Press Coverage

By Tim Graham

When it comes to the latest sports cards, nothing drives the market like hot rookies.

For a change, the Buffalo Bills have them this year.

The Bills haven't been too relevant in the industry. The Bills have misfired on many picks, and some of their best either played positions that simply don't appeal to collectors (linemen, defensive players) or took time to develop.

By Jay Skurski

The start to the professional career of Akron's J.C. Tretter with the Green Bay Packers is almost certain to be delayed after he broke his ankle during practice Monday.

Tretter's agent, Alan Herman, spoke with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about the injury, saying that Tretter got his cleat caught in the turf during a field drill.

"It's like they're trying to slide into second base and he got his cleat caught and his ankle rolled over and broke," Herman told the newspaper. "Why they're practicing a fumble drill, I don't know. There's not supposed to be contact. That's a silly drill. Why have big 300-pound guys slide like that in OTAs?"

Herman suggested the injury will take about six months to fully heal. That could make him a candidate for the injured reserve, designated to return rule that the NFL instituted last year.

Tretter was expected to have surgery within 24 hours, with screws and a plate inserted to repair the torn ligament.

Tretter was not available this evening when contacted by The News.

By Tim Graham

At the start, Mario Williams' engagement-ring lawsuit was an interesting sidebar the provided a glimpse into the personal life of a sports celebrity.

As someone like Alex Rodriguez or Kobe Bryant can attest, the public devours tales from behind a superstar's curtain. Last week, Sports Illustrated put Williams in their financial company in the magazine's annual Fortunate 50 list.

But the plot abruptly shifted from trivial titillation to serious concern upon the release of texts from Williams to his ex-fiancee. In the texts, Williams allegedly referenced suicidal thoughts and narcotics abuse (taking hydrocodone before a game without anyone's knowledge).

This morning, Shredd and Ragan welcomed me to 103.3 The Edge, where we talked about the situation in depth.

By Tim Graham

For the first time in voluntary offseason workouts, Buffalo Bills receiver Stevie Johnson was on the field. He had been forced to watch previous practices because of a lower back injury.

"It definitely feels good to just be out there on the field, even through the little pains I have," Johnson said.

"It's getting better every week. They gave me a six- to eight-week thing to even get on the field, and it's only been about three, so I feel good."

By Tim Graham

When examining depth on the Buffalo Bills' roster, many analysts find receiver to be shallow.

NFL.com recently rated the worst position groups and listed Buffalo at wide receiver. On the Press Coverage blog last week, we discussed how troubled Buffalo would be if Stevie Johnson were unavailable.

Behind Johnson, the talent is mediocre or unproven.

All that said, ESPN and Scouts Inc. analyst Matt Williamson loves what the Bills are doing at receiver. He sees a collection of talent that can enter a game in various situations and give defenses problems.

By Mark Gaughan

The Buffalo Bills announced the signing of second-round draft pick Robert Woods, leaving quarterback EJ Manuel as the only unsigned draft pick for the team.

Woods was the first of Buffalo's two second-round picks, taken at No. 41 overall. His four-year deal is believed to be worth about $4.8 million.

Linebacker Kiko Alonso was the Bills' second second-round draft pick, taken at No. 46 overall. Manuel was the 16th overall selection.

Buffalo News writers Jerry Sullivan and Mark Gaughan review the most recent developments in the ongoing feud between Bills defensive end Mario Williams and his former fiancee:

By Tim Graham

Mario Williams emitted a sigh when he stepped to the lectern at One Bills Drive this afternoon and then answered every question asked about an unbecoming feud with his ex-fiancee.

Williams didn't deny he sent texts her lawyer made public Friday, but insisted he never has had suicidal thoughts and takes only medications prescribed by and dispensed by the Buffalo Bills.

"It's blown out of proportion," Williams said. "It's completely out of context."

By Tim Graham

Looks like former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Montell Owens, a two-time special-teams Pro Bowler, might be on the verge of joining the Buffalo Bills.

Owens, wearing Bills team-issued shorts, spent this morning watching practice at One Bills Drive.

The Bills have not made an announcement about an Owens signing. He does not appear on the updated roster as of the time of this posting.

By Tim Graham

The attorney for Mario Williams' ex-fiancee told The Buffalo News his client has no desire to tear down the Buffalo Bills defender, that Erin Marzouki's only objective is defending herself against nasty allegations meant to publically humiliate her.

I spoke with Tony Buzbee, attorney for Erin Marzouki, to clarify some of the elements to the case that have led many to wonder whether or not folks should be worried about Williams.

To recap: Williams sued Marzouki in Harris County, Texas, for the return of a 10.04-carat diamond engagement ring valued at $785,000; Williams said some rather unflattering things about Marzouki in the lawsuit; Marzouki responded with a court filing that didn't make Williams look too sweet; her attorney released a series of texts allegedly from Williams to Marzouki that say Williams was taking narcotics without anyone's knowledge and suggest he was having suicidal thoughts.

On that last point, the story moved from merely pulling back a curtain on the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history to a potentially serious situation that involves multiple front-burner issues facing pro sports, especially with the Junior Seau, Jovan Belcher and Derek Boogaard tragedies fresh in everyone's minds.

Buzbee, however, insisted this is no smear campaign. He said his job is to defend his client against a bully who swore under oath Marzouki is of lowdown character.

News Sports Columnists Bucky Gleason and Jerry Sullivan talk Buffalo football during Friday morning during their weekly live show. Watch highlights below.

On Buddy Nix's legacy

On Doug Whaley's vision

On Bills' needs

For more segments from the show, click here.

By Tim Graham

Mario Williams isn't much of a tweeter, but the Buffalo Bills edge-rusher posted messages tonight seemingly in response to the allegations set forth in a Houston Chronicle article.

The Chronicle reported the attorney representing Williams' ex-fiancee had released texts in which Williams mentions suicidal thoughts and taking narcotics without anyone's knowledge.

After tweeting once between July 23 and tonight, Williams posted several messages (through TwitLonger) from his verified account:

"The true character of someone is always revealed in times that we don't typically agree with. In these times it's how you respond and portray yourself to others that shows the ethics, character and true morals of a person. What's shown speaks for itself!

"I'm still here and always will be. I'm too strong for ridicule and the childish extremes those will do to try and taint a persons name when in reality you make me stronger, hungrier and more determined.

"I'm thankful to be so blessed that nothing said shall ever contest. I cherish what's been given to me, I cherish life and The Lord that allows me to breathe every breath. Most of all I'm thankful he showed me this is the season for revealing ones true character. Revealing the true person!"

By Tim Graham

Buffalo Bills pass-rusher Mario Williams mentioned committing suicide and taking narcotics -- and his ex-fiancee found the threat credible enough to plan an intervention -- the Houston Chronicle has reported.

The eyebrow-raising allegations were made by Erin Marzouki's attorney, Tony Buzbee, who released texts purportedly sent by Williams to Marzouki in November, when Williams was playing some of his best football for the Bills.

Williams is suing Marzouki for the return of a 10.04-carat diamond engagement ring estimated to be worth $785,000. A mediation hearing was held today, but the parties were unable to reach an agreement.

And the saga got uglier for Williams today.

By Tim Graham

Buffalo Bills fans may chuckle when they read this quote from former Buffalo Bills president Tom Donahoe about new General Manager Doug Whaley:

"I'm sure he'll do better with it than I did," Donahoe told USA Today reporter Jarrett Bell.

The Donahoe era in Buffalo was a catastrophe, and that's not entirely Donahoe's fault. Ralph Wilson fired him and, feeling burned, the owner's distrust in hiring another football man set the organization back for years.

By Mark Gaughan

The Buffalo Bills' addition of University of Texas receiver Marquise Goodwin does wonders for the team's 4x100-meter relay squad, which is a mythical unit, of course.

Goodwin, a third-round draft choice, ran a time of 4.27 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. the second fastest of any player at the combine since 2006.

Bills running back C.J. Spiller loves the addition of speed to the roster. But he's not ready to acknowledge he's not the fastest man on the roster.

Spiller's electronically timed 40 figure from the combine was 4.37 seconds. However, hand times put him at 4.27 that day. Goodwin said he has been timed in 4.24 manually.

Who would anchor the Bills' 4x100 relay team?

By Tim Graham

Doug Whaley was careful Thursday to include the entire front office when talking about the Buffalo Bills' future.

He spoke about collaborative efforts with president Russ Brandon, football administration vice president Jim Overdorf, coach Doug Marrone and the scouting department.

But in an "NFL Total Access" interview, Whaley staked his claim to the player Buffalo drafted to be their franchise quarterback.

The News' Bucky Gleason and Mark Gaughan discuss Doug Whaley's progression to become general manager and what it means for the Bills:

RELATED:
Photo gallery: Doug Whaley | Whaley makes changes on first day | Byrd's contract immediate issue for new GM | Bill Cowher's comments about Whaley | Whaley gets the nod as GM | Bills GM history

FROM THE ARCHIVES:
Whaley's contract extended (Feb. 24, 2013) | Jay Skurski's profile of Whaley (Jan. 1, 2013) | Mark Gaughan's profile of Whaley (Feb. 29, 2012) | Director of player personnel added to Whaley's title (May 7, 2011) | Whaley on hiring as assistant GM (March 2, 2010)

NIX'S RESIGNATION:
Video: Gaughan & Tim Graham on Buddy Nix's resignation, legacy | Story: Nix says time right to step down | Photo gallery: Nix through the years | Graham's list of the top 5 Nix 'hits' as GM | Top 5 Nix 'misses' | Nix's written statement

By Tim Graham

Prior to Doug Whaley, the Buffalo Bills hired 11 general managers for whom they had high hopes.

A couple were great. Some were decent. Most didn't live up to the expectations.

For those who want to take a look back at the club's GM history, here's the rundown:

By Tim Graham

Congratulations on the new job, Doug Whaley.

Now what are you going to do about Jairus Byrd?

Whaley had been settled into his seat on the podium at One Bills Drive for about seven minutes before he was asked about the team's biggest contract issue.

Byrd, the two-time Pro Bowl safety, has neither signed his franchise tag nor reported for voluntary workouts like the rest of his teammates.

By Tim Graham

The overhaul is getting even more comprehensive at One Bills Drive.

In addition to introducing Doug Whaley as general manager today, the Buffalo Bills have announced the hiring of Jim Monos as director of player personnel and Kelvin Fisher as director of college scouting.