Schumer Urges New NFL Commissioner to Ensure Bills Stay in Buffalo

Schumer Urges New NFL Commissioner To Ensure Bills Stay In Buffalo

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced he has urged the new National Football League Commissioner, Roger Goodell, to do everything he can to keep the Bills in Buffalo. In a personal phone call to Goodell last night, Schumer congratulated him on his new position and discussed the importance of making sure that small market teams are protected in any final revenue sharing agreements.

"As soon as Goodell was selected as the new NFL Commissioner, I wanted to be sure to let him know how important keeping the Bills in Buffalo is to me and to all of Western New York," Schumer said. "We are encouraged by Goodell's upstate roots and hope he does everything possible make sure the Bills stay in Buffalo. I look forward to working with him to ensure that the Bills get their fair revenue share and small market teams are protected."

Goodell, a native of Jamestown, New York, was selected unanimously by NFL owners earlier this week. His five-year term will begin in early September. Schumer, who has led the fight advocating for the Bills, earlier this year lobbied outgoing NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue to ensure the league's Qualifier Committee includes representatives from small market franchises. On April 21st after a meeting organized by Schumer with Tagliabue and Buffalo native Tim Russert, Tagliabue announced that Bills owner Ralph Wilson would serve on the eight-team committee that is now determining how league revenues will be split.

http://schumer.senate.gov/SchumerWebsite/pressroom/record.cfm?id=261735&&year=2006&