Maybe we are too hard on ol' Ralphie

by MonStarr_716 on Feb 3, 2009 2:33 PM EST

I really think the guy cares about keeping the Bills in Buffalo. I put up a fan post not too long ago about What I am sick of hearing about Ralph Wilson, our newly minted HOF owner, and this article makes me feel even better about that original post. Agree or disagree, but he could of ran for greener pastures a long time ago. But he chose to stick it out. And that means alot to me being a Buffalo native.

"I think as long as a team is not losing a lot of money … if ownership can't afford to stay, then they should move. But if they can get some help from the residents, the taxpayers and other people, they should stay. So I have voted against all relocations. All. Because I don't think it was right."

Hey, the new owner make not give a rats rear about what Ralph thinks, but in some sick way, I believe he is a man of convictions. His recent comments about him knowing that he isn't putting a winning product on the field since Bruuuuuuce left, and addressing our lack of talent speaks volumes to me. I'm not sure whats going on within our inner circle, but I think Ralph is fully aware that our franchise has "issues" and is addressing them in the way he feels best.(never said we have to agree with hs methods).

It hasn't all been pretty, but we have had our glory years, which is more than a few franchises can claim. I've watched Ralph at home games and he seems to get as fired up as folks in the "rock pile". I'm not asking if you have faith in Ralph to steer the ship striaght, but more or less do you truly believe that he cares how we are sailing.

Poll

Does Ralph really care about feilding a winning a winning franchise in Buffalo?

Of course. He is doing everything that he feels is right for the franchise

27 votes

Nope. Its all about the dollar, however he can get it. Even if it means playing on our fears of losing the "Buffalo" in Bills

1 votes

This is just one of Russies "spins" to get us to believe that Ralph give a crap

1 votes

Who cares, but congrats on your first poll!

2 votes

Actions speak louder than words

8 votes

39 votes | Poll has closed

Just another great fan opinion shared on the pages of BuffaloRumblings.com.

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Comments

the question

which really needs to be measured to gain an understanding of how much he cares is what is Ralph doing to ensure the Bills stay in Buffalo after he passes away?

Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.

by poz on Feb 3, 2009 2:45 PM EST reply actions

other than regionalization – we can’t be too sure.

Obviously we can speculate all we want – but i’m sure he’s had some sort of talks with certain individuals over what would happen.

Erie county and NY state in particular would be hurt if the Bills left so they would obviously lobby for them to stay.

But if you were to ask me – i’d say he’s not doing enough. He could at the very least find an investor that wants to keep the bills in buffalo and let them buy 5% of the ownership or some other small fraction that way its just not up for bid.

jri11 might be better to comment on this

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Feb 3, 2009 2:49 PM EST up reply actions

that is what is why I second guess my self when revisiting this topic....

He could at the very least find an investor that wants to keep the bills in buffalo and let them buy 5% of the ownership or some other small fraction that way its just not up for bid.

He has been adamant about not selling the team until after his death. I really wish that he would provide us with a warmer security blanket.

There is only one NFL football team that plays in New York state...and Canada?

by MonStarr_716 on Feb 3, 2009 3:17 PM EST up reply actions

More fodder....

http://www.wgrz.com/sports/story.aspx?storyid=63890

There is only one NFL football team that plays in New York state...and Canada?

by MonStarr_716 on Feb 3, 2009 3:29 PM EST up reply actions

I’ve been very critical of Ralph – and I think it is justified in certain respects – but not all.

After I read those comments a few days back I felt better about certain things. Namely his attempt to keep the team in WNY and his knowing that our team is built on a house of cards.

Regardless – the fact that outside of the Polian era he really hasn’t done anything as far as a winning tradition is concerned makes me think that maybe he just doesn’t get it. Maybe its not that he doesn’t care – but he’s unsure of the best way to go about it.

Obviously I don’ tknow – but after 50 years – you’d think we have at least have a championship and more playoff appearances outside of the Polian era. and that hasn’t happened.

I truly hope he does want to get this ship righted – but i’ve seen these statements before with no results.

i voted “actions speak louder than words” – because the truth is it doesn’t matter what he says – just what he does

Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider

by J2 on Feb 3, 2009 2:46 PM EST reply actions

Close to 50 years in small market!

- Of all the teams that came into the AFL, Ralph has kept the Bills in Buffalo. Their fans should be grateful, especially when it was rumored that he was either going to form an organization in buffalo or Miami in 1960.
- The Raiders have moved around, Houston, etc.
- With Buffalo’s dwindling population, which was around 550,000 around 1960 and now is almost 1/2 of that, Buffalo alone is the 80th largest city in America.
- Ralph has refused to move the team to richer markets like Los Angeles, San Antonio, Portland, etc.
- The way the economy is right now, I don’t think the Bills are moving for years. Charlotte for one is on the verge of major layoffs at Bank of America and Wachovia – could be 30,000 at least. That will have a huge impact on the city and all cities are facing huge economic obstacles!

by BuffaloWhiner on Feb 4, 2009 9:19 AM EST reply actions