on-going contract squabble with management and Thurman Thomas is missing because of personal business but he is expected in camp next week.

Injury Updates: Peerless Price is runnings straight ahead but is a couple of weeks away from making any hard cuts. He should be ready by training camp which begins on July 31. Ruben Brown's pectoral muscle is healed but a sore lower back is holding him out of practice. Marlon Kerner's knee is progressing but he can't participate in mini-camp since he's unsigned.

June 2, 1999

Mini-Camp Notes: OL Corey Hulsey was an unexpected no-show to the voluntary camp. Phil Hansen and Thomas Smith both appear to be 100%. Rookies Shawn Bryson and Antoine Winfield look fast and sharp.

Stadium Update: Work on "the Ralph" is continuing on schedule and is about 80% percent complete. Some of the additions include wider ramps at the four corners and bigger restrooms. The sideline and end zone club seats are lagging a little bit behind, they are about 50-60% complete. All work is expected to be completed in time for the September 4th exhibition game against Pittsburgh.

June 1, 1999

Mini-Camp Starts: The two week voluntary mini-camp got kicked off today. There are many veterans not attending since it is not mandatory like the three-day camp in April. Doug Flutie is there however, and so is Peerless Price, but he will not participate in drills because of his knee injury. Ted Washington is working hard on the treadmill to get his weight down.

May 30, 1999

No News Good News?: Hi everybody! Yes, I'm still here, the reason for no news being posted is because there isn't any news. It has been very quiet at One Bills Drive as the team prepares for the two week Mini-camp that begins on Tuesday. There should be some news from that camp that will be Tuesday thru Friday of this week and Monday thru Thursday of next week. Some questions that need to be answered are: Will Reed Show Up? How's Price's Knee? We will bring you all the news as it becomes available.

Cawley Breaks Wrist: A little bit of news from across the pond. Fourth string QB Mike Cawley broke is left wrist (his non-throwing hand). Although he still wanted to participate in NFL Europe the Bills brought him back to the states so he will be ready to compete in training camp with Alex Van Pelt for the third string QB job.

Sabres Fever Grips Bills Fans: While it is quiet in Orchard Park it is Rockin' in downtown Buffalo as the Sabres are one win away from the Stanley Cup Finals for the second time in their history. Let's hope they can end the reputation of the City and bring home a championship to the People of Buffalo!

May 12, 1999

Moulds Sentenced to Jail: Eric Moulds was sentenced to a 30 day jail term for contempt of court for delaying child support payments. He was released on bond and is appealing the sentence.

Former Bill Lands in Canada: QB Jim Ballard has signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL. The Bills did not offer him a contract as a restricted free agent, his spot on the roster was taken by Mike Cawley who had a big game last week with four touchdown passes in the world league.

May 6, 1999

Training Camp Move? The club is considering moving training camp next year to St. John Fisher College outside of Rochester. The Bills are happy with their long standing relationship with Fredonia but are looking to capitalize on the large fan base in the Rochester area.

Wegmans' Deal A Reality: Wegmans Food Market and the Bills have reached a five year marketing agreement. The details of the partnership include game tickets being sold at all Western New York Wegmans stores.

Reed Speaks: In a radio interview Andre Reed says that there is no dispute with Bills Management but certain things need to be ironed out so that he can eventually retire as a member of the Buffalo Bills. He knows he is not the main man anymore but is looking forward to the upcoming season. It sounds like his absence from mini-camp may be a little bit overblown.

May 2, 1999

Abramoski Elected to the Wall: Former long time trainer Eddie Abramoski will become the 14th member of the Bills wall of fame. Abramoski was the trainer for the Bills for 34 years before retiring in 1996.