The Obligatory Smorgasbord Post

by Brian Galliford on Jun 27, 2008 9:24 PM EDT in News

Every once in a while, a glut of different topics related to the Buffalo Bills, this blog, or blogging in general come up that I'd like to post about, but can't fit into an entire post themselves. So I let those topics queue up for a while, and when there's enough to write an article fit for any person with ADD, I put it out there.

Now, I'm putting a name to it: The Obligatory Smorgasbord Post. Be prepared for anything and everything in these posts; I undergo periods of time when I get rather scatterbrained, so either bear with me or strap on your beer goggles and read along. Onward...

Brlogo_medium We're excited to announce that this coming Monday (because more of you are around on Mondays, doing that "work" thing), we'll have an exclusive interview posted with Bills linebacker... well, maybe you'll just be left in suspense in regards to the whole name thing. The young man we spoke with was very kind in quickly getting us responses, and we're sure that you'll learn a thing or two about him. This will be Rumblings' second player interview in the blog's history (we interviewed Paul Posluszny last August). Should be fun!

Brlogo_medium In case you missed this FanPost, I'm looking for interested parties for Buffalo Rumblings-centric fantasy football this year. Last season we had one league; blog population has since exploded, however, so we're fully prepared for multiple leagues, multiple commissioners, and multiple prizes. Please let us know in that FanPost if you're interested; the FanPost also has more details, including another teaser about an upcoming awesome announcement...

Brlogo_medium I've got to admit, Roger Goodell's assurances that the Bills aren't leaving Buffalo lifted my spirits today. Don't worry - I racked my brain looking for reasons not to believe him, and couldn't come up with anything. The folks in Toronto (a.k.a. a certain Mr. Rogers) may want a football team, but greed doesn't necessarily produce results. I'm sick to death of this Toronto topic - as are fans of the CFL, I'm sure - and I'm hopeful that Goodell's remarks will put the topic to rest, if only for a little while.

Brlogo_medium Ron from NM may not believe Marshawn Lynch's statement that he was unaware that he struck Kim Shpeley with his SUV, but I'm going on record to applaud Lynch after his statement and legal punishment this afternoon. The kid made a mistake, and to me, his statement was thorough, intricately explained, and honest. I'll agree with the idea that Lynch shouldn't be breathing easy yet, but from the sounds of it, he's owning up to the mistake and attempting to move on. I applaud him for that; it's a start.

Brlogo_medium I'm not sure how many of you are familiar with Deadspin; for those unaware of this blog's existence, it's essentially the biggest, most popular sports blog on Planet Earth. I'm not a huge fan - it's good for an occasional laugh, but their take on sports isn't my cup of tea - but as a blogger, I have immense respect for Deadspin's founding editor, Will Leitch. For three-ish years, Leitch was at the battle front of the supposed war between traditional media and blogs; he's controversial, but he fought that "war" with the best of intentions.

I'm not one to talk about bloggers much - in fact, I think part of the reason bloggers don't get a lot of respect is because they try to pump up their reps too often - but Leitch, like SB Nation's very own Blez, is a founding father of sports blogging. Today, Leitch ended his three-year run as Deadspin's editor as he pursues career opportunities (ironically, in traditional media). Here's a salute from one obscure blogger to one not-so-obscure blogger - a lot of us wouldn't be here if it weren't for dudes like Leitch. Mazel Tov.

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Brian - seriously - you applaud Lynch for this?

What if that woman was your wife/girlfriend/mom/grandmom/sister/daughter? You still would applaud him? Think before you type my friend…

by krytime on Jun 27, 2008 10:16 PM EDT 0 recs

Kry, come on – you know I think before I type. You know I’m not condoning the fact that Lynch struck someone with his car. I’m applauding his honesty. That’s it.

by Brian Galliford on Jun 27, 2008 10:19 PM EDT up 0 recs

Where has his honesty been?

I’m sorry as well – that was a cheap shot, and undeserved. My bad…

But I still say, and will continue to say, that he doesn’t deserve one bit of good press until he makes up for this. What he did was wrong, and how it was handled was wrong.

I never brought up this point before – like I did in the shot at you above – but seriously – what if it was someone you knew?

He most certainly did not “own up” to this act. We all “know” what probably happened. I just think it could hace been handled so, so, so much better….

[Editor’s note – Brian does think before he types – I really like the give and take he has with the rest of us. My response was practically pre-conditioned to the first folks sticking up for this Lynch debacle.]

Without going back and listening to the press conference, did Lynch really and sincererly apologize?

by krytime on Jun 27, 2008 10:41 PM EDT up 0 recs

lynch was heeding the advice of his laywer......

thats kinda what he pays the man for…...i think he did what was smart.

http://www.diehard101.com/phpfox/upload/norcaliangelsbillsfan

by norcaliangelsfan on Jun 28, 2008 6:11 AM EDT up 0 recs

Responding to a couple of your questions…

Without going back and listening to the press conference, did Lynch really and sincererly apologize?

Directly from his statement:

I am sorry that Ms. Shpeley was struck and injured. Please know that I was completely unaware that my car had made contact with anyone until after this investigation had begun. I would never knowingly leave the scene of an accident and did not do so in this instance. As a result of the information developed by Mr. Caffery and the District Attorney’s Office, I have decided to resolve this matter by accepting the traffic violation agreed to by my attorney and the District Attorney’s Office.
I regret that this matter has taken some time to resolve. If I had known at the time that my vehicle had struck a pedestrian, I would have stopped immediately.

My greatest concerns and well wishes are of course for Ms. Shpeley. However, I also wish to apologize to my teammates, the entire Buffalo Bills organization and the Buffalo fans for this unfortunate accident.

And on to your second (previous question)...

I never brought up this point before – like I did in the shot at you above – but seriously – what if it was someone you knew?

I’d have the same reaction to Lynch’s statement as I did not knowing a thing about Kim Shpeley. Seriously. Anyone who does, in my mind, isn’t making a very thorough attempt at understanding the legal process. When Lynch unknowingly left the scene of an accident, the thing was destined to take a while to clean up. The worst thing Lynch could have done (after his mistakes of that evening) would have been to talk before the investigation(s) were over. No, after he left that accident, he did everything by the book. He’s apologized. He’s taken his penalty, and he’ll likely take more penalties. I expect he’ll do so humbly. So yeah, I applaud him, and would even if I knew Shpeley – now that the hard part is over, he’s immediately apologized. That’s a start, and like you said, there’s still more he can do.

by Brian Galliford on Jun 28, 2008 9:11 AM EDT up 0 recs

It is time to get it go

People do much worse and get much less punishment. If Lynch had gotten a year in prision, would he be a better person for it? Lynch is moving in the right direction, and I hope he realizes how lucky he is!

by Joe P. on Jun 28, 2008 10:49 AM EDT up 0 recs

Kind of fishy.

Doesn’t the statement that he was on the phone with team officials shortly after the accident seem a little suspect. That and the fact that he didn’t answer when the police showed up at his house almost seems too suspicious when claiming he didn’t know he hit her.

Let’s be realistic. He knew. He doesn’t deserve any applause but he did have the opportunity to make amends for his mistake and is owning up to it. Let’s say, he doesn’t deserve anymore repercussions than he has coming to him, and leave it at that. Please, hold your applause. He hasn’t earned it.

by jj24 on Jun 28, 2008 1:01 PM EDT up 0 recs

As far as I can remember, he was on the phone with team officials at 9AM Sunday morning – nearly six hours after the accident, and well after the police initially showed up at his residence. I think your “realism” is a bit cynical, to be honest; I’m not saying you’re wrong, but it seems like people aren’t willing to accept Lynch at his word because of the whole situation.

I’m not saying I believe him, and I’m not saying I don’t believe him. Reports aren’t always accurate, and Lynch’s account may not be accurate. We may never know. What’s important is that now that it’s behind him, he’s beginning the process of moving on. If I hold my applause, can I at least give him a digital handshake? :)

by Brian Galliford on Jun 28, 2008 1:42 PM EDT up 0 recs

Handshake granted :)

The main issue will be that Marshawn Lynch takes this life experience and grows from it. The past can’t be altered. While moving on from this situation, as a human being, it’s important that he learns the gravity of his actions. We know all intelligent, honest people learn from their mistakes and use them to improve their character and judgment. That’s the important thing in this scenario.

What happened was an accident, and not done with malice. So let’s just hope that ,as a person, he can grow and develop from the unfortunate incident. Marshawn should realize he’s awfully lucky that things didn’t go as bad as they could have, and that he must do his best to ensure the safety of his fellow man in all areas of life. Whether that be driving his car or any other action. That’s what the way I imagine you treat your fellow man, Brian.

by jj24 on Jun 28, 2008 9:20 PM EDT up 0 recs

imagine

Marshawn was probably a few feet away from potentially killing a woman while driving intoxicated. He, and Ms.Shepley, are both very lucky.

McKelvin and Hardy - rookies of the year

by poz on Jun 28, 2008 10:54 PM EDT up 0 recs

Lynch/applause

I think losing your license for a year is an appropriate fine for what Lynch got caught doing. Who knows why he decided to leave the scene of the accident although even the most loyal Bills’ apologists sound pretty sad buying Lynch’s goofy story. His vehicle (which is built like a tank) was damaged to the point that some of it was left at the scene of the accident and Lynch was shocked that he hit someone when he didn’t even bother to check out his car at the scene of impact? Come on, folks…It’s also hard for me to see honesty surrounding this incident. If you want to applaud anything, applaud the fact that Lynch dodged making a life-destroying mistake and has a chance to live on the straight and narrow from here on out. He got lucky and he’ll have a chance to run with his break. As a fan of Marshawn Lynch’s, I’ll be rooting for him to make the best of his good fortune. I just can’t applaud him for doing something dangerous and stupid and lying about it.

Never forget 56-10. Revenge.

by SuperFan82 on Jun 28, 2008 7:43 AM EDT 1 recs

I know who the interview is with...

but I’m not telling…

The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.

by sireric on Jun 28, 2008 12:48 PM EDT 0 recs

"ACE"?

by jj24 on Jun 28, 2008 12:53 PM EDT up 0 recs

Do I sense a pattern

Could it be rookie LB, Alvin Bowen?

by Joe P. on Jun 28, 2008 1:03 PM EDT up 0 recs

What part of I'm not telling don't you guys get?

The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.

by sireric on Jun 28, 2008 1:41 PM EDT up 0 recs

Ohhh, we get it

I just thought that since my draft predictions were so accurate, I would give this a shot too!

by Joe P. on Jun 28, 2008 1:48 PM EDT up 0 recs

You are right

and wrong

by Kurupt on Jun 28, 2008 2:28 PM EDT up 0 recs

You must know my wife

by Joe P. on Jun 28, 2008 6:11 PM EDT up 0 recs

hahahahahahahaha

that was a great line

by kaisertown on Jun 29, 2008 1:19 PM EDT up 0 recs

Focusing on Goodell's comments

While everyone else here seems to want to talk about Lynch, I’d like to talk about something more serious.

Brian, you said that you can’t think of a single reason why Goodell would be lying about wanting to keep the Bills in Buffalo. Frankly I’m amazed that someone as knowledgeable and well-spoken as you are can be so monumentally naive. Goodell’s attempt to claim that the franchise will be more secure in Buffalo the fewer games that are played here is ludicrous nonsense. It doesn’t even make sense on the surface. By the same twisted logic saying that playing fewer games here will make the franchise more secure then playing no games here will make the franchise completely secure. If the franchise demonstrates that it can make more money in Toronto than it can in Buffalo, Goodell would be negligent as a Commissioner not to encourage them to do so. The fact that the Bills are still in the top 10 in attendance despite not having been in the playoffs for nearly a decade does not matter to the league. The league wants a larger bottom line, there is a large relatively untapped market up there and the team closest to it is in the league’s second smallest market. For Goodell to even attempt to claim that a full presence in that market means less than the one the team is currently in makes no sense. You don’t move games out of a country of a team that you want to succeed. You certainly don’t move the principal rivalry game away, as Selig did to the Montreal Expos when he sent the Canada Day series against the Blue Jays to Puerto Rico.

Goodell’s statements simply aren’t credible, not from a marketing standpoint and not from a business standpoint. The fact that he’s already moved games out shows very clearly that he does not think the Bills can succeed in Buffalo, nor does he want them to.

"I could have conquered Europe, all of it, but I had women in my life." - King Henry II of England

by Calvert on Jun 30, 2008 8:01 PM EDT 0 recs

WHAT?

I have some pretty serious problems with some of the stuff you said. The biggest one being:

The fact that he’s already moved games out shows very clearly that he does not think the Bills can succeed in Buffalo, nor does he want them to.

Roger Goodell DIDNT move games out of Buffalo. It was Ralph Wilson and his employees who decided to play a game in Toronto. Goodell and the league merely approved the decision. The Bills came up with the idea, made contact with Rogers and mapped out the whole agreement. The only thing Goodell did was allow it to happen. It is absurd for you to say that Goodell doesn’t think the Bills can make it in Buffalo and it is even worse that you can claim that he doesn’t want them to. Goodell hasn’t said or done anything to lead me to believe either of those and for you to say that Goodell doesn’t want the Bills to succeed in Buffalo is basically libel.

Goodell’s attempt to claim that the franchise will be more secure in Buffalo the fewer games that are played here is ludicrous nonsense

Again you are claiming Goodell said something he didn’t. He never said “more secure in Buffalo the fewer games”. He said the team would be more secure playing ONE game in Toronto and I agree with him. He said one game and it is you who are making the assumption that the Bills would be better off playing all thier games. It would be like if I said that the cost of food is too high. I think that the economy would be stronger if produce prices were 10% lower. Would you then assume that I meant lower in general and then claim I said that produce prices should be 100% lower?

Goodell would be negligent as a Commissioner not to encourage them to do so.

This is wrong too. Goodell can approve a team moving, but other than that he has NO SAY on the subject whatsoever. It would actually be WAY out of line for him to suggest to the Bills as a franchise that they should move. I think you are confusing the team making money with the league making money. It isn’t the commish’s job to make sure the owners all make money on tickets and food and jersey sales. That is the job of the team. Goodell is concerned with the product on the field and marketing that around the country. The one thing that does hurt Buffalo is Goodell would ideally place the teams in the 32 biggest TV markets in North America. And I don’t mean biggest as in population I mean biggest as in what TV companies can charge businesses for ad time. How much money NBC can charge Coors to run a 60 second commercial has a dircet impact on how much money the NFL can charge NBC to play the games.

The fact that the Bills are still in the top 10 in attendance despite not having been in the playoffs for nearly a decade does not matter to the league

Like I said, ticket sales do not and should not matter to the commish of the NFL. And the only reason the Bills are in the top 10 is because they can seat more people than most other teams. Most teams sell out every game, so why should attendance matter at all?

by kaisertown on Jun 30, 2008 8:48 PM EDT up 0 recs

To further the disagreement...

Going back to one of Calvert’s original statements…

Goodell’s attempt to claim that the franchise will be more secure in Buffalo the fewer games that are played here is ludicrous nonsense

How in the heck is that ludicrous nonsense? It’s been brought up many times, but I’ll bring it up again – the Green Bay Packers used to play half of their games in Milwaukee, half in Green Bay. You think Packers fans weren’t ticked, or worried about relocation? But that regionalization plan kept the team afloat, broadened the fan base, and look at the Packers today. The Bills will be playing 1-2 games in Toronto for five years – and that’s when the deal ends. There’s a very good chance that, especially if the team gets better, some of those fans will follow the team back to Buffalo on a more routine basis. That strengthens the Bills’ presence in Buffalo.

For Goodell to even attempt to claim that a full presence in that market means less than the one the team is currently in makes no sense.

You know what makes less sense? Full presence in one market or the other when you can have a presence in both – which is what the aim of this Toronto initiative is. It would be stupid for the Bills not to take advantage of their Canadian fans – for all the crap Wilson has taken for not expanding incoming funds, this is the most lucrative thing he could have done, yet he’s taking crap for it. That’s what doesn’t make sense here.

I’ll stand by my “monumentally naive” viewpoint, Calvert. I have no reason to not believe the Commissioner.

by Brian Galliford on Jun 30, 2008 9:27 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'll admit - I'm scared by all of this Toronto talk.

This is a good comment – “You know what makes less sense? Full presence in one market or the other when you can have a presence in both – which is what the aim of this Toronto initiative is.”

by krytime on Jul 1, 2008 1:24 AM EDT 0 recs